2026 WSOP: Calvin Anderson Becomes Second Double Bracelet Winner of Summer

Calvin Anderson Becomes Double Bracelet Winner

Calvin Anderson and Naoya Kihara should probably have dinner together to compare notes. Over the last weekend, Anderson became the second player after Kihara to win two gold bracelets at the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP).

Not only that, but like Kihara, Anderson also won back-to-back championship events. He first won last week's Event #48: $10,000 Razz Championship, followed by a victory in Event #54: $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship.

Seven Bracelets Join Legendary Ranks

These two bracelets bring Anderson's career total to seven, placing him among a very select group of elite players. He now stands alongside a collection of Poker Hall of Famers or future Hall of Famers: Michael Mizrachi, Brian Rast, Scott Seiver, Daniel Negreanu, John Hennigan, Men Nguyen, and Billy Baxter. Only nine players have more than seven bracelets.

Anderson and Kihara belong to another elite subset—players who have won back-to-back championship events. Other members include Doyle Brunson, Stu Ungar, George Danzer, Jason Mercier, and Greg Merson.

Ranked 11th in Player of the Year

Despite his double victory, Anderson sits only 11th in the 2026 WSOP Player of the Year standings. He earned roughly 1,500 points from these two events, but with only one other finish in the points, his total stands at 1,726.

In comparison, leader William Foxen has 2,720 points—nearly 1,000 more than Anderson. Foxen has "only" won one bracelet, but that win earned him over 1,000 points. Additionally, he has four other cashes, each earning more than 300 points.

As a side note, Naoya Kihara ranks fourth with 2,007 points. Players' scores are based on their top 15 finishes.

Focus on What You Love, Not the Rankings

Anderson doesn't seem bothered. He told PokerNews: "I didn't come into the Series trying to win Player of the Year, and I wasn't trying to pursue it. I'm just playing the events I think I'm good at. I've skipped a lot of events... I only play the ones where I feel stronger and where I want to play. It feels better when you're only doing the things you truly want to do."

Anderson's attempt to win three straight championship events fell short, as he was eliminated without cashing in Event #60: $50,000 Poker Players Championship.