Loren Klein tanked for 15 minutes for a pay jump at the WSOP
July 13, 2026
Four-time World Series bracelet winner Loren Klein tried to secure a pay jump during the WSOP Main Event by stalling. The American was counting on boosting his winnings by $20,000 — from $105,000 to $125,000.
With 72 players remaining, Klein moved in 975,000 with ♣️♥️, leaving himself just a single chip. Tyler Gaston called with ♣️♦️ and told his opponent he'd let him tank for the pay jump. The flop came ♥️♥️♥️. After 15 minutes of inaction, the floor stepped in and informed Klein that he had one more minute. Only when that time expired did the four-time champion finally push his last chip in.
The turn ♠️ brought no improvement to anyone, and on the ♣️ river Gaston made a full house. In the end, after a hand that dragged on for almost 20 minutes, Klein busted in 72nd place, never securing his pay jump.
Against this backdrop, a shot clock was introduced from the very first hands of Day 7, which happened for the first time in World Series history. Players were given 20 seconds to make a decision preflop and 30 seconds on each postflop street. Plus, every player has six 30-second time bank cards per day.
This decision drew criticism from players. Chris Brewer called it a terrible decision and a blow to the amateurs still in the game. Patrick Leonard also noted that introducing shot clocks affects players without the relevant experience the most, and called the WSOP's organization this year disgusting.
However, some, such as Shaun Deeb, reacted positively. Deeb believes that shot clocks are a necessary evil to prevent unfairness caused by excessive stalling. In addition, the nine-time WSOP champion stated that it would play into the amateurs' hands, since professionals usually spend more time thinking.
As for the situation in the Main Event, 21 players remain in contention after seven days. The chip count is led by Aussie Millions winner and one-time bracelet holder Malcolm Traynor. Also in the top 10 are Shaun Deeb and Hossein Ensan, while among the short stacks is Hall of Fame member Todd Brunson.
With 72 players remaining, Klein moved in 975,000 with ♣️♥️, leaving himself just a single chip. Tyler Gaston called with ♣️♦️ and told his opponent he'd let him tank for the pay jump. The flop came ♥️♥️♥️. After 15 minutes of inaction, the floor stepped in and informed Klein that he had one more minute. Only when that time expired did the four-time champion finally push his last chip in.
The turn ♠️ brought no improvement to anyone, and on the ♣️ river Gaston made a full house. In the end, after a hand that dragged on for almost 20 minutes, Klein busted in 72nd place, never securing his pay jump.
Against this backdrop, a shot clock was introduced from the very first hands of Day 7, which happened for the first time in World Series history. Players were given 20 seconds to make a decision preflop and 30 seconds on each postflop street. Plus, every player has six 30-second time bank cards per day.
This decision drew criticism from players. Chris Brewer called it a terrible decision and a blow to the amateurs still in the game. Patrick Leonard also noted that introducing shot clocks affects players without the relevant experience the most, and called the WSOP's organization this year disgusting.
However, some, such as Shaun Deeb, reacted positively. Deeb believes that shot clocks are a necessary evil to prevent unfairness caused by excessive stalling. In addition, the nine-time WSOP champion stated that it would play into the amateurs' hands, since professionals usually spend more time thinking.
As for the situation in the Main Event, 21 players remain in contention after seven days. The chip count is led by Aussie Millions winner and one-time bracelet holder Malcolm Traynor. Also in the top 10 are Shaun Deeb and Hossein Ensan, while among the short stacks is Hall of Fame member Todd Brunson.
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