WSOP Day 38: Superman Hellmuth Kicks Off Main Event, Negreanu and Kabrhel Win Another Bracelet

A Starry Start to the Main Event

The most anticipated tournament of the year, the $10K WSOP Main Event, officially kicked off with the introductory flight 1a. The ceremonial “Shuffle Up and Deal” was delivered by reigning champion Michael Mizrachi, who hasn’t joined the game yet. On the opening day, 771 players joined, with 543 advancing to Day 2. The opening day’s chipleader was Japan's Ryuta Nakai (323,000).

The most buzz was created by Phil Hellmuth, who once again stayed true to his reputation. He entered the room in a Superman costume, donning a black-and-gold ensemble with his signature “PH” logo on the chest. He was joined by his sons and Daniel “Jungleman” Cates, who had angel wings on his back. 

Day one saw many elite players in action, such as Scott Seiver, Joe Cada, Jeremy Ausmus, Erik Seidel, Billy Baxter, and Jason Koon, all securing their spots for Day 2.

Conversely, Adrian Mateos, Greg Merson, Leo Margets, Chad Eveslage, and David Bach faced an early exit from the Main Event.  

Watch the Main Event unfold with daily live streams on ESPN+ in the USA, while Eurosport and HBO Max cover Europe and Asia. Selected highlights are also available on the WSOP YouTube channel.

Negreanu Was ‘Too Busy Winning’

Daniel Negreanu completed his brilliant run in the season's priciest PLO tournament (Event #76: $100K PLO) by capturing his eighth gold bracelet and a $2,257,718 reward.

In a dramatic heads-up, he defeated Artur Martirosian, hitting a straight on the flop in the final hand.

For Daniel, it marked the fourth-largest win in his career, surpassing the $60 million milestone in lifetime tournament earnings.

During the heads-up match, a humorous moment occurred when Phil Hellmuth noisily paraded into the room in his Superman costume to attend the Main Event. A spectator asked Negreanu to capture it for his vlog, to which he wittingly responded, “I’m too busy winning!” Negreanu indeed upheld his statement by securing victory at the WSOP after two years.

Final Table Results of Event #76: $100,000 High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha

Kabrhel's Wild Ride to a Sixth Bracelet

Czech phenomenon Martin Kabrhel delivered a superhuman feat by cashing in two live tournaments concurrently and sealing a live finale of an online event. He literally dashed between tables at Horseshoe and Paris throughout the day until he settled at the final table of the $3,200 Online High Roller.

With his mascot, a giant plush hippo, by his side, Kabrhel showcased his typical antics, driving opponents to frustration at the final table.

In heads-up, he defeated Krista Gifford, earning his sixth gold bracelet along with a $195,195 prize. Shaun Deeb comically hosted the bracelet ceremony in place of Jeff Platt. 

It was Deeb who picked Kabrhel for his $25K Fantasy team and came with both praise and critique: “Nice job! But this had no fantasy points. What are you doing? That’s so lame. Get fantasy points.”

Final Table Results of WSOP Online Event #20: $3,200 NLH High Roller

Rast vs Foxen Duel for the Title

The prestigious Event #80: $10K 8-Game Mixed Championship drew 199 players, generating a $1,850,700 prize pool. After the second day, only 12 players remain in contention, led by two colossal stars, Brian Rast and Alex Foxen.

For Foxen, this tournament holds significance in his quest for the WSOP Player of the Year title, currently ranking second in the standings. 

Still in contention for the bracelet and top prize of $431,260 are other aces like Bryn Kenney and David Baker. Meanwhile, the journey ended for Benny Glaser on the bubble and Phil Hellmuth, who now has plenty of time to prepare for his Main Event entrance.

Top 10 Stacks after Day 2 – Event #80: $10,000 8-Game Mixed Championship

Martin Jacobsen in the Final

One of the last freezeout tournaments of the season is Event #79: $3K NLH Freezeout, registering 1,792 entries. After ten levels on the second day, only 14 finalists remain, competing for a $683,830 prize. Current chipleader Andrew Moreno leads the charge.

Contending for his second bracelet is 2014 Main Event champion Martin Jacobson, marking his second-best finish at WSOP 2026.

Martin Kabrhel enhanced the event's visibility, simultaneously playing the $600 Deepstack Championship and the $3K Online event final during the day. Ultimately, Kabrhel exited in 80th place.

Top 10 Stacks after Day 2 – Event #79: $3,000 Freezeout No-Limit Hold'em

Danny Tong Fell in Heads-up 

Canadian Patrick Stacey proved that hard work pays off, reigning over a field of 508 entries in Event #77: $2,500 Mixed Triple Draw Lowball to clinch his first bracelet and a $223,177 prize. Stacey revealed that he had dedicated 4 to 5 hours daily to mixed game study under coaches over the past year.

The final table was packed with talent. Stacey defeated high roller specialist Danny Tang in heads-up, and the event brought another bitter end for Allen Kessler, who reached the final table but finished in 4th place.

Among the paid spots were stars like Eli Elezra (9th place) and Dylan Smith (15th place).

Final Table Results of Event #77: $2,500 Mixed Triple Draw Lowball

Daisuke Ogita Becomes a Millionaire in Two Hours

The final day of the record-breaking $1K Mini Main Event (Event #72) was a quick affair. It took just two hours for Japan's Daisuke Ogita to triumph over the last 9 players from a total of 12,560 entries. Ogita earned his first gold bracelet and a $1,000,000 prize.

Ogita remained remarkably calm throughout the tournament and easily handled Canada's Jaehwa Son in heads-up. When asked how he planned to celebrate his achievement, he humorously replied: “Alcohol. I love alcohol.”

Final Table Results of Event #72: $1,000 Mini Main Event 

WSOP Winners Struggle in the Deepstack 

The massive $600 Deepstack Championship continued into its second day, reducing the field of 556 players to the final 50 contenders vying for the title. Each remaining player is guaranteed at least $6,194, but their target is the $282,817 top prize and the bracelet.

Martin Kabrhel once again showed his prowess, yet he eventually exited in 281st place, then focused his efforts on the online event victory.

Day 2 proved to be the terminal stop for players like Men Nguyen and Ryan Leng, and it was tough luck for other bracelet holders. It's already clear a new WSOP winner will be crowned.

Top 10 Stacks after Day 2 –  Event #78: $600 Deepstack Championship

Kihara with Another Shot at PoY Title

One of the most unique events on the WSOP schedule is Event #83: $1,500 Double Board Bomb Pot PLO. The event erupted with huge interest, generating 1,673 entries and a $2,220,907 prize pool.

In this dynamic format, 227 players progressed to day two. American Paul Fehlig leads as chipleader.

Among the advancing players are numerous familiar names enjoying the unconventional format. Japanese player Naoya Kihara (12th place) wrapped up a great stack and continues his quest for the WSOP Player of the Year title. 

Continuing for the bracelet and the top prize of $322,564 are stars like Jesse Lonis, Joao Simao, Michael Moncek, Robert Mizrachi, and Mike Matusow.

Top 10 Stacks after Day 1 – Event #83: $1,500 Double Board Bomb Pot Pot-Limit Omaha

Josh Arieh Kicks Off Among the Best in Summer Celebration

The first of two opening flights for Event #81: $800 Summer Celebration drew 2,584 entries, with only 124 advancing after 22 quick levels. The Day 1a chipleader is Georgia’s Nino Papava.

Seven-time bracelet winner Josh Arieh enjoyed a successful start, finishing with an above-average stack in the top twenty. German Tom Fuchs (15th place) stands as the best-placed player among former WSOP winners. 

Sources: WSOP, WSOP Live, X