2026 WSOPE Main Event shatters records with €10M prize pool in Prague

Poker's biggest stars clash as Prague hosts the most lucrative WSOPE yet. From Annette Obrestad's early dominance to Martin Kabrhel's chaotic showdowns, drama unfolds fast.

, and Administrator

2026 May 9 . 11:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of men sitting around a table playing poker, with coins and cards spread... — The image shows a group of men sitting around a table playing poker, with coins and cards spread out in front of them. In the background, there is a pillar and other objects, suggesting that the men are participating in a poker tournament.

2026 WSOPE Main Event shatters records with €10M prize pool in Prague

The 2026 World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) Main Event kicked off in Prague with record-breaking numbers. By the end of Day 1A, 803 players had entered, surpassing last year’s attendance by the dinner break. The event also boasts a €10 million prize pool—the largest live guarantee in European poker history. The tournament began with high energy, as Annette Obrestad, the 2007 champion, made an early impact with a massive hand. Meanwhile, Phil Hellmuth, one of poker’s most recognisable figures, was absent due to personal commitments.

Martin Kabrhel, a divisive but attention-grabbing player, became one of the first to appear on the livestream. He quickly lost his initial stack but re-entered, securing a fresh 60,000 chips. His presence drew extra attention, with a dedicated crew documenting his every move. Kabrhel’s run included a dramatic showdown against Mustapha Kanit in the very first hand broadcast. The clash set the tone for an event filled with big names and even bigger pots.

With more players than last year and a historic prize pool, the 2026 WSOPE Main Event is shaping up to be a landmark tournament. Kabrhel’s antics and early action have already added to the spectacle, while the record-breaking field ensures intense competition in the days ahead.