The countdown to the 2026 WSOP starts here. 100 bracelets. All the poker players. And PokerOrg will be on the floor from start to finish.
Ashley Frank, AKA 'PokerfaceAsh', is a major influencer in the poker community, a talented poker commentator, and a prominent YouTube poker vlogger. She's captivated a worldwide audience of 21,000+ Instagram followers and nearly 40,000 YouTube subscribers. Ashley’s engaging content and insightful vlogs feature extensive GTO Poker analysis and relatable teaching.
'WSOP Prague was an incredible experience.'
Where are you putting most of your focus over the next few weeks to be prepared for the WSOP summer grind?
Right now, I'm kind of in a bulk phase with my physical and mental journey. I'm trying to get as many grueling workouts as possible so I can arrive at the WSOP feeling my strongest.
As for my diet, I’m getting plenty of protein in my meals. You're playing long hours during the series. You can’t work out as much. You're going to lose weight. So, I’m getting prepared for all of that.
Who would win in an arm wrestling battle between you and your good friend Kasey Lynn Mills? She’s very fit, also.
(laughs) She's a tough one. But I think I got her on that one.
And how are you mentally preparing for the long series?
On the mental aspect, I’m trying to study as much as I can. I put in a lot of volume as far as seeing hands. I spend time talking and discussing strategy with friends and coaches. I’m preparing my mindset for the long haul of the summer.
What's the most exciting thing that's happened to you in poker since last summer’s WSOP?
Going to Europe for WSOP Prague. That was pretty fun. It was an amazing experience to visit a different culture in a different country, play poker, and sightsee. It was an incredible experience.
What was your favorite part about being a vlogger for the WSOP?
It was great having full permission to film. Normally, I'm not allowed in some venues. And also wearing the little vlogger badge. I felt very special to be a part of a group of really amazing content creators who are amazing at telling stories.
If you could place a bet on the WSOP main event winner for this year, who would it be and why?
I'm going to go with Kristen Foxen. I’m going to go with someone who's just been crushing. She’s one of the most incredible poker players, guy or girl, doesn't matter. I’d love to see her ship it.
Besides the Main Event, what event this summer do you expect to have the most success in?
Well, I have a couple of favorites. I love the WSOP Ladies Championship. But I have yet to make a day two. It's been pretty frustrating because I get really excited to play that one. I want to be in the mix and play against these amazing ladies.
I also love the monster stack event. I had a deep run in that for a couple of years now. I feel like I'm knocking on the door of a really deep run and final tabling it.
'Taking some time to chill is very, very important for my overall health.'
What was the most exciting part of the WSOP last year for you?
Making a deep run in the $600 deep stack. I think I got 19th place. We were down to three tables. My friends started to assemble a rail for me.
Also, I cashed in the main event for the first time. My best friend Tori was there; it was really special. It was truly one of those bucket list things.
What do you do on your days off to recover from the daily grind?
I do a lot of stretching. I do a little bit of light movement. I like to keep my body moving, which works best for me.
I try to keep up with my protein, creatine, and all the supplements I take. I had a neck injury and it can get in the way at times. So, taking some time to chill is very, very important for my overall health.
What’s your favorite supplement?
I've been big on creatine monohydrate. I've had a lot of hormonal issues and chronic fatigue issues. I've tried everything. But I have found that creatine has been very successful for me.
What’s your go-to healthy meal during the series?
I do like to load up on carbs a little bit. My go-to, for sure, is a salmon bagel with lox. I love it. It's got everything in there, the protein, carbs, a little bit of fat, with a little side salad. Oh man, it's so good.
What event away from the WSOP property do you most look forward to?
Probably some of the fun events they have at the Aria. I had a great time with MGM and last year firing those $1,100 daily. Those are so good.
What's your best advice to beat the late evening slumps during the WSOP?
Luckily, I'm a bit of a night owl, so I feel like I have a slight advantage in that department. When everyone else is getting really sluggish, I wake up at night. Maybe my insomnia comes into play in a good way there.
What impact do you think the WSOP’s partnership with ESPN will have on the Main Event this year and the growth of the game?
I'm actually working on a piece that I'm writing. I'm going to put it on Twitter. And it's a crazy story of literally why I'm sitting here today. It's my story of how I saw the World Series of Poker on ESPN.
From my personal experience, I think it's the best thing they could have done to grow the game and to get it in front of new viewers. I think the Main Event on ESPN is going to be huge for the fans and the players.
Follow Ashley on X, YouTube, and RangeFlowAI. She is available for one-on-one poker coaching here.
The 2026 WSOP starts on May 26 through August 5 when the Main Event champion will be crowned.
