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Sunday, January 18, 2026

World Series of Poker Announces $80.8M Main Event Prize Pool

  • The prize pool and number of players (8,663) are both second-most all-time behind the 2006 edition (8,773; $82.5M).
  • The top eight places will take home over $1 million each.
USATODAY

The World Series of Poker Main Event is set to be the biggest one since its mid-2000s heyday.

The 2022 No-Limit Hold ‘Em World Championship will see 8,663 players competing for a prize pool of $80.8 million — both second-most all-time behind the 2006 edition (8,773; $82.5M).

This year’s tournament will pay out the top 1,300 players, with the winner claiming a $10 million payday. Places 1,082 through 1,300 will take home $15,000 each and the top eight players will take home over $1 million each.

  • 1st: $10M
  • 2nd: $6M
  • 3rd: $4M
  • 4th: $3M
  • 5th: $2.3M
  • 6th: $1.8M
  • 7th: $1.4M
  • 8th: $1.1M

As it is every year, the buy-in for the Main Event is $10,000.

Last year, Koray Aldemir took home the championship bracelet and an $8 million grand prize.

Through Day 5 of this year’s tournament, Taylor von Kriegenbergh leads the field with $5.3 million in chips.

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