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.
Jeff Platt is one of the most respected on-air journalists in the game. This year, as the WSOP’s Global Broadcast Talent, he will host a daily show during the summer series, spend time in the booth, and conduct his now infamous 'sideline' player interviews.
How have you been preparing for the 2026 WSOP?
We’ve been focused on making our production process as efficient and productive as possible. We want to make sure the streams flow smoothly.
What are the most significant changes?
From the start, we're going to effectively treat every day of the World Series of Poker like it's a Main Event broadcast.
We will focus on one tournament, with three feature tables running simultaneously. We'll have separate crews that will be assigned to other action – whether it's in the Paris ballroom or over at the Horseshoe. This is an all-encompassing approach to the WSOP.
It sounds like fans and players will love it.
They'll see right off the bat that this is something special. It's innovative. This has not been attempted before, at least in the preliminary events leading up to the main event. Our viewers are in for a treat.
Have you seen the new set that will be hosted in the Paris ballroom this year?
Yes. And I can share with you that the set will be different, unlike anything that we've seen in poker. I’m telling everyone now, the stage will be something very special.
Are you pumped to be working with ESPN once again for the Main Event?
We have the opportunity to showcase the world's greatest poker tournament to as many people as possible. And ESPN helps us do that.
Being on ESPN means we’re creating a massive spotlight on poker, which is great. And sure, it could lead to more players in the game, which would be awesome. But for now, we just want more eyeballs on what we have to offer this year. I think everyone is going to be captivated by it.
Odds-on favorite for WSOP PoY
How did you feel about the 2026 WSOP Europe?
I think the WSOP absolutely crushed it. Every event got an incredible turnout, and it really marked a new era for the WSOP Europe.
It was a great test run for us before Las Vegas. We could figure out what worked and what didn't work. I'm really glad we had that opportunity for a small trial run this spring.
It was also the launch of the new Player of the Year format. Were you surprised that Shaun Deeb was in the mix right from the start?
He's a fantastic player, so it wasn't unexpected by any means. Those were some heartbreaking endings for him – to be heads-up twice in one series and lose to quads twice.
But it creates a pretty good storyline for the WSOP right off the bat. It’s a million-dollar prize pool. We don't want the race for POY to be over right away. Let’s give the rest of the people a chance.
Shaun has to be the odds-on favorite for now. I hate to compliment the guy so much, but what what can I say? He’s always at the top of the list of players who can win it.
Jeff Platt: The quickfire round
Follow Jeff’s adventures this summer at the WSOP on X.
The 2026 WSOP starts on May 26 and runs through August 5, when the Main Event champion will be crowned.
