The WSOP 2026 marked an important reunion for poker fans. After a few years away from the broadcaster’s spotlight, Norman Chad and Lon McEachern returned to ESPN during the Main Event coverage. In an interview with the site Poker.org, the iconic commentator evaluated the experience and highlighted positive and negative points.
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Thus, Chad placed the return of the WSOP to ESPN among the main successes. Although the audience received some criticism, he believes that the broadcaster’s international reach can help poker grow. “The return to ESPN is a very good thing”, he said. For the commentator, the worldwide distribution of the Main Event represents an important opportunity for the game.
Additionally, Norman Chad praised Lucas Jumalon, champion of the WSOP 2026 Main Event. The 22-year-old American impressed the commentator with his demeanor during the victory. “At 22 years old, to have this kind of maturity, to understand the moment and handle it this way really impressed me”, he declared. Chad also highlighted the champion’s willingness to take an active role in promoting poker.
However, the commentator identified problems with the format adopted for the coverage. Chad approved the break before the final table but considered the four episodes produced by ESPN before the decision insufficient. According to him, 45-minute programs cannot adequately summarize the eight days of the Main Event.
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Norman Chad calls for more mixed games in WSOP broadcasts
However, among the main criticisms, Norman Chad asked for more space for mixed games. According to the commentator, live broadcasts concentrate much of the programming on No-Limit Hold’em. He believes that final tables with stars like Shaun Deeb, Nick Schulman, and Daniel Negreanu could attract the audience to other formats.
Thus, Chad also suggested changes to the Countdown Show and the new WSOP set. He said he would give up his own spot on the program for a woman and advocated for greater representation on the show. In the broadcast space, the commentator approved the visual but criticized the distance from the fans.
Finally, Norman Chad showed confidence in the new phase of the WSOP, despite the adjustments he considers necessary. The commentator celebrated again the partnership with Lon McEachern and highlighted the importance of regaining the visibility lost in recent years. Between ESPN, changes in coverage, and new ideas for broadcasts, Chad believes the series has room to evolve and bring the audience closer again to the World Series of Poker experience.
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