The new WSOP rules — how will they impact the game? Breaking it down with FunFarm founder Fedor Truntsev

In late April, the World Series of Poker announced a series of slate updates ahead of the upcoming festival. Notably, players will have the opportunity to rate dealer performance via the WSOP+ app. This system appears to mirror what we have grown accustomed to in ride-hailing apps. Intended to enhance preparation and assist in training dealers, it remains unclear exactly how these ratings will impact the staff.

Additionally, the WSOP has implemented several updates to the rules, affecting registration, player pace of play, and third-party payouts for series results. We asked FunFarm founder Fyodor Truntsev to assess how these innovations will impact tournament contenders. Spoiler: there is no need to sweat it. At least, not yet.

Automatic Blind Deductions Post-Registration

First on the checklist is a change designed to stop players from delaying their chip receipt and seat assignment. Rule 35 states: "Participants registering prior to the start of a tournament will have their stack put into play automatically and will begin blinding off." Once a stack is in play, players cannot opt for a refund. Exceptions may be granted only under extraordinary circumstances reported to WSOP management, with every case reviewed on an individual basis.

Fyodor Truntsev:

There is a catch here. Registration goes through two stages because of the WSOP+ app. You need to grab a ticket and then hit 'sit in'; your stack is only placed on the table after pressing this button. That is when the player gets their seat assignment displayed on the screen. Traditionally, getting a refund is virtually guaranteed once per series. If it is an absolute emergency, they will always refund you. Will ante be deducted while players are hunting for their table? Something like that, but only if the player registers before the shuffle up and deal. Frankly, the rule is written vaguely, and their explanation is not particularly clear either. We will have to wait for the start of the series to see how they actually enforce it.

Sanctions for Collusion Over Promotional Bonuses

The WSOP is now threatening severe sanctions for players attempting to exploit third-party payout structures for their tournament performance. This hook could catch bracelet bets and last-longer promotions alike. The series is acting in response to the controversy involving Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll in June 2025. That year, Yaginuma conquered the $1,500 Millionaire Maker for $1.2 million after defeating Carroll in a heads-up match where Carroll started with a massive 9:1 chip disadvantage.

Prior to the tournament, ClubWPT Gold launched a promotion promising a $1 million bonus to any WSOP champion who qualified for the event through their satellite. Yaginuma qualified via that route, locking up the seven-figure platform bonus on top of his first-place prize. Meanwhile, the runner-up pocketed $1 million for his performance. The heads-up phase featured very few showdowns, with Carroll folding frequently. Following the tournament, Yaginuma and his opponent faced allegations of chip dumping and collusion.

Now, under Rule 40, third-party payouts linked to player performance can be deemed contrary to WSOP regulations and the integrity of the tournament. If a player is found guilty of compromising competitive integrity, they could face chip forfeiture, prize money confiscation, disqualification from a specific event or the entire series, and potential bans from future WSOP events.

It remains to be seen how the WSOP will monitor and prove infractions in these scenarios, but the threat of severe penalties might well deter players from participating in questionable third-party promotions.

Fyodor Truntsev:

The rules forbid receiving cash from third parties, and nobody knows how this will be interpreted, but standard practice suggests—it won't be. That is, unless there is an obvious case like last time with heads-up antics, nobody will face penalties. For instance, deals are officially banned, but in reality, players still chop at their own risk.

Cracking Down on Stallers

With another update, the WSOP plan to accelerate the pace of play close to pay jumps. It is a common play for short-stacked pros to stall intentionally to buy time and ladder up. Rule 80 now specifies that floor staff can grant a player up to an additional 25 seconds once "reasonable time to act" has expired. If a player fails to make a move before the countdown expires, their hand is dead. Chronic stallers will face stricter oversight—they will be put on a shot clock for all subsequent decisions. Such behavior can also trigger penalties up to disqualification.

Fyodor Truntsev:

Generally, the floor already had the power to call the clock and stand over your shoulder. Now they have codified it in the rulebook, but what exactly will change is unclear. Eight years ago on the bubble, if I stalled, the floor would use their discretion to slash my decision-making time down to absolute zero.

Tightening the Reins on Advertising

Players will also face strict regulations regarding sponsor logos on apparel at feature TV tables. The WSOP now requires players to obtain advertising approval at least 24 hours prior to filming. The series reserves the absolute right to deny approval. Sitting at a TV table with unapproved logos can result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of all prize money. However, a glaring contradiction exists—players rarely know in advance if they will be assigned to a featured TV table.

Fyodor Truntsev:

You do not know your table is on the TV stream until you walk up to it. With this rule, organizers are essentially saying, 'Get your approvals cleared for the entire series upfront.' Still, they will likely resolve these issues on the fly. More than anything, they will use this rule selectively to filter out rival branding like WPT Global.

As we can see, most of these rules lack precise definitions, and the exact mechanics of their enforcement are yet to be determined. The series itself will reveal how they play out. Fortunately, the wait is almost over—the 2026 World Series of Poker kicks off on 26 May.