Lou Garza is aiming for back-to-back 25K titles! Only 15 players remain in the PPC, making WSOP Day 30 a day full of exciting moments.

The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) entered its 30th day, with the competition gradually moving into the later stages and the battle for the championships becoming increasingly fierce.

One of the biggest highlights of the day came from the $25,000 PLO/NLH Mixed High Roller event. Last year's champion, Lou Garza, once again demonstrated his dominance, successfully reaching the final table and coming within one step of achieving back-to-back victories.

Meanwhile, the $50,000 Poker Players Championship (PPC), hailed as the pinnacle of poker skill, has entered its final sprint, with only 15 top players remaining to compete for the more than $1.34 million prize and the championship trophy, the highest honor in hybrid games.

Lou Garza sets his sights on back-to-back championships.

Lou Garza once again became the center of attention at Event #67: $25,000 Pot-Limit Omaha / No-Limit Hold'em Mixed High Roller.

This American professional poker player won the same event in 2025 and earned the most important WSOP gold bracelet of his career.

A year later, Garza once again delivered a dominant performance.

Despite facing fierce competition from numerous high-stakes star players, he still managed to advance to the final stage, becoming one of the players with the best chance of defending his title.

If he ultimately succeeds in reaching the top, he will become one of the very few players in the history of the event to achieve consecutive victories.

PLO and NLH dual training tests comprehensive strength

Unlike traditional single-event tournaments, this $25,000 Mixed High Roller tournament adopts the following format:

• Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO)
• No-Limit Hold'em (NLH)

A special competition format with alternating rounds.

Players not only need to have top-level Texas Hold'em skills, but also a solid foundation in Omaha.

This tournament format puts players' overall abilities to the test, and is therefore considered one of the most challenging high-stakes events in the WSOP.

Garza's ability to advance deeply into the competition for two consecutive years proves that its comprehensive technical capabilities have reached the world's top level.

Benny Glaser continues to lead PPC

Meanwhile, the $50,000 Poker Players Championship continues to attract the attention of the entire poker world.

After Day 4, British mixed game master Benny Glaser maintained his lead.

As a legendary player with eight WSOP gold bracelets, Glaser is on his way to his ninth.

He has already shown excellent form during this WSOP, and the PPC championship will undoubtedly be one of the most important honors in his career.

Phil Ivey continues to pursue his dreams.

For many poker fans, the biggest draw of the PPC remains Phil Ivey.

Despite having 11 WSOP gold bracelets, Ivey has yet to win a Poker Players Championship.

In this tournament, he successfully entered the final 15 and remained in the championship group.

If we ultimately win the championship:

• He will win his 12th career gold bracelet.
• First time holding the Chip Reese Trophy
• Completing one of the most important pieces of the puzzle in your professional resume

Therefore, every step that follows is closely watched by the poker world.

A star-studded lineup is still vying for the title.

The lineup of players who made it to the final 15 of the PPC can be described as an "all-star tournament".

Besides Benny Glaser and Phil Ivey, the following players are still on the court:

• Jason Mercier
• Josh Arieh
• Alex Livingston
• Chris Brewer
• Paul Volpe
• Phil Hellmuth

Hellmuth is currently chasing his 18th WSOP gold bracelet.

Jason Mercier, on the other hand, hopes to stand on the WSOP champion's podium again after many years.

This lineup has led many industry insiders to call this year's PPC the most competitive one in recent years.

Millionaire Maker enters its final stage

Another highly anticipated event – the $1,500 Millionaire Maker – is also nearing its end.

The final table lineup for the large-scale tournament with thousands of participants has been determined.

The champion will not only receive more than $1.25 million in prize money, but will also win their first WSOP gold bracelet.

For many ordinary players, this tournament remains an important stage for changing their careers and even their life trajectories.

Preview of Match Day 31

As the WSOP enters its 31st day, several heavyweight champions are about to be revealed.

The focus includes:

• Lou Garza aims for back-to-back titles in the 25K Mixed High Roller tournament.
• Benny Glaser competes for his 9th gold bracelet.
• Phil Ivey pursues his dream of becoming a PPC champion.
• Phil Hellmuth aims for his 18th gold medal in history.
• The Millionaire Maker champion is about to be crowned.

From high-stakes tournaments to mixed-game pinnacle events, the 2026 WSOP has entered its most exciting phase.

For Lou Garza, the opportunity to make history was right in front of him.

If he can successfully defend his title, he will become one of the brightest stars of this year's WSOP.

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