PokerNews live coverage of this event will begin on Day 2 (July 15). 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
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Event #98: $800 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em is one of the final opportunities to grab a bracelet at the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. The two-day event kicks off at 10 a.m. on July 14. A large field is expected given the relatively affordable buy-in and 30-minute levels throughout. It will be action all the way as players look to end the summer in style.
📌 Event Snapshot
- Event: #98 – $800 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em
- Date(s): July 14-15
- Time: 10 a.m. local time
- Buy-In: $800
- Format: No-Limit Hold’em
- Late Registration: Open for 12 levels (approximately 5 p.m.)
- Reentries: one per player
- Starting Stack: 40,000 chips
- Levels: 30 minutes
- 2025 Winner: Mariano Balfagon ($252,386)
- 2025 Field Size: 2,851
- 2025 Prize Pool: $1,995,700
Structure and Schedule
It’s an early start for those entering Event #98: $800 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em, with play getting underway at 10 a.m. local time. Just one reentry is permitted, and each player will start with a stack of 40,000 chips.
In addition to regular breaks every four levels (two hours), players will take a 75-minute dinner break after Level 16 at about 7 p.m. Day 1 will continue until the end of Level 22.
All surviving players will return for Day 2, which starts at 11 a.m. local time. The tournament will then play down to a winner. Traditional PokerNews coverage will begin on Day 2.
Past Champions & History
Given the lower buy-in compared to other events, the $800 Deepstack usually attracts a field of lesser-known players. Argentine Mariano Balfagon took home the bracelet last year along with $252,386, which accounted for the vast majority of his career live tournament earnings.
In 2024, it was Timur Margolin who outlasted a larger field of 4,278, earning the Israeli $342,551.
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Event #98: $800 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em
Day 1 Started