The 2026 World Series of Poker is in full swing at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, and the early bracelet races have already produced one of the strongest opening stretches in recent memory. Through the first two weeks, the WSOP 2026 bracelet winners list features a first-time double champion, a record-tying sixth bracelet for one of poker's best, and a flood of fresh faces breaking through on the felt.
Quick answer: As of June 8, 2026, twenty-one of the series' 100 bracelets have been awarded. Naoya Kihara became the first double bracelet winner of the summer, capturing the $10,000 Stud Championship just three days after winning the $10,000 2-7 Lowball Championship, while Kristen Foxen claimed her sixth career bracelet in the $25,000 High Roller.
Naoya Kihara Becomes the First Double Winner of 2026
Japan's Naoya Kihara has set the tone for the entire series. After taking down the $10,000 2-7 Lowball Championship, Kihara backed it up by winning the $10,000 Stud Championship on Sunday, June 7. The back-to-back championship-event wins made him only the sixth player in WSOP history to accomplish the feat, joining an exclusive club that includes Doyle Brunson, Stu Ungar, Greg Merson, George Danzer, and Jason Mercier.
Winning two $10,000 mixed-game championships in a single week is a testament to the kind of all-around skill that separates elite players from the field. These events draw the toughest lineups on the schedule, and Kihara navigated both with the patience and discipline that mixed-game specialists preach. If you want to understand how top players think through complex spots, our GTO strategy breakdown explains the framework many of them lean on.
Kristen Foxen Ties for the Most Bracelets Among Women
Kristen Foxen added to her legendary resume by winning the $25,000 High Roller for her sixth career WSOP bracelet. Foxen has long been considered one of the best tournament players in the world regardless of gender, and her latest victory in a marquee high-roller field only reinforces that reputation.
High-roller events reward fearless, well-timed aggression and a deep understanding of final-table dynamics. When the money jumps get steep, knowing how to apply ICM strategy becomes the difference between a min-cash and a title. Foxen's ability to ladder up while still accumulating chips is a masterclass in balancing risk and reward.
Field Sizes and Prize Pools Are Trending Up
The 57th World Series of Poker runs from May 26 to July 15 with 100 bracelet events on the schedule, the largest slate in the event's history. Early field sizes suggest another record-setting summer for total entries, continuing a multi-year boom driven by online satellites and the growing global appeal of live poker.
For recreational players considering a Vegas trip, the sheer volume of events means there is a buy-in and format for everyone, from $400 dailies to the $250,000 Super High Roller. New players looking to take their first shot should start with our beginner poker guide to build a foundation before sitting down with the pros.
The Main Event Looms Large
All eyes will eventually turn to the $10,000 Main Event, the crown jewel of the series. ESPN will once again broadcast the final table live, airing from 9 p.m. to midnight ET on August 3 through 5. With last year's champion setting a high bar, the 2026 Main Event is expected to draw one of the biggest fields ever.
Anyone planning to satellite in or fire a bullet directly should pay close attention to bankroll management. A $10,000 buy-in is a serious investment, and proper bankroll discipline ensures one deep run does not turn into a financial setback.
Players to Watch for the Rest of the Series
Beyond Kihara and Foxen, several storylines are worth following. Multiple bracelet hunters are chasing Player of the Year points, and the international contingent from Brazil, Argentina, and across Europe has been especially strong in the early events. The deep mixed-game schedule also gives specialists repeated chances to shine.
To follow along and sharpen your own game between updates, our library of poker training videos covers everything from preflop ranges to advanced final-table play.
The Player of the Year Race Is Wide Open
With more than three-quarters of the series still to play, the WSOP Player of the Year race remains anyone's to claim. The deep schedule of mixed-game championships, no-limit hold'em events, and high rollers rewards versatility, and Kihara's fast start has put him squarely in the conversation alongside Foxen and a handful of other early standouts.
Player of the Year points reward consistency across formats, not just a single big score, which is why all-around grinders tend to rise to the top by series end. Recreational players hoping to follow in their footsteps can build a foundation across game types using our range construction resources, then test their skills at the many low-buy-in events that run daily. Expect the leaderboard to shuffle constantly as the marquee weekend events bring out the deepest fields and the biggest names chasing both bracelets and points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bracelets have been won at the 2026 WSOP so far?
As of June 8, 2026, twenty-one of the 100 scheduled bracelets have been awarded, with the series continuing through July 15.
Who was the first double bracelet winner of 2026?
Naoya Kihara became the first player to win two bracelets this summer, taking the $10,000 2-7 Lowball Championship and the $10,000 Stud Championship within the same week.
When is the 2026 WSOP Main Event final table?
The Main Event final table will air live on ESPN from 9 p.m. to midnight ET on August 3 through 5, 2026.
How much is the WSOP Main Event buy-in?
The buy-in for the 2026 WSOP Main Event remains $10,000, with satellites available online and on-site for a fraction of that amount.
Conclusion
The 2026 World Series of Poker has delivered drama, history, and a reminder of just how deep the global talent pool has become. With nearly 80 bracelets still up for grabs and the Main Event on the horizon, the best is yet to come. Stay tuned to DeucesCracked for ongoing coverage, and explore our how to play poker resources to get ready for your own shot at glory.
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