PokerNews live coverage of this event will begin on Day 2 (July 3). Until then, we will keep readers informed with updates on chip counts and core event statistics, including entries and the prize pool. Scroll down to see more.
2026 World Series of Poker
Chip Counts
As per the WSOP LIVE app.
It took almost no time, but as per usual, a player has been eliminated early in Level 1 at the 2026 World Series of Poker Main Event.
Anthony Marini picked up A♦K♦ just after the World Championship event began and decided to gamble for his entire stack, while Ryan Sands didn't want his opponent to earn an early double-up.
As per the WSOP LIVE app.
If you're looking to delve into the world of bomb pots in poker, starting with the fundamentals is key. Bomb Pots add an exhilarating twist to traditional gameplay, making it essential to grasp the basic rules and strategies.
Bomb Pots are incredibly versatile and can be integrated into various poker formats, including Texas Hold'em and Omaha.
Despite their initial complexity, mastering bomb pots can be immensely rewarding. This beginner's guide to Bomb Pots will equip you with essential knowledge, ensuring you understand the dynamics and excitement they bring to the table.
Here we go over the poker rules for Bomb Pots.
According to the WSOP LIVE app.
In the 982nd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, which is sponsored by FanDuel Poker, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are joined by Matt Savage at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas.
There, they talk about Shaun Deeb's recent bracelet win and whether or not that will be enough to put him over the edge for the Poker Hall of Fame. It certainly was enough to put him back on top of the 2026 WSOP Player of the Year standings. Speaking of the Poker Hall of Fame, Savage shares whether he feels snubbed for not making the list of nominees and who he thinks has the best shot of getting in.
From there, the crew turns its attention to the Tournament Directors Association (TDA) Summit XII, which recently wrapped up at PokerGO Studio. Savage shares a little history about the TDA, his big takeaways, and then Chad shares a highlight video catching up with some of the bigger tournament directors in the game to get their thoughts on this year's summit.
Finally, the crew thanks sponsor Think Jerky, which you can order here.
Find out all about those stories and more in this week's episode of the PokerNews Podcast! Oh, and be sure to check out the audio version of the PokerNews Podcast that is available on all major podcasting platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and SoundCloud.
ESPN is ramping up its WSOP Main Event coverage this year, the first year the Bristol, CT-based sports network has aired poker's premier tournament since COVID.
The $10,000 buy-in World Championship event is underway at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, and runs through Aug. 5, with a three-week break when the final table is reached. Poker fans who watched the WSOP on ESPN before it moved to CBS Sports Network from 2021-2025 will notice some similarities to the broadcasts of old, and a new, enhanced Main Event television and livestream schedule.
The 2026 World Series of Poker continues with Event #83: $1,500 Double Board Bomb Pot Pot-Limit Omaha, an 8-handed tournament designed for players who love high-action hands.
Each hand features a Double Board Bomb Pot, meaning two boards are dealt, and every player antes on every hand, creating big pots and dynamic decisions from start to finish. The event allows two reentries and kicks off at 2 p.m. local time on Thursday, July 2 at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas.
Players start with 25,000 chips, with levels set at 40 minutes on Day 1 and 60 minutes on Days 2–3. Late registration is open for the first nine levels, giving entrants flexibility to join the action.
📌 Event Snapshot
- Event: #83 – $1,500 Double Board Bomb Pot
- Date(s): July 2–4
- Time: 2 p.m.
- Buy-In: $1,500
- Format: 8-Handed Pot-Limit Omaha, Double Board Bomb Pot
- Starting Stack: 25,000 chips
- Levels: Day 1 = 40 min; Days 2–3 = 60 min
- Late Registration: 9 levels (≈ 8:50 p.m.)
- Reentries: two per player
- 2025 Winner: Xixiang Luo ($290,400)
- 2025 Field Size: 1,452
- 2025 Prize Pool: $759,172
Structure and Schedule
Day 1 begins Thursday, July 2, at 2 p.m. Players will compete through 15 levels or until 15% of the field remains, whichever comes later, with 15-minute breaks every three levels.
Day 2 starts at 1 p.m. Friday, July 3, and will play down to five players. Breaks are 15 minutes every two levels, with a 60-minute dinner break after Level 21 (≈ 7:30 p.m.).
Day 3 will restart at a time to be determined, playing down to a winner with 15-minute breaks every two levels and a dinner break scheduled as needed.
Why This Event Matters
This Double Board Bomb Pot event offers relentless action, rewarding players who can manage swings and capitalize on big hands. With two boards in play every hand, strategy and pot control are crucial, and the event has quickly become a favorite for PLO specialists seeking a high-energy tournament experience.
Past Champions & History
Xixiang Luo emerged victorious in the 2025 edition of this event, navigating the swings of double board action to claim $290,400 and his third WSOP bracelet. In the aftermath of his victory, Luo told PokerNews, “I’m so excited. To win with my friends here and for China… that makes it even better.”
2025 was the first-ever year of the event, meaning Luo remains the only champion.
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Event #83: $1,500 Double Board Bomb Pot Pot-Limit Omaha
Day 1 Started