2026 WSOP Main Event Bubble Bursts as Zixuan Liu Wins First Bracelet
Day 4 of the 2026 WSOP Main Event sees the money bubble pop, Zixuan Liu claims his first bracelet in Event #85, and chip leader Sasha Liu heads the field.
Las Vegas, Nevada – July 9, 2026 – The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event has reached a critical juncture as Day 4 gets underway. With the opening days complete, the tournament is set to burst the money bubble, guaranteeing each remaining player at least $15,000. The official prize pool was confirmed late in Day 2D, with every final table participant assured a minimum of $1 million and the champion taking home $10 million.
Zixuan Liu Wins First WSOP Bracelet
In other action, China's Zixuan Liu captured his first WSOP gold bracelet in Event #85: $1,000 No-Limit Hold'em. Liu defeated Justin Shiao heads-up with eight-four suited, earning $219,391 – the largest score of his poker career. The victory adds to the growing international presence at this year's series.
Main Event Day 4 Chip Leaders
As the bubble looms, Sasha Liu leads the Main Event with 2,364,000 chips, just seven spots from the money. The top five chip counts are:
- Sasha Liu – 2,364,000
- Martin Zamani – 1,963,000
- Levon Khachatryan – 1,745,000
- Robert Gill – 1,604,000
- Zdenek Zizka – 1,576,000
Final Table Payouts
The final table payouts for the 2026 Main Event are as follows:
- 1st: $10,000,000
- 2nd: $6,000,000
- 3rd: $3,750,000
- 4th: $2,750,000
- 5th: $2,250,000
- 6th: $1,750,000
- 7th: $1,500,000
- 8th: $1,250,000
- 9th: $1,000,000
Global Participation
The Main Event has drawn players from 111 countries, with the United States leading with 5,634 entrants. Other top countries include Canada (371), the United Kingdom (356), France (296), Japan (222), Brazil (172), China (169), Israel (154), Spain (148), and Germany (146). Among U.S. states, California tops the list with 965 participants, followed by Nevada (738) and Florida (634).
The oldest player in the field is Marshall Brenden at 94 years old, while the youngest is Trevor O'Brien at 21 years and 11 days.
Upcoming Key Events
As the Main Event continues, several notable tournaments remain on the schedule:
- July 10 – Event #92: $3,000 T.O.R.S.E. – A mixed-game event that alternates between popular poker variations, excluding No-Limit Hold'em. This tournament is expected to attract players who enjoy testing their skills across multiple disciplines.
- July 12 – Event #95: $500 Summer Saver No-Limit Hold'em – A low-stakes tournament offering players a chance to win a prize that could cover their summer expenses. Low-stakes events typically draw large crowds, so expect a lively atmosphere.
- July 13 – Event #97: $25,000 High Roller H.O.R.S.E. – The final high roller tournament of the 2026 WSOP, providing one last opportunity to see top players in action.
How to Follow the Action
Poker fans can watch the WSOP via ESPN's daily broadcasts or on the WSOP YouTube channel. The WSOP Live app offers real-time chip stacks, updates, and registration for events at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas. Follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram for the latest news.
About the World Series of Poker
The WSOP is the largest, richest, and most prestigious poker brand in the world, having awarded over $4 billion in prize money since its inception in 1970. In 2025, the Las Vegas flagship event attracted 246,960 entrants and awarded more than $481 million – both all-time records. The WSOP also includes Circuit Events, WSOP Europe, WSOP Paradise, and the WSOP Online festival. International satellites are hosted exclusively at GGPoker.
FAQ
- The bubble is set to pop on Day 4, which is July 9, 2026. Each player who finishes in the money will receive at least $15,000.