LAS VEGAS – Less than a week into the 57th annual World Series of Poker, anticipation is already building inside Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas as thousands of players pursue the game’s most coveted prize. While early‑series bracelets have been awarded and massive fields continue to fill marquee events, one of the WSOP’s biggest attractions has been taking shape behind closed curtains: a completely redesigned Main Event Final Table stage.
For days, the future home of poker’s world championship remained hidden behind black drapes in the Paris tournament area as construction crews and production teams worked around the clock. On May 29, the WSOP officially unveiled the new arena during a presentation attended by media, industry guests and members of the poker community.
WSOP Chief Executive Officer Ty Stewart was joined by Jeff Platt, Joe Stapleton, Norman Chad, Spunky Hwang, David Williams, Justin Garrone and longtime poker television producer Mori Eskandani to introduce the project. Speakers highlighted the WSOP’s long‑term commitment to elevating production quality, fan engagement and live broadcast coverage.
The reveal came as the curtain wall dropped, exposing a state‑of‑the‑art arena illuminated by LED displays and modern stage lighting. Attendees immediately dubbed the venue the new WSOP “mothership,” a reference to the iconic stages used in past Main Events.
The unveiling follows the WSOP’s announcement that the 2026 Main Event will return to ESPN for live coverage. Officials said the broadcast partnership provided the ideal moment to invest in a redesigned set capable of matching the scale of the tournament.
The new arena spans roughly 25,000 square feet and includes 16 feature tables in addition to the Main Event stage, giving production crews greater flexibility throughout the summer. Expanded seating and larger rail sections will accommodate supporters and create a more energetic atmosphere during deep runs and final‑table play.
How to Watch
The $10,000 No‑Limit Hold’em Main Event begins July 2, with ESPN launching live coverage the same day as Flight A gets underway. Broadcasts will continue through July 13, when the official final table is reached. As in recent years, play will pause at that point, with finalists returning to Las Vegas several weeks later.
The 2026 Main Event finale is scheduled for Aug. 3–5, when one player will claim the championship bracelet inside the newly unveiled arena.
ESPN’s broadcast team will feature Ali Nejad and 2025 Poker Hall of Fame inductee Nick Schulman, joined by the WSOP’s expanded on‑air roster: Jeff Platt, David Williams, Lon McEachern, Norman Chad, Maria Ho and Joe Stapleton. Coverage will include live commentary, interviews, analysis and behind‑the‑scenes features.
The WSOP Countdown Show, hosted by Platt, Stapleton and Chad with appearances from 2004 Main Event runner‑up David Williams, is now airing daily on YouTube.
