The final table of the WSOP Main Event 2026 begins this Monday (3) and will crown the new champion on Wednesday (5). Besides the coveted bracelet, the nine finalists compete for the prize of US$ 10 million. Therefore, “Poker.org” gathered several renowned names to analyze the scenario and point out the favorites for the title.
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Thus, Lucas Jumalon appears in a privileged position. The player starts the decision with 194 million chips, more than double the second place, Rami Hammoud, who has 79 million. The wide lead made the chip leader the main candidate for the title in the opinion of most experts.
In this way, names like Bryn Kenney, David “ODB” Baker, Adam Levy, Allen Kessler, Dara O’Kearney and Jamie Gold believe that Jumalon has the best conditions to confirm the favoritism. For them, the chip difference will allow the leader to pressure opponents and control the pace of the decision.
However, not everyone followed the same path. Some professionals highlighted other candidates for the bracelet. Lexy Gavin-Mather chose Michael Gagliano, while Aaron Barone pointed to Rami Hammoud as the favorite. Meanwhile, Frankie C believes that Jamie Shaevel can surprise in the decision.
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Experience and balance of the final table
However, while most bet on Lucas Jumalon, some commentators remind that the final table usually reserves twists. Norman Chad, for example, highlighted that great leaders have already wasted important advantages in the past and, therefore, believes that the rest of the field still has good chances to lift the trophy.
Additionally, Jamie Gold, Main Event champion in 2006, emphasized the experience of Greg Mueller and Michael Gagliano. According to him, both have enough quality to take advantage of any opportunity if the leader makes mistakes during the decision. Meanwhile, Phil Hellmuth said he is rooting for Mueller’s victory.
Finally, Jeff Platt avoided making predictions as he works as a broadcaster. Still, he highlighted that the final table promises a great show. Meanwhile, the nine survivors return to Las Vegas to compete for the most important title in world poker and the prize of US$ 10 million, with Portuguese broadcast on ESPN 3.
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