2026 WSOP PoY: Deeb, Foxen & Kihara Battle for $1M

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Fri Oct 09, 2026, 10:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

2026 WSOP PoY: Deeb, Foxen & Kihara Battle for $1M

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The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Player of the Year (POY) race will conclude at WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas. Shaun Deeb leads a tightly contested leaderboard, with Naoya Kihara and Alex Foxen close behind. Just 29 points separate the top three players heading into the final stretch.

The championship carries significant stakes beyond the title itself, as WSOP has allocated $1 million in prizes for the leaderboard's top 100 finishers. 

Moreover, Deeb could make history by securing an unprecedented third POY title. His win would break his current tie with Daniel Negreanu for the most POY titles in WSOP history.

Deeb, Kihara, and Foxen Battle for the Lead

Deeb enters the final stage with 3,410 points, putting him 22 points ahead of Kihara. Foxen sits third with 3,381 points, trailing Deeb by only 29 points.

That narrow margin leaves the race wide open as the players prepare for WSOP Paradise. Deeb will attempt to protect his advantage, while Kihara and Foxen have opportunities to overtake him with strong performances.

A third championship would add another milestone to Deeb's already decorated poker career. However, Kihara and Foxen could derail that pursuit by delivering stronger results during the final series.

The leaderboard also features prominent names outside the leading trio. Daniel Negreanu and 2026 WSOP Main Event champion Lucas Jumalon rank among the top 15 contenders. Their positions could change as the final events reshape the standings and determine who earns the remaining rewards.

Top 15 Players in the 2026 WSOP POY Race

Position Name Points
1 Shaun Deeb (United States) 3,410
2 Naoya Kihara (Japan) 3,388
3 Alex Foxen (United States) 3,381
4 Justin Liberto (United States) 2,827
5 Joshua Arieh (United States) 2,750
6 Daniel Negreanu (Canada) 2,698
7 Jesse Lonis (United States) 2,674
8 Eelis Jaakko Eino Paerssinen (Finland) 2,638
9 Michael J. Moncek (United States) 2,592
10 Joshua Reichard (United States) 2,575
11 Benny Glaser (United Kingdom) 2,554
12 Nicholas Schulman (United States) 2,552
13 Calvin Anderson (Mexico) 2,365
14 Martin Zamani (United States) 2,280
15 Lucas Jumalon (United States) 2,271

$1 Million Prize Pool Adds to the Stakes

WSOP has set aside $1 million for the top 100 players in the 2026 Player of the Year standings. The three highest finishers will each receive a $100,000 WSOP Paradise Package.

Players finishing fourth through 15th will earn $30,000 Super Main Event Packages. Additional packages and championship tickets extend the rewards through 100th place, giving contenders throughout the leaderboard incentives to pursue further points.

These awards are separate from the prize money players can win in individual tournaments. Consequently, the POY race offers another incentive for leading competitors to perform well during the season's final events.

WSOP Paradise Brings a $50 Million Main Event

WSOP Paradise runs from December 2–17, 2026, bringing the season's final major championship to the Bahamas. Its headline attraction is the Super Main Event, which carries a $50 million guaranteed prize pool.

The festival provides the final stage for eligible players to strengthen their POY positions before WSOP determines the overall winner. With only 29 points separating the leading trio, results during the closing events could prove decisive.

The 2026 leaderboard combines results from the summer WSOP in Las Vegas, WSOP Europe, and WSOP Paradise. This structure rewards sustained performance across the broader tournament season rather than success in one championship alone.

The wider WSOP ecosystem also includes online bracelet tournaments, keeping players engaged through different formats. Those following US online poker sites can track the broader tournament scene, although the POY standings depend on results counted under the official leaderboard's rules.

Paradise Set to Crown the 2026 Champion

Deeb begins the final stretch in front, but Kihara and Foxen remain within striking distance. The $1 million leaderboard prize pool and valuable tournament packages add further significance to the Bahamas finale.

Ultimately, WSOP Paradise will determine whether Deeb can secure a historic third POY title or a challenger claims the season-long honor. With a record potentially within reach and just 29 points separating the top three, the race remains one of the festival's key storylines.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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