Winamax has struck what it calls a colossal partnership with the World Series of Poker that will give French audiences free access to nearly the entire WSOP 2026 series. Broadcasts begin May 29 and run nightly through July 15 on the operator’s official YouTube channel.
The coverage will be presented in French with popular local commentators and pros. Winamax plans up to ten hours of programming each evening, switching between events and showcasing key final tables in a cards-up format.
The Main Event takes center stage from its July 2 start. French viewers will follow along from Day 1 through the finish with a slight delay at the end. The final table pauses in mid July, then resumes August 3 to 5 after ESPN’s live US broadcasts conclude.
This marks the deepest media integration yet between Winamax and the series. The pair have collaborated for more than a decade on satellites, circuit stops, and original content.
What French viewers get every night
Winamax will package near live feeds across six weeks into a single nightly show. The stream will feature French language commentary led by well-known personalities such as PonceP and Londam, with guest appearances from pros.
Transitions between tables will be seamless. The production plans to jump to big moments and late stages as they happen. That structure promises a steady diet of highlights without dead air.
The operator will complement streams with interviews, features, and video series on its platforms. Inside the Mind of a Pro is slated to return for a twelfth season, alongside hand recaps produced with PokerNews.
All programming will be free to watch in France on YouTube. That removes a paywall that has often limited international access to poker’s biggest festival.
How the Main Event finale will work in 2026
The WSOP Main Event introduces a new cadence this summer. Play will pause once nine remain on July 13. Action restarts August 3 to 5 for a three night conclusion in US prime time on ESPN.
That format echoes the November Nine era, but on a 20 day break rather than three months. ESPN will air around 100 hours of programming, starting on Day 1A and extending through the live finale. The shift is part of a multi year deal that returns poker’s most watched tournament to its historic US home.
French viewers will be able to watch the final table on Winamax’s YouTube channel after ESPN’s live window, maintaining continuity for the local audience through the end.
The broadcast split clarifies roles by market. ESPN handles US distribution of the Main Event. Winamax serves as the destination for France with comprehensive series coverage and a delayed final table.
Key 2026 Main Event broadcast dates
| Date | Coverage window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| July 2 to July 12 | Daily episodes | ESPN carries Main Event Days 1 to 7 in the US. Winamax streams broader WSOP coverage nightly in France. |
| July 13 | Final table set | Play pauses for 20 days. |
| August 3 to August 5 | Live on ESPN | Three night finale in US prime time. Winamax airs a delayed final table feed for France. |
Why Winamax and WSOP are doubling down in France
The partnership builds on a long track record. Winamax began offering official WSOP satellites in 2014, when it joined the series as a European partner. Since then, the relationship has expanded year after year.
Winamax now runs weekly qualifiers to Las Vegas and side event packages. The campaign typically awards hundreds of thousands of euros in WSOP seats and travel each season.
The French room also mirrors Las Vegas online with its Mini WSOP, a summer series that tracks live schedules at smaller buy-ins. It has supported WSOP Circuit stops in France with online satellites, and at times has even hosted online ring events.
This latest media move places Winamax as the primary French window into the WSOP. It deepens brand affinity for both partners while opening access for casual fans who prioritize local language and free platforms.
The broader WSOP media picture is also shifting. The Main Event returns to ESPN with a 20 day pause to build storylines and finish in August prime time. That US deal aims squarely at mainstream reach and sustained audience growth.
For players planning the summer around the series, the official WSOP hub remains the anchor for schedules and results. For broadcast planning and platform specifics, the dedicated Where To Watch the WSOP guide tracks markets and outlets.
Winamax’s nightly streams begin May 29, with a full slate of bracelet action expected through July 15 and a delayed Main Event finale airing after August 5.
