The World Series of Poker Comes Home to ESPN

Side Pot
Stories
Beus Zsoldos
My journey in the world of poker (and later casino, sportsbetting) started more than 20 years ago, when I first attended a low-stakes live tournament. I’ve never looked back since, and have been active in several fields, including being a poker player, a live tournament director, writing online and offline articles about poker, and managing the localization of one of the world's largest online poker rooms. Poker is my home ground, I could never imagine doing a job that is not a part of it. I hope someday I’ll have more time to play live; that's something I've missed in the past few years. A game where luck meets skill - what would be more interesting?
WSOP Main Event on ESPN
Breaking news: WSOP Main Event on ESPN

Hey poker fans! If you grew up watching the legendary Chris Moneymaker bluff his way to millions, we have some fantastic news for you. After a five-year break, the biggest tournament in poker is heading back to its spiritual home. That’s right, the WSOP Main Event will air on ESPN, it is officially happening again!

This means you can expect top-tier production, engaging stories, and the absolute best live poker on TV straight from the tables in Las Vegas.

What the Return of the WSOP Main Event on ESPN Means for You

Starting this summer, ESPN is bringing back the magic that started the global poker boom. You will get at least six hours of coverage for every single day of the tournament. Watching live poker on TV has never been easier or more accessible, with around 100 hours of original programming planned across their platforms for the year.

Even better, they are bringing back a suspenseful “cliffhanger” TV format! The tournament will officially pause once it reaches the final nine players. During this exciting three-week break, ESPN will air special primetime episodes to help you get to know the pros and their playstyles before the big WSOP final table.

Key Dates for the 2026 WSOP Schedule

You won’t want to miss a single hand of the action. The new 2026 WSOP schedule is packed with high-stakes drama from start to finish. If you want to catch the WSOP Main Event broadcast on ESPN, here are the most important dates to remember:

  • July 2, 2026: Day 1A kicks off with wall-to-wall television coverage.
  • July 13, 2026: Play pauses once the final nine players are decided.
  • August 3-5, 2026: The epic three-night WSOP final table broadcasts live in primetime.

Whether you’re an old-school cardroom veteran or just learning how to play Texas Hold’em, this updated 2026 WSOP schedule guarantees maximum excitement. Are you ready to watch the next world champion get crowned and take home millions at the WSOP final table? Grab your chips and let the games begin!

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07/21/2025

If you are interested in playing in the 2026 World Series of Poker, you can find multiple ways to qualify online on GGPoker. Register with our referral code SMPBONUS to get all the bonuses. You might be one on air at ESPN, as one of the players at the final table of the 2026 WSOP!