2026 WSOP Opens With Five Early Bracelet Winners In Las Vegas (US)
The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) roared back to the felt in Las Vegas, kicking off its storied summer series with five brand-new bracelet champions crowned within the first few days. The action at the Horseshoe Las Vegas has already delivered dramatic finishes and life-changing payouts.
The early bracelet events spanned a range of popular formats. Daniel Sepiol took down Event #1: $500 Casino Employees No-Limit Hold'em, earning $92,456 and the first bracelet of the series in a field of 1,701 entrants. In Event #2: $25,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold'em Championship, Eric Blair outlasted a tough 32-player bracket to claim his first WSOP gold bracelet and $400,000. Meanwhile, high-stakes regulars clashed in Event #3: $5,000 No-Limit Hold'em Freezeout, where George Tomescu emerged victorious for $341,799. The biggest turnout so far came in Event #4: $600 No-Limit Hold'em Deepstack, which drew 4,482 players, and was won by Joseph Barlow for $241,323.
One of the most compelling stories came in Event #5: $1,500 No-Limit Hold'em Dealer's Choice, a unique format that rewards player preference combined with strategic selection. The winner, Alex Greenbaum, took home $243,010 and described the victory as "a dream come true" in early interviews. The diversity of winners—from casino employees to seasoned pros—underscores the WSOP's unique ability to create champions from all walks of life.
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