Norman Chad: Live and Online WSOP Bracelets Should Carry Equal Weight

WSOP commentator Norman Chad believes that online bracelets should hold the same prestige as those won in live World Series of Poker events, assuming robust safeguards for integrity are in place. The debate over whether a bracelet earned online carries the same significance as a live victory continues, as the number of WSOP online bracelets has sharply increased over the past decade. The discussion includes perspectives from poker professionals Lex Veldhuis and Michael Gagliano, and touches on ongoing concerns about player verification and mixed game offerings.

Growth of WSOP Online Bracelets: From Seven to Over a Hundred

The first WSOP online bracelet was awarded in 2015, during a $1,000 No-Limit Hold’em tournament. Anthony Spinella collected the bracelet—finishing play live on the ESPN main stage—and earned $197,743. Only nine online bracelets were issued in 2019, but these numbers have since soared: 85 in 2020, 110 in 2022, 115 in 2024, and 104 awarded in 2025.

This expansion reflects a broader move by the World Series of Poker, under Caesars Interactive Entertainment, to grow its online presence. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, making online events a core element of the WSOP calendar.

Skill and Value: Comparing Online Bracelets With Live

Many industry observers argue that online tournaments can be as competitive, if not more so, than live events. Legendary streamer Lex Veldhuis, widely regarded as one of the top online specialists yet to claim a WSOP bracelet, disputes the notion that online bracelets are any easier to win. As Veldhuis put it:

“It’s hella tough to win one. It’s unbelievable, those fields. If you think an online bracelet’s easy, go play and win one.” — Lex Veldhuis

Norman Chad echoes this, arguing that the technical skill brought by younger, analytics-driven online players has changed the modern game. He stated that online success should not be discounted and believes both formats ought to be equally recognised, provided integrity is preserved.

Integrity and Player Verification Concerns in Online Poker

A key issue for Norman Chad relates to game integrity and transparency in online poker. He highlights the need for stricter controls to ensure every competitor is verified. Chad expressed unease that, without robust measures, there is a risk of surrogate play or potential cheating:

"Somebody could win a bracelet, and it’s not even that person who’s winning it—it’s somebody else who's playing in their spot. It might be their dog." — Norman Chad

Chad outlined that he only played online during the pandemic, and only in private, verified games among acquaintances. He considers mandatory player identity verification a prerequisite to awarding major honours online.

Should WSOP Online Bracelets Be Equal to Live? The Ongoing Debate

While Chad is adamant that embracing online poker means treating online bracelets as equivalent to live ones, he notes these awards’ legitimacy depends on the absence of integrity issues. Not everyone agrees; Chad recalled Michael Gagliano and Eric Raskin questioning whether the WSOP should have created a distinct category for online achievements from the outset. Gagliano, who finished fourth in the 2026 WSOP Main Event, has won three of his four bracelets online—illustrating how top-tier talent straddles both formats.

Chad floated the idea of awarding different prizes for online success—"a watch or a necklace or perhaps an anklet"—but ultimately insists on parity, so long as strict standards are maintained. He also referenced Mike Matusow’s well-known criticisms but maintained his stance.

Mixed Games Remain Underrepresented in WSOP Online Events

Despite the expansion of online bracelet events, Chad is disappointed with the lack of mixed game offerings. Nearly all online bracelets (95%) are for No-Limit Hold’em. He points out that software constraints are cited, but contends every major operator—including those overseen by Rational Intellectual Holdings Ltd.—can technically support mixed games online. Chad called for more mixed game events to ensure that WSOP online statistics reflect a wider variety of poker disciplines.

Looking Forward: The Path for WSOP Online Tournaments

The future credibility and prestige of WSOP online bracelets may depend on progress in two areas: enforcing integrity measures and broadening the game mix. For now, the question of equal recognition will persist as online and live play continue to converge—both in participation and prestige within the global poker ecosystem.