SCOOP 2026 introduced a major change. The series moved from its traditional May slot to March (March 1 – 25, 2026), a decision organizers made to optimize the player's experience during a time when bad weather and fewer sporting events favor online grinding. With a total guarantee exceeding $45 million and a schedule featuring 400 tournaments, SCOOP 2026 began with a bang.
Benny Glaser: The Twelfth Crown on His Path to Record
The British legend Benny “RunGodlike” Glaser once again proved his status among the elite. Even before the series started, he was the most decorated player in COOP history (combining SCOOP and WCOOP), and on Monday, March 2, he added to his collection.
Glaser triumphed in the SCOOP 12-H: $320 NLHE Turbo, Fenomeno HR, where he outlasted a field of 285 entries to claim a prize of $16,626. This marks Glaser's 12th SCOOP title in his career, bringing his total COOP titles to a remarkable 28 (12 SCOOP and 16 WCOOP). In the SCOOP historical rankings, he's now just two wins away from record-holder Simon “C. Darwin2” Mattsson, who holds 14 titles.
Glaser isn't resting on his laurels; immediately after his victory, he advanced to the final seven in the prestigious mixed-game tournament SCOOP 10-H: $1,050 HORSE 6-Max, giving himself an instant shot at a 13th title.
Neymar Jr.: Football Star a Threat to High-Stakes Elite
One of the biggest surprises in the opening days is the exceptional activity and form of football superstar and PS ambassador Neymar Jr. The Brazilian dove into the series with immense enthusiasm and has already made it to three prestigious High final tables.
His journey began in SCOOP 2-H: $530 Kickoff, where he advanced as a chipleader from Day 2 to finish in 7th place, earning $4,538, surpassing players like Adrian Mateos and Simon Mattsson at the final table.
Shortly after, he appeared at another final table, this time in SCOOP 3-H: $1,050 Mystery Warm-Up, finishing in 9th place and taking home $2,194. Here, too, he faced off with the world’s best, including names like Patrick Leonard and Niklas Astedt.
Neymar’s best chance for a title came in the most expensive tournament so far – SCOOP 9-H: $5,200 Progressive KO Super High Roller. Entering the final day among the last six players, he started in second position. Although he was vying for his first title, he eventually finished third behind Daniel “starwins :)” Petersen and the player known as “kZhh,” with Petersen taking home approximately $90,000 for the win.
The series continues at a brisk pace, and it's already clear that the battle for the best player title will be intensely exciting. Will Glaser tie Mattsson’s record, or will we witness a career-defining success for football virtuoso Neymar? Follow SCOOP 2026 in the coming days!
Sources: PokerNews, PS, CNN Brazil, ESPN
