BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT
World Series of Poker returns to ESPN, bringing poker’s biggest stage-and its biggest stakes-back to primetime
By Sean Chaffin
This month’s “Poker Notes” takes a look at some big news for the World Series of Poker along with some insight on a few poker players finding some interesting roles in the world of sports and more.
Many poker fans remember checking out the World Series of Poker on ESPN during the poker boom of the 2000s, with names like Chris Moneymaker, Phil Hellmuth and Daniel Negreanu becoming household names. The interest on the “Worldwide Leader in Sports” helped field the growth of the game and the series is once again teaming up with the network.
The WSOP has signed a new multiyear deal to return poker’s most prestigious event to the network. Beginning this summer, ESPN will provide comprehensive coverage of the $10,000 Main Event, culminating in a highly anticipated three-night live finale in prime time. WSOP management said the agreement signals a new era for the brand under current ownership, prioritizing mainstream reach and high-end storytelling. GGPoker parent company NSUS Group acquired the WSOP in 2024 for $500 million and has looked to grow the brand even more.
Broadcasting will begin on July 2 with Day 1A of the Main Event. Poker fans can expect wall-to-wall coverage, with each tournament day receiving a minimum of six hours of programming. In total, ESPN platforms will feature about 100 hours of original programming per year, according to WSOP officials.
As seen in years past, once the tournament reaches the final table on July 13, play will be paused. The surviving finalists will return 20 days later for a live, three-day televised finale airing Aug. 3-5. During the 20- day hiatus, ESPN will air specially curated prime-time episodes to build momentum and introduce the final-table competitors to a global audience.
As part of the agreement, WSOP officials are aiming to elevate the broadcast to the standards of major league sports. Award-winning Omaha Productions will play a major part in that. The company is recognized for innovative hits like Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli (the “ManningCast”) and Netflix’s Quarterback and Receiver.
“The World Series of Poker is a global phenomenon that transcends the gaming category, and our goal is to bring it to the widest possible audience,” WSOP CEO Ty Stewart said. “Returning to ESPN—the home of our most iconic moments since 1987—allows us to showcase the human drama of the Main Event like never before. With our new ownership’s commitment to growth, this is the perfect time to bring the ‘World Championship’ back to the biggest stage in sports.”
ESPN first broadcast the WSOP Main Event in 1987 and remained the dominant broadcaster of the event for decades, helping to fuel the global poker boom. This agreement restores that collaboration, ensuring that the next generation of world champions is crowned in prime time.
“We’re proud to welcome the World Series of Poker back to ESPN,” ESPN Vice President of Programming and Acquisitions Ashley O’Connor said. “Poker is filled with unexpected storylines, and nobody is better equipped to showcase the stories that unfold throughout a tournament more than ESPN. Bringing the WSOP back reflects our continued commitment to delivering premium competition and that connects with fans in new and exciting ways.”
Along with the ESPN coverage, GGPoker/NSUS has also promised additional live coverage throughout the series on YouTube.
WSOP Online Schedule Released
In other WSOP news, American players will find a packed schedule of online events this summer. WSOP Online, available in Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan, will offer 30 gold bracelet events this summer from May 30 to July 14 with $7 million in total tournament guarantees. Players taking part in the live WSOP each summer have become accustomed to jumping in some online events while hitting the tables and they will have plenty of options to choose from.
Other highlights include events with live final tables, a $1.5 million guaranteed mystery bounty event, and more. This platform has also added $50,000 in prizes to this year’s Online Bracelet Leaderboard. In addition to the bracelet schedule, WSOP is offering two chances at 25 seats guaranteed to the $10,000 Main Event in Las Vegas on June 28 and June 30 with a $215 buy-in. Other qualifiers and satellites will also be held throughout the summer.
