Norman Chad Reviews the 2026 WSOP: Highlights and Missed Opportunities

Norman Chad returned to the 2026 World Series of Poker, offering sharp analysis of its revamped format, technology, and broadcast. He praised the WSOP LIVE app and ESPN’s renewed global coverage, but pointed to gaps in mixed game exposure, Main Event content, and the new TV set’s lack of spectator experience. Chad’s review sets a clear agenda for operators, broadcasters, and organisers ahead of the next summer series in Las Vegas.

ESPN’s WSOP Main Event Coverage: A 'Very Good Thing' for Global Poker

Chad welcomed the WSOP’s return to ESPN, describing it as beneficial despite lower US domestic viewership compared to the network’s poker boom era. While ESPN once reached 100 million US homes, its reach now stands at 65 million. Streaming has changed viewer behaviour: Main Event broadcasts now appear daily on the ESPN app, ESPN Unlimited, and ESPN Plus, extending live coverage globally. Crucially, the new contract means ESPN International delivers WSOP events to 70+ channels across Europe, and on-demand via HBO Max. Chad maintains this broader presence will drive poker’s growth and cement the World Series as a global property.

"The return to ESPN is a very good thing ... the Main Event is airing worldwide." —Norman Chad

Despite concerns about declining numbers, the international deal secures the brand’s position, offering global exposure even as cable TV wanes in the US market.

Focus on Technology: The Impact of the WSOP LIVE App

The WSOP LIVE app earned Chad’s endorsement as a pivotal upgrade for both live and digital poker play. The mobile platform streamlines registration and fast-tracks rebuys—players can instantly buy back into events, removing physical queues and reducing entry friction. This benefits high-volume, multi-entry players while levelling access across the field.

Features highlighted by Chad include:

• Simple registration and entry process
• Quick, in-app rebuys for multi-entry formats
• No lines or 'walk of shame' for re-entries

The app’s impact is immediate for player convenience but will also shape tournament operations and payments for future series. Chad anticipates continued development as digital-first systems become central to the live event experience.

2026 Main Event: Champion Profile and Final Table Assessment

The 2026 Main Event saw 22-year-old Lucas Jumalon emerge as champion, drawing praise from Chad for his composure and maturity. Jumalon’s win is notable both for his age and his approach to the ambassador role. Chad compared Jumalon's attitude favourably to previous champions who did not embrace public visibility. He credited Jumalon’s family support and recent college graduation as signs of his grounded nature but emphasised that ambassadorial duties remain optional.

Pros Greg Mueller and Michael Gagliano brought depth to the final table, ensuring a competitive and diverse line-up. While Chad noted a lack of a recognisable 'villain', he affirmed the quality of play and engagement provided by the finalists.

"At 22, to have that type of maturity, to understand the moment and treat it that way, I was really impressed." —Norman Chad

Jumalon’s stated goal of working toward legal online poker in the US signals ongoing advocacy from the new champion.

Broadcast and Content Format: Main Event and Studio Presentation

Chad was candid about the challenges in the Main Event’s broadcast structure. Only four post-produced Main Event episodes aired on ESPN prior to the delayed final table, each 45 minutes, which Chad argued is inadequate coverage for an eight-day flagship event. He upheld the value of the delayed final table but called for more episodes to properly showcase the length and complexity of the Main Event.

The daily Countdown Show, which Chad co-hosted with Jeff Platt, David Williams, and Joe Stapleton (with guests like Maria Ho), added a SportsCenter-style preview to each day’s play. Chad advocated for more diversity in its hosting line-up, specifically the inclusion of female hosts to better reflect evolving player demographics and to aid in growing the game’s audience.

Mixed Games Coverage Remains a Blind Spot

Mixed games remain under-represented in current broadcast schedules—a key frustration for Chad and many pros. He pointed out that only select Pot-Limit Omaha and the Poker Players Championship events received proper attention, with most live streams favouring No-Limit Hold’em. Noting stars like Shaun Deeb, Nick Schulman, Daniel Negreanu, and Michael Mizrachi as driving interest when featured at mixed final tables, Chad advocated for a broader showcase of poker variants in future programming.

Venue Experience: The Palace Set and Spectator Issues

The introduction of the 'Palace' studio set produced mixed reactions. While the three TV feature tables offer an upgrade for televised production, Chad noted the absence of adequate live spectator facilities. The new setup lacks a direct, accessible rail and offers minimal space for on-site fans—a departure from the traditional spectator-driven atmosphere. He acknowledged improvements, such as the LED chip count displays, but recommended adding iconic elements like a visible scoreboard with chip counts and tournament updates. Enhancing fan engagement within the venue forms a key part of Chad’s suggested roadmap.

Further Improvements and Player Amenities

Chad highlighted an ongoing pain point: player food options. He floated a light-hearted but pointed suggestion—dim sum carts circulating among tables—as an ambitious but likely impractical solution given existing casino restaurant interests. The bottom line remains that enhanced, accessible dining would improve the overall player experience at the World Series of Poker venues.

Operator and Organiser Considerations for Next Year

Chad’s critiques and recommendations summarize the evolving needs facing event organisers, platform vendors, and content providers in the current era:

• Leverage technology like the WSOP LIVE app for seamless entry and operations
• Expand content to cover all major poker variants and add diversity to on-screen representation
• Improve live experience with accessible fan viewing areas and better amenities
• Prioritise international broadcast reach through deals with channels and digital platforms

The WSOP’s 2026 edition brought technological, operational, and broadcast progress—but key aspects remain in flux for both the in-person and digital experience.