PokerNews live coverage of this event will begin on Day 2 (June 20). Until then, we will be keeping readers informed with updates on chip counts and core event statistics, including entries and prize pool. Scroll down to see more.
A player on Day 1 of the $3,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold'em event at the World Series of Poker was kicked out of the tournament for putting his chips in his pocket after attempting to smoke at the table.
The WSOP's social media account posted a video of the incident involving a player arguing with a floor supervisor over smoking a cigarette at the table. The player was adament about smoking while playing, which hasn't been permitted in any U.S. poker room since 2003.
As per the WSOP LIVE app.
The poker community asked, and the WSOP listened.
In a major shake-up to the Poker Hall of Fame, the induction process is shifting away from its traditional "winner-takes-all" format. A brand-new voting system has been introduced, paving the way for up to six of the eight nominees to be inducted in a single year.
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Poker Hall of Fame. Once the public determines the top eight nominees, the final decision will rest with the 33 living Hall of Fame members.
As per the WSOP LIVE app.
According to the WSOP Live app.
The 2026 World Series of Poker continues June 19 with Event #56: $3,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em. This short-handed, fast-paced format challenges players to combine aggression, adaptability, and strategic skill for a shot at a coveted gold bracelet and a sizable prize pool.
With deep starting stacks and six-handed tables, every decision carries weight, promising intense action from start to finish.
Play kicks off at 2:00 p.m. local time on Day 1, with 40,000 starting stacks and 30-minute levels. Late registration is open through the start of Level 12 (≈ 8:15 p.m.), giving players plenty of time to enter the field.
Day 1 wraps after Level 21, and survivors return for Day 2 on June 20, with 40-minute levels guiding the action down to the final table. The structure is designed to reward skill, patience, and timely aggression in a fast-moving, short-handed format.
The 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em format draws both experienced pros and skilled recreational players seeking fast-paced, high-intensity action. With deep starting stacks and short-handed tables, every decision matters, making this one of the most exciting mid-stakes events on the WSOP schedule. Past champions have used this event to show their skill and fearless approach in short-handed play.
Past Champions & Notable Winners
Last year, Tyler Patterson captured his second WSOP bracelet after navigating a field of 1,421 entries to claim the $574,223 top prize. Patterson secured the win following a fast-paced heads-up battle against Matthew Wantman, steadily building a chip lead that he never gave up.
Other notable champions of this event have included Nicholas Seward (2024), Mark Ioli (2023), and Nino Ullmann (2022), showing the strong history and competitiveness of the 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em championship.
Event #56: $3,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em
Day 1 Started
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