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On Day 27 of the 2026 WSOP, Michael Mizrachi failed to win his fifth 50K Poker Players Championship title, ending his run just before the final table. Portuguese star Joao Vieira leads the final six, aiming for his second WSOP gold bracelet.
The WSOP's most prestigious tournament enters its final stage.
The 27th day of the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) featured one of the most anticipated events of the tournament – Event #66.$50,000 Poker Players Championship (PPC)。
As the WSOP's most technically demanding mixed-game tournament, PPC has always been the ultimate stage for the world's top poker players to compete for glory.
However, Michael Mizrachi, the biggest focus of this competition, failed to continue his legendary run.
This four-time PPC champion was unfortunately stopped on his way to an unprecedented fifth title, missing the final table and temporarily shattering his dream of becoming a "five-time champion".
Mizrachi was one step away from history.
For years, Michael Mizrachi has been synonymous with the Poker Players Championship.
He once:
- Winning the championship in 2010
- Winning the championship in 2012
- Winning the championship in 2018
- Win the championship in 2025
He has accumulated four PPC championship trophies, setting a new record.
Before the start of this tournament, many players were hoping that he could achieve an unprecedented fifth championship.
In Day 4, Mizrachi remained competitive for a time, but as the number of players on the field decreased, he ultimately lost in a crucial match and failed to make it to the final six.
This also means that a new champion story will emerge at this year's PPC.
Joao Vieira is leading the final table.
With Mizrachi eliminated, Portuguese star Joao Vieira has become the favorite.
At the end of Day 4, Vieira had accumulated 13,750,000 chips, placing her at the top of the six remaining players.
In recent years, Vieira has performed exceptionally well in high-stakes buy-in tournaments, and in 2024 he won his first WSOP gold bracelet.
Now that he has once again reached the PPC final table, he is poised to win the most prestigious title of his career.
PPC Final Table Six List
| Ranking | player | Scoreboard |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joao Vieira | 13,750,000 |
| 2 | Esther Taylor | 10,950,000 |
| 3 | Andrew Yeh | 8,900,000 |
| 4 | Albert Daher | 7,750,000 |
| 5 | Ben Lamb | 4,825,000 |
| 6 | Matthew Schreiber | 2,525,000 |
All six contestants have secured at least $200,000 in prize money, but their goals are clearly singular—the championship and the gold bracelet.
Esther Taylor has a historic opportunity.
Another major focus at the final table came from American player Esther Taylor.
She advanced to the final six with the second-highest score.
If she wins the title, Taylor will become the first female champion in the history of the Poker Players Championship.
Since PPC is considered the pinnacle of hybrid gaming, this record will have extremely important historical significance.
Her advancement has also brought more attention to this competition.
Daniel Negreanu advanced to the next round but was unfortunately eliminated.
Seven-time WSOP gold bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu also had a stellar performance at this year's PPC.
He remained in the top ranks at the end of Day 3 and continued to hold onto his title hopes.
However, in the crucial Day 4 stage, Negreanu failed to make the final breakthrough and ultimately stopped at the final table.
Although he failed to win the championship, this was still an important achievement for him in advancing to the next round of this year's WSOP.
The $1,000 Mini Main Event was a huge hit.
In addition to PPC, Event #75:$1,000 Mini Main EventIt also continues to attract a large number of players.
Day 1A attracted thousands of applicants, and the venue was packed with people.
As one of the most popular mass participation events before the main event, the Mini Main Event once again demonstrates the WSOP's strong appeal.
The participation of a large number of amateur and professional players makes the competition full of unknowns and surprises.
Seniors High Roller enters a heated phase
Another key event: Event #70$5,000 Seniors High RollerIt's also nearing its end.
Several experienced veterans are still competing for the championship.
As the competition enters its final stage, the competition for prize money and gold bracelets has become increasingly fierce.
Can Joao Vieira achieve the biggest breakthrough of his career?
Although Joao Vieira is currently leading the top six, PPC has always been known for its many unpredictable events.
From Limit Hold'em to Razz, from Omaha Hi-Lo to 2-7 Triple Draw, each game transition can change the course of the battle.
Therefore, even with a lead, Vieira cannot afford to be complacent.
In particular, experienced opponents such as Esther Taylor and Ben Lamb still pose a significant threat.
Day 28 Focus Preview
With the Poker Players Championship entering its final battle, Day 28 of the WSOP will feature one of the most anticipated finals of the year.
The focus includes:
- Joao Vieira aims for her second WSOP gold bracelet.
- Esther Taylor challenges to become the first female champion in PPC history.
- Ben Lamb once again makes a run for legendary glory.
- Mini Main Event continues to generate buzz among participants.
For the world of poker, regardless of who ultimately wins the championship, the 2026 PPC will leave a significant mark.
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