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World Series of Poker Kicks Off in Las Vegas with High-Stakes Fantasy Draft
TournamentsMay 28, 2026·1 min read

World Series of Poker Kicks Off in Las Vegas with High-Stakes Fantasy Draft


The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has officially kicked off in Las Vegas, marking the start of an exciting season for poker enthusiasts worldwide. The fantasy draft, a key event, saw 24 teams register, matching the number from the previous year.

Shaun Deeb emerged as the most expensive player in the draft, costing a staggering $133. Gary Benson, known for his strategic team-building, spent $167 out of his $200 budget on his team, which included $18 for Yuki Zhu. John Hennigan, renowned for his limit games, was seen in chip counts, suggesting he plans to play the entire series.

Michael Moncek bought himself for $130, and his brother Tyler is also part of his team. Daniel Negreanu, a prominent figure in the poker world, bought himself for $130 and included Josh Arie, who had a poor performance in the previous series. Negreanu's strategy involves 'sniping' players based on who is bidding for whom. Matt Glantz was bought for $27 by The Dinkers, likely due to information that he won't play much.

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Argus Riven

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Argus Riven

I've spent years at the tables — cash and tournaments — and just as long shaping poker copy behind the scenes: room reviews, bonus fine print, tournament notes. At PokerInsider I write the way I wish more sites would: clear structure, honest trade-offs, no hype. Whether you're new or already grinding, I care about what the offer actually costs you — rake, variance, and the fine print — and I treat responsible play as part of the job, not a footnote.

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