Shaun Deeb has an opportunity to make historical past in two methods on the 2026 World Collection of Poker (WSOP) — an actual good probability.
The reigning WSOP Participant of the Yr, in an interview with PokerNews throughout a break in Occasion #2: $5,000 8-Handed No-Restrict Maintain’em, appeared assured he’ll turn into the primary to win POY in consecutive years and 3 times general. However he predicts an in depth good friend of his will give him a run for his cash.
Deeb, who constructed an enormous stack early on Day 2 earlier than busting wanting the cash, has a headstart on 2026 WSOP Participant of the Yr. He racked up two runner-up finishes and a ninth-place rating throughout the WSOP Europe collection in April. Contenders can solely use their high 15 level scores in direction of the POY standings, so he is forward of the curve.
“I’ve principally the equal of a bracelet lead on the sphere,” Deeb mentioned, acknowledging his headstart. “So, I undoubtedly fill out my scores, make 5 – 6 ultimate tables this summer season, get a win, after which, you recognize, I am an enormous favourite going to the Bahamas.”
The WSOP modified up the POY format this yr, now together with outcomes from WSOP Europe (April) and WSOP Paradise (December) to issue into the ultimate standings. Making historical past would imply an ideal deal to Deeb, who places in as a lot or extra effort chasing POY yearly as anybody on the planet.
“I deliberate it for the final 10 years to go tremendous arduous (for Participant of the Yr),” Deeb mentioned. “Going back-to-back, I understand how arduous it’s. I understand how little my yearly fairness truly is in the beginning of the yr. Everybody thinks I am method larger than I truly am. So, to drag it off will probably be wonderful. I ought to have finished it in ’19. I am nonetheless bitter about that one. So, yeah, going back-to-back will probably be cool, and it is one thing that may most likely by no means be finished in the remainder of poker.”
Deeb’s Hardest Competitor?
Deeb, who went for the very best bid ($133) within the 25k Fantasy Draft, is chasing his ninth bracelet, which will surely assist his possibilities of being voted into the Poker Corridor of Fame this summer season, his first yr of eligibility after turning 40. He’d additionally turn into simply the seventh participant in historical past to achieve that milestone.
Ought to the poker legend add to his jewellery case this summer season, he’ll be powerful to beat within the Participant of the Yr race, particularly given the headstart. However he thinks no less than one participant will give him some powerful competitors.
“I would select ‘Texas Mike,'” Deeb answered when requested who he anticipates will probably be his hardest challenger. “One among my good buddies. He is certainly one of two individuals who will play extra bullets than me and extra precise occasions. So, yeah, Mike’s in there, every part, he’ll multi-table far more than me. I attempt to burn fairness generally, however he’ll simply play each occasion that’s on the schedule sooner or later, and he is a sicko.”
“He loves the grind for POY. I am proud to see him achieve success. I am proud to see him get higher and get the notoriety for a way arduous he works for what he does. And, yeah, it will be an ideal 50 days battling with him. We’re each rooting for one another. If I do not win, I would like him to win.”
Michael “Texas Mike” Moncek has two bracelets and 23 WSOP ultimate desk appearances. Deeb anticipates his good friend will hearth as many bullets as potential this summer season chasing Participant of the Yr. However Texas Mike will probably be taking no less than someday off from match play when he competes in Hustler On line casino Reside’s Million Greenback Sport, a $1 million buy-in money sport, on June 12 in Las Vegas.
One legend Deeb would not appear to suppose will give him a lot competitors within the Participant of the Yr race is Phil Hellmuth. And that’s as a result of Deeb would not even suppose the “Poker Brat,” proprietor of a file 17 bracelets, won’t ever win one other WSOP occasion.
“So, hear, I really like Phil. I feel he was an ideal participant. I feel he’s nonetheless able to being an ideal participant. However at (age 60), he would not put within the quantity. He is available in late. It is arduous for him to play nice poker till 2 a.m., and a variety of the tournaments he performs are the bigger-field stuff. If he listened to me and I gave him recommendation, I would have him play 20 tournaments. I would decide which 20, have the smallest fields that he has an affordable shot in. However he performs some tournaments which might be very arduous to win, it would not matter in the event you’re the most effective participant within the subject,” Deeb mentioned.
Hellmuth final gained a bracelet in 2023 and has a objective of profitable 24 bracelets earlier than hanging it up. Deeb predicts he’ll surpass Hellmuth’s file in 10 years by averaging one bracelet per yr over that span.
Shaun Deeb Says Phil Hellmuth Will By no means Win One other WSOP Bracelet
