The World Series of Poker (WSOP) 2026 concluded its schedule in Las Vegas, leaving only the final table of the Main Event, scheduled for August 3. Meanwhile, the race for the WSOP Player of the Year (POY) prize took on new dimensions after the update of the official season ranking.
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Thus, WSOP adopted a new format for the 2026 prize race. For the first time, the ranking considers the results of the three main festivals of the series: WSOP Europe, WSOP Las Vegas, and WSOP Paradise. Therefore, the champion will be decided only after the Bahamas stage, which will be held between December 1 and 18.
In this way, Shaun Deeb leads with 3,410 points. The American won his ninth WSOP bracelet during the Las Vegas stage and also recorded six cashes throughout the series. With this, the current 2025 award winner arrives at the season’s final stretch in a privileged position.
However, right behind is Naoya Kihara, with 3,388 points. The Japanese shone in Las Vegas by winning two bracelets, in Events #17 and #23, in addition to reaching four other final tables. Thus, he established himself as one of the main contenders for the Player of the Year title.
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Check out the Top 10 of the ranking:
| Position | Name | Country | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Shaun Deeb | United States | 3,410 |
| 2nd | Naoya Kihara | Japan | 3,388 |
| 3rd | Alex Foxen | United States | 3,381 |
| 4th | Justin Liberto | United States | 2,828 |
| 5th | Joshua Arieh | United States | 2,750 |
| 6th | Daniel Negreanu | Canada | 2,698 |
| 7th | Jesse Lonis | United States | 2,674 |
| 8th | Eelis Pärssinen | Finland | 2,638 |
| 9th | Michael Moncek | United States | 2,592 |
| 10th | Joshua Reichard | United States | 2,574 |
Alex Foxen remains close to the lead
However, third place belongs to Alex Foxen, who has 3,381 points. The American won Event #44 of the series and also reached a total of six final tables during the festival. Thus, he remains very close to the leaders and arrives at WSOP Paradise with great chances to take the first position.
Additionally, other important names remain alive in the race. Justin Liberto, Joshua Arieh, Daniel Negreanu, Jesse Lonis, Eelis Pärssinen, Michael Moncek, and Joshua Reichard complete the top 10 of the ranking. Despite the point difference, all can still dream of a surge in the decisive stage of the season.
Finally, the WSOP Paradise 2026 promises to define one of the most balanced races in recent years. Shaun Deeb tries to win the Player of the Year award for the third time, while Naoya Kihara and Alex Foxen seek to take advantage of the last festival of the season to take the lead and close the year with the series’ main individual recognition.
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