Deeb and Ensan on the Brink of WSOP Main Event Finale, Delays Mark End of Day 7

Revolution at the Tables: Shot Clock Cracks Down on Delayers

The hottest topic of the day wasn't bluffs or gripping hands, but the introduction of shot clocks. Organizers implemented this measure overnight in direct response to bizarre scenes from the previous day. On Day 6, Loren Klein infamously tanked for 15 minutes with a lone 25,000 chip, aiming to outlast another player’s elimination to secure a $20,000 pay jump.

Starting on Day 7, players have only 20 seconds for pre-flop decisions and 30 seconds post-flop. They have six time-extension cards, each granting an extra 30 seconds.

While Shaun Deeb welcomed the change, professionals like Chris Brewer, Mike Matusow, and Andrew Lichtenberger criticized it as unfair to recreational players, who now face enormous time pressure.

Trayner’s Australian Runaway and Brunson’s Battle for Family Legacy

Dominating the day was Malcolm Trayner, who bagged a massive 63,200,000 chip stack. The Aussie Millions winner admitted the “poker gods are on his side” and focuses on treating each hand as its own puzzle.

Among the elite contenders is Shaun Deeb (31,300,000), approaching the world's biggest tournament with his usual nonchalance: “Just another day at the office for me,” remarked the reigning Player of the Year, for whom success in the Main Event could aid his POY title defense.

Close on his heels is 2019 champion Hossein Ensan (29,700,000), the last former Main Event winner in the field, eyeing an unprecedented second modern-era title. Just days ago, such a feat seemed impossible.

Sitting at the bottom is Todd Brunson (7,800,000). The son of legendary Doyle Brunson has a chance to clinch the title precisely 50 years after his father’s first triumph, setting the stage for one of poker’s most emotional moments. Todd, originally denied entry due to age thirty years ago, is thrilled by his deep run.

Day 7 also saw big stacks from the start heading home. Tyler Gaston, who began as chipleader with over 20 million chips, exited in 36th place. Even more dramatic was Zhao Liu’s fall. Despite stellar play, his 50-million-chip stack vanished in the last hour of the day, with Liu bowing out at 22nd. Popular player Patrick “Pads” Leonard also left, finishing in 32nd.

As Day 8 approaches, the final 21 players are guaranteed at least $325,000. The goal of the day is to set the final table, where each contender will secure a seven-figure payday. The Main Event's climax awaits in Las Vegas, resuming on August 3rd to crown the world champion and award $10,000,000.

Current Standings after Day 7 – Event #82: $10,000 Main Event WSOP 2026

Prize Structure for Event #82: $10,000 Main Event 2026

Source: WSOP, WSOP Live, X