WSOP 2026 Player of the Year Race: Alex Foxen Leads the Pack

The WSOP 2026 Player of the Year race has become one of the most compelling storylines of the summer in Las Vegas, with Alex Foxen holding a narrow lead as the series passes its midpoint. With 60 of the 100 scheduled bracelets already awarded, the leaderboard is tightening and a handful of elite grinders are separating themselves from the field heading into the closing weeks.

For poker fans tracking the chase, the Player of the Year (POY) standings offer a season-long measure of consistency that a single bracelet cannot. This guide breaks down the current leaders, the format that decides the title, and what to watch as the 2026 World Series of Poker hits its final stretch.

Who Leads the WSOP 2026 Player of the Year Race?

Alex Foxen is still leading the way in the 2026 WSOP Player of the Year race, but his cushion has shrunk after a wave of deep runs from his closest rivals. Josh Arieh and Benny Glaser narrowed the gap considerably following extraordinary performances in the prestigious Poker Players Championship, one of the most demanding mixed-game events on the schedule.

According to standings updated on June 25, Nick Schulman sits third with roughly 2,157 points, while Naoya Kihara holds fourth at about 2,075. The density of talent near the top means the lead could change hands several times before the series concludes.

How the POY Points System Works

The WSOP Player of the Year award is decided by a points formula that rewards both the size of the field and the depth of a player's run. Larger buy-ins and bigger fields generate more points, which is why a deep finish in a marquee event can vault a player up the standings overnight.

Crucially, only a player's top 15 scores count toward the final leaderboard. That cap rewards sustained excellence rather than sheer volume, so a grinder who fires every event does not automatically gain an edge over a sharper, more selective competitor. Understanding variance and shot selection is part of the broader bankroll management discipline that separates professionals from recreational players.

The Top Contenders to Watch

Beyond the leaders, the top ten is stacked with proven champions. Seven-time bracelet winner Josh Arieh remains a constant threat in both no-limit and mixed formats. High-stakes crusher Chris Hunichen and Midwest grinder Richard Alsup have also posted multiple cashes, while two-time POY Shaun Deeb sits inside the top ten despite recording only one cash this summer, a testament to how valuable a single huge score can be.

Benny Glaser, long regarded as one of the best mixed-game players in the world, is the dark horse. His expertise in limit and split-pot games gives him access to fields where many no-limit specialists struggle, an edge rooted in deep range construction knowledge across multiple disciplines.

Why the Format Rewards Versatility

The 2026 POY race will include all open live bracelet events from the 2026 WSOP Europe in Prague, the 2026 WSOP at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas, and the 2026 WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas. That global footprint means the title is not decided in Las Vegas alone, giving traveling pros additional chances to climb.

Versatility matters more than ever. Players comfortable in pot-limit Omaha, razz, stud, and the mixed-game rotation can accumulate points in events that no-limit specialists skip entirely. For aspiring players, studying the difference between GTO strategy and exploitative adjustments is the foundation for competing across formats.

What the Race Tells Us About Modern Poker

The 2026 leaderboard reflects a broader truth about elite poker: the game rewards study, stamina, and emotional control. The summer grind is a marathon of long days, swings, and tough decisions, and managing the poker mental game is often the deciding factor between a contender and a champion.

Record-breaking fields have also reshaped the math. With events like the Millionaire Maker drawing nearly 12,000 entries, the value of a deep run has never been higher, both in prize money and POY points.

What's Next on the Schedule

The biggest points opportunities are still ahead. The $10,000 Main Event begins July 2 and plays down to a final table on July 13, with the final nine returning after a three-week break for a prime-time ESPN broadcast on August 3-5. A deep Main Event run could be decisive for the POY title.

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Expert Takeaways for Following the POY Race

For fans who want to track the chase like an insider, a few habits help. First, watch the high buy-in events, where the largest point swings happen and where a single deep run can reshuffle the entire top ten overnight. Second, pay attention to the mixed-game specialists, because events like the Poker Players Championship and the various stud and Omaha bracelets reward a breadth of skill that no-limit grinders often lack. Third, remember that the cap on top 15 scores means volume alone does not guarantee a climb, so a selective pro can leapfrog a player who has fired dozens of events.

It also pays to follow the traveling circuit. Because international stops in Prague and the Bahamas contribute points, a contender who skips the Vegas grind can still surge late in the year. Casual observers who only check the leaderboard in July may be surprised by a December push from a globetrotting pro. The lesson for aspiring players is clear: consistency, format versatility, and disciplined event selection are what separate a one-time champion from a genuine Player of the Year contender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is leading the WSOP 2026 Player of the Year race?

As of late June 2026, Alex Foxen leads the race, with Josh Arieh, Benny Glaser, Nick Schulman, and Naoya Kihara close behind after strong showings in mixed-game events.

How is the WSOP Player of the Year decided?

The title is awarded based on a points system that weights buy-in size and field size. Only each player's top 15 scores count toward the final leaderboard.

Do international events count toward POY?

Yes. The 2026 race includes WSOP Europe in Prague and WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, in addition to the Las Vegas events.

Can a single big result win the title?

A single deep run can dramatically boost a player's standing, but consistency across multiple events is usually required to capture the POY crown.

Conclusion

The WSOP 2026 Player of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the closest in recent memory, with elite talent separated by razor-thin margins. As the Main Event approaches, the standings could shift dramatically. Ready to take your game to the next level? Browse our beginner poker guide and start building the skills that define champions.