The World Series of Poker (WSOP) announced an important change for the final table of the Main Event 2026. On Thursday (30), the organization confirmed that it will not use the shot clock in the tournament’s final decision. The measure came after discussions with players and members of the team responsible for the event.
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Thus, the WSOP explained that it will follow the official rules during the final table. In this way, any competitor may request the clock if they consider that an opponent is taking too long to act. At the same time, the tournament management may also make this decision in situations considered exceptional.
However, the organization made it clear that it may change its stance if it identifies repetitive or excessive delays. According to the statement, the goal is to provide the most natural environment possible so that the finalists have enough time to make the most important decisions of the tournament.
Additionally, the WSOP implemented the shot clock on Days 7 and 8 of the Main Event for the first time in its 57-year history. The change occurred after a controversial hand involving Loren Klein, who took about 15 minutes to act during Day 6.
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Decision divides opinions in the poker community
However, many players approved the decision, while others criticized the organization’s stance. Professional Barny Boatman praised the measure and wrote: “Congratulations on a very good decision.” The WSOP Main Event final table starts this Monday (3), with Portuguese broadcast on ESPN 3.
Meanwhile, the Ragzy profile stated that the organization was right to remove the action clock from the final table. Furthermore, he argued that the team should have controlled only cases of excessive delay. “This is the right decision. They should never have changed the rules in the first place”, he posted.
Finally, not everyone agreed with the change. Harry Gandia criticized the decision and said that the WSOP changed the rules during the tournament. “So they are changing the rules halfway through? This is not a good image for one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world”, he wrote.
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