The countdown to the 2026 WSOP starts here. 100 bracelets. The world's best players. And PokerOrg will be on the floor from start to finish.
Esther ‘ETay’ Taylor has been a highly respected professional on the poker circuit for many years. Last year, she made an exciting third-place run during the WSOP Poker Players Championship.. Esther started off 2026 running hot by winning a H.O.R.S.E. event at the Borgata Winter Poker Open.
What do you do to prepare for the long WSOP summer series?
I can't even believe the summer is here already. I'm actually a little underprepared going in.
Why is that?
I feel a little delayed this year, just because after I came back from Prague, I needed some space to just rehab from that trip. It was my first time ever going to the WSOP Europe. I played for 10 days straight from 10am until 2am the next day. It reminded me very quickly to be prepared for the upcoming summer grind.
Do you have a specific diet that helps you stay energized and focused during the summer?
For me, it’s about loading my body up with protein. TJ Jurkiewicz, who does health and fitness for poker players, prepares me well. We plan nutrition that will get me through the grueling 12 to 14-hour days in Vegas.
How do you prepare for the toll it will take on you mentally?
From experience, I'm well-versed in what it takes to endure the grind. I know I'm going to make mental mistakes; it happened in Prague. Toward the end of the series, I was pretty worn out. I made a mental error that cost me the tournament.
It reminded me that having my mind sharp and not being tired and exhausted is such a huge deal. It can make or break you between having a good series, a great series, or a losing series.
Staying in the flow
How much poker did you play when the WSOP last summer ended?
For me, it's always been about balance. Obviously, I had a very lucky and fantastic summer. But I always take time at the end to go see my family on the West Coast while I'm out there. That way, I can kind of decompress for a few months.
I did host a Borgata mixed games - 'ETay's Big Big 9-Game Mix' - with MGM last September. It was fun because Borgata in the Northeast hasn't really seen many of the higher-priced Mixed Game tournaments. It was really cool of them to offer me that platform to be the host.
What else do you do to stay focused during a big event?
Sometimes I get a little anxious, especially when I'm in really good tournament flow, and then we go on a 20-minute break or to dinner. It messes with me a little bit mentally.
How so?
Well, I like to keep in that zone. I make it a point to run up and down the stairs by the garage 6 to 8 times, just to keep my body moving and my mind focused.
Also, I think it’s important to get yourself out in the sun at least once a day. Grab some Vitamin D and breathe in the air. In my opinion, it’s extremely important and very underrated among poker players.
What impact do you believe WSOP’s partnership with ESPN will have on the series, from a player and fan perspective?
I think it can only be a positive when we shine a light on the poker industry. I will say it seems like the ship is being run a little tighter, and the production side of it is A-plus.
There will be a few sacrifices along the way, but I think if we focus on the big picture, it's a net positive overall.
Esther Taylor: The quickfire round
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The 2026 WSOP starts on May 26 and runs through August 5, when the Main Event champion will be crowned.
