The World Series Has Kicked Off in Las Vegas: First Week Digest

"Welcome to the 2026 WSOP. I wish you all a year as incredible as my last one was — though that is going to be a tough act to follow! Shuffle up and deal!" — reigning World Champion Michael Mizrachi opened the series with his signature style. Following his words, the first hands were dealt. The opening week immediately delivered several gripping storylines.

The Joker in the Deck: An Opening Day Glitch

The start of the series was not without its unexpected twists. On Day 1 of the $550 Mini-Mystery Millions, the dealer turned over a... joker on the flop. A deck containing an extra card had made its way to the table; the hand was immediately declared dead and ruled invalid. Pro Mike Holtz posted a video on X, triggering a wave of jokes online. 

From Dealer to Champion: A First Bracelet for the Croupier

The first bracelet of the 2026 World Series went to an industry insider. The $500 Industry Employees event attracted 906 runners, and it was won by dealer Jerome Nepple, who locked up $64,083. He also accomplished a rare WSOP feat, maintaining the chip lead from Day One all the way to the final fence.

Nepple himself called the score life-changing, with the prize money enough to completely clear his debts. Prior to this triumph, his sole recorded live cash stood at a modest $613.

Daniyal Geba Conquers the New Arena

Canadian poker pro Daniyal Geba redefined his career by taking down the $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em 8-Max. The victory secured him his debut gold bracelet and a massive $503,000 payday. In total, the tournament drew 570 entries, building a prize pool of $2,622,000.

This marks the biggest result of Geba's career, whose total live tournament earnings sat below the $2m mark before this Friday. The Canadian had been firing at this event for three consecutive years — following a 6th-place finish in 2024 and 23rd in 2025, he finally clinched the title. Adding a touch of history to the win, the battle took place in the new 25,000-square-foot Thunderdome / Mothership / Arena.

Ren Lin: $19.5m in Earnings and Still no Gold

The biggest headliner of the $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em 8-Max final table, China's Ren Lin, fell just short of the top three, busting in fourth place ($166,448). A gold bracelet once again eluded the high-roller icon. Despite boasting a spectacular $19.5 million in career earnings, Lin still remains without a bracelet.

Nonetheless, the high-stakes specialist remains undeterred and was right back in the action on Saturday. His target for 2026 is to sweep both Player of the Year titles (from the WSOP and the GPI). The first step is complete, with solid POY points on the board.

Sensation of the Week: 90-Year-Old Perry Green Makes the Final Table

The standout sensation of the series opener was the deep run of 90-year-old Perry Green. The three-time WSOP champion (the legendary player who finished runner-up to Stu Ungar in the 1981 Main Event) reached his first major final table since 2015. In the $1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better event, which drew 828 runners, Green finished in sixth place, earning $30,973. 

"The players today are incredibly strong, very technically sound. I play much more on intuition," the veteran remarked after his departure.

The eventual champion of the tournament was Jason Daly, capturing his third career bracelet.

A Personal Note: Daniel Negreanu Expecting First Child

Meanwhile, Daniel Negreanu experienced a truly special week. KidPoker and his wife Amanda announced they are expecting their first child. The couple are using a surrogate, with their baby boy expected to arrive in late November.

"This is going to be the best Christmas ever," the seven-time champion concluded.