The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) continued its upward trend on its tenth day. Three gold bracelets were awarded that day, and several key events reached their climax. Italian poker star Dario Sammartino advanced to the final 10 in the $1,500 Dealer's Choice event, steadily progressing towards his second WSOP gold bracelet.
The three new champions have been officially crowned.
The tenth day of competition saw the conclusion of three championship matches.
In Event #11:$10,000 GGMillion$ High Roller, American player Naseem Salem emerged victorious, winning his first WSOP gold bracelet and a first-place prize of $1,089,964. This is also the largest live tournament winnings of his career to date.
Another highly anticipated event, the #16:$1,700 US Circuit Championship, was won by Antonio Vargas. Vargas emerged victorious from a field of 2,148 participants, taking home $439,605 in prize money and his first WSOP gold bracelet.
In the highly technical Event #17:$10,000 No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw Championship, Japanese star Naoya Kihara pulled off one of the most inspiring comebacks of this year's WSOP. Kihara was once left with only a very short chip, but ultimately succeeded in turning the tide to win the championship, taking home $428,923 in prize money and his second WSOP gold bracelet.
Dario Sammartino aims for his second gold bracelet.
Besides the crowning of the champion, Event #20:$1,500 Dealer's Choice also attracted a lot of attention.
After the second day of competition, only 10 players remained in contention for the championship. The leader was American player Philip Wess, who held a commanding 5,370,000 chips, nearly a third of the total chips in the game.
However, the most attention-grabbing figure was Italian legend Dario Sammartino.
This world-class professional poker player, who once reached the runner-up position in the WSOP Main Event, is currently ranked second with 2,030,000 chips, maintaining an excellent position to contend for the championship.
If Sammartino wins the title, he will earn his second WSOP gold bracelet and further solidify his important position in the history of European poker.
The remaining players who have advanced to the final 10 include strong professional poker players such as Nathan Gamble, Jeff Madsen, and Kelvin Zhao, so the champion remains a mystery.
Monster Stack continues to be a hit
Monster Stack, one of the most popular major events at the WSOP each year, once again demonstrated its amazing popularity this year.
Event #18:$1,500 Monster Stack Day 1B attracted 1,903 participants, with only 667 advancing to the next round.
British player Jamie Dwan became the Day 1B chip leader with 925,000 chips.
Other notable players who successfully advanced include:
- Jason Daly
- Jonas Lauck
- David Jackson
- Toby Lewis
- Matthew Davenport
Professional poker players, etc.
On the other hand, Day 2A also concluded successfully.
American veteran Ralph Perry is ranked third with 3,320,000 chips, demonstrating remarkable consistency. This veteran, with over 30 years of poker experience, who finished third in the 2002 WSOP Main Event, is once again aiming for a major tournament title.
Chinese player Zhijian Zhang is currently ranked high with 3,010,000 chips, maintaining his chance to compete for the championship.
The 25K High Roller Tournament boasts a star-studded lineup.
Event #19: $25,000 High Roller No-Limit Hold'em, which is of great interest to high-stakes players, has also completed its Day 1B schedule.
A total of 167 people participated that day, of whom 53 successfully advanced.
Spanish player Yaman Nakdali leads the field with 1,996,000 points.
It's worth mentioning that he eliminated the controversial Martin Kabrhel in a crucial match, successfully establishing a significant advantage.
Other players who advanced include:
- Alex Foxen
- Artur Martirosian
- Brian Rast
- Boris Kolev
- Punnat Punsri
- Michael Moncek
He is a regular participant in world-class high roller tournaments.
As the tournament progresses, this high-stakes event is sure to become another major highlight of this week's WSOP.
PLO8 tournaments usher in a new battlefield
The newly launched Event #21: $1,500 Pot-Limit Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better is also quite popular.
The first day attracted 1,093 entries, an increase of over 201 TP3T compared to last year. American player Thomas Zanot led Day 1 with 485,000 chips.
This tournament has always been an important battleground for skilled hybrid gamers, and it is expected to attract even more attention in the coming days.
WSOP enters a period of frequent champion births
With the competition entering its second week, the 2026 WSOP has officially entered a phase where champions are being crowned in quick succession.
Three gold bracelet winners were crowned on the tenth day of competition alone, while popular events such as Monster Stack, $25K High Roller, and Dealer's Choice are also gradually entering their crucial moments.
Dario Sammartino's journey to win his second gold bracelet will undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated events.
For poker fans around the world, the most exciting chapter of the 2026 WSOP continues.
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