On Tuesday (16), while holding the WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, the world series announced news for the 2026 season. One of them was the confirmation of the WSOP Europe in a new location and date, moving to April in Prague (Czech Republic). The other is a overhaul of the Player of the Year competition.
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Until 2025, the WSOP Player of the Year title was awarded to the player who accumulated the most points in the mid-year series in Las Vegas. The last winner, in fact, was Shaun Deeb, who won the honor for the second time.
Now, the title will be awarded to whoever performs best not only at the WSOP in Vegas, but also at the WSOP Europe and WSOP Paradise. The system will now be similar to what Brazilian players are already accustomed to in national circuits, such as BSOP and KSOP. The Player of the Year thus becomes the global equivalent of the ranking champion of these Brazilian series.
Furthermore, the world series will distribute US$ 1 million among the top players in the Player of the Year ranking. The winner will receive a “supercharged” package for the following year’s WSOP Paradise, worth US$ 100,000, while those ranked from second to 100th will receive packages and/or circuit tickets.
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“By uniting our three main series into a single competition, we give players a truly global chance to chase history,” said WSOP CEO Ty Stewart. “Starting with a giant guarantee in Prague, continuing at our home in Las Vegas, and closing in Paradise, we want to offer the best value on the biggest stages in the world,” he concluded.
2025 Player of the Year Was Controversial
These changes come the year after a controversial title. Even though Shaun Deeb played “by the book,” his title drew criticism, especially from Phil Hellmuth. According to him, Michael Mizrachi or Benny Glaser should have won the honor.
The “Poker Brat” said that the scoring methods are flawed and were manipulated in favor of Deeb. The champion, in turn, responded by saying that he had nothing to do with the competition rules, and that they also harmed him more than benefited him. For 2026, the WSOP has not yet revealed the points system, only stating that it will use “a new, enhanced methodology to reward excellence.”
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