The 2026 World Series of Poker Main Event kicks off Thursday at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas, with defending champion Michael Mizrachi aiming for a repeat. Mizrachi, already a nine-time bracelet winner, faces a field including fellow recent champions Benny Glaser and Shaun Deeb. This year's tournament marks a significant return to ESPN for live broadcasts after more than a decade.

Caesars Entertainment SVP of poker operations Jack Effel expects a large field, with many players entering late in the initial flights. The WSOP Main Event previously peaked at 10,112 entrants in 2024. Mizrachi earned $10 million for his 2025 victory, and the tournament consistently draws top professionals and amateurs alike, all chasing poker's ultimate prize.

Structural improvements include a new 25,000-square-foot main stage at Paris Las Vegas. The event's increased visibility on ESPN aims to capture attention akin to the 2000s poker boom. This year's Main Event begins July 2 and will stream live on ESPN+, with the final table airing live on ESPN from August 3-5.