News WSOP Player of the Year Race Comes Down to Three Players

[Bawse]

The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Player of the Year race is shaping up for a dramatic finish, with just 29 points separating the top three players heading into December’s WSOP Paradise festival in the Bahamas.​

Shaun Deeb currently leads the standings with 3,410 points, followed closely by Japan’s Naoya Kihara with 3,388 and Alex Foxen with 3,381.

Deeb Chasing History​

Deeb, the defending Player of the Year, is looking to become the first player to win the award three times. He has already claimed nine WSOP bracelets and secured another bracelet victory in Las Vegas this summer, along with several other deep tournament runs.

Kihara and Foxen Remain Close Behind​

Kihara has enjoyed an outstanding year, winning two $10,000 Championship events and recording 16 cashes during the Las Vegas series. With three career bracelets, he has a genuine opportunity to become the first Japanese player to win the WSOP Player of the Year title.

Foxen has also put together an impressive campaign, recording 14 cashes and winning the $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty event for $594,246. His strong performances across several high-stakes tournaments have kept him firmly in contention.

$1 Million in Leaderboard Prizes​

WSOP Paradise will determine the final standings, with $1 million in leaderboard prizes available to the top 100 players. The top three finishers will each receive a $100,000 WSOP Paradise package, while additional packages and tournament tickets will be awarded to other qualifying players.

Daniel Negreanu, currently sixth with 2,698 points, is also hoping to make a late charge for a third Player of the Year title.

This year’s competition combines results from WSOP Europe, the summer series in Las Vegas, and WSOP Paradise. Only players’ best 15 eligible results count toward their final points totals, making the upcoming festival crucial for those hoping to climb the leaderboard.

Who do you think will win the 2026 WSOP Player of the Year race: Shaun Deeb, Naoya Kihara, Alex Foxen, or someone else?

Source: https://www.pokernews.com/news/2026...d-wsop-player-of-the-year-race-ever-52570.htm