January 2, 2026

A year in poker, starring broken guitars, banishments, and busted records.

PokerOrg’s Alternative Awards for 2025 are less about trophies and more about memorable moments. The article opens with a nod to the unusual, highlighting Phil Hellmuth’s musical entrance at the WSOP. His promise to skip the Main Event broke about as cleanly as his guitar.

“He can make a figurative song and dance about anything, but at the summer World Series of Poker he proved he can actually make a literal song and dance, too.”

Will Kassouf, once known for his catchphrases, wore out his welcome with arguments and threats, earning himself a ban for the remainder of the WSOP. Meanwhile, Benny Glaser’s three bracelet wins were impressive, but not enough to secure Player of the Year, thanks to Shaun Deeb’s consistent results.

And if you thought poker pots couldn’t get any bigger, think again. 2025 saw the largest televised pot by a wide margin, setting a new record that will be hard to beat.

January 02

Netflix, cooler weather, and another shot at glory.

PokerOrg thinks 2026 could be a landmark year for poker. The Aussie Millions is returning after a six-year break, running from April 24 to May 10 in Melbourne—though you’ll need to bring a jacket, since it’s autumn Down Under.

There’s also talk of a new eight-part poker drama on Netflix, with the creative team from Rounders and Billions, plus Martin Scorsese producing and insights from Maria Konnikova. The hope is that this will finally give poker its due on screen.

The WSOP promises more global eyes on the Main Event, and PokerStars is putting on an “Easter double.” As for the Super Main Event, the only question left is how much bigger it can get.

Not your average lawyer: indicted, but crushing billionaires at the tables.

Few lawyers can say their side hustle involved beating billionaires at poker for tens of millions.

According to PokerNews, Tom Goldstein, who is currently facing tax fraud charges, claims he took $26 million off Alec Gores in high-stakes heads-up matches. The story gets juicier, as Goldstein told The New York Times Magazine he regularly played super-high-stakes games against 'three ultra-wealthy individuals,’ notching up $50 million in profits in 2016 alone.

He also revealed that California billionaire Stewart Resnick staked him a $10 million line of credit just to play.

According to PokerNews, the legal and poker worlds will be watching to see if Goldstein’s luck holds up off the felt.

The European Poker Tour returns to Paris in February.

Our guide rounds up everything you need to know for the 2026 outing of the EPT.

PokerNews recaps 2025 with more drama than a late-night home game.

From Trump’s tax move making pros sweat, to cheaters and “villains” making headlines, it’s a year where even basketball stars got a new hobby: getting arrested at poker tables.

WSOP has revealed the Planet Hollywood WSOP Circuit schedule, and it is not holding back on the volume.

The star of the show is the $400 No-Limit Hold’em Mini Main Event, which packs in six starting flights, including three turbo options for those in a hurry.

Other highlights include a $3,300 High Roller with a $100,000 guarantee and a $600 Monster Stack event with three flights and a $300,000 pot. There’s also room for the Seniors, Ladies, and even a “PHat Stack” event for those wanting a little extra value.

Tournament details can be found on the WSOP+ app

New year, new merch deal for Hellmuth.

Apparently after 6 years repping Adidas tracksuits, Phil Hellmuth will now only be seen in black and yellow Under Armour gear — to match the BetRivers Poker branding. But remember guys, he doesn’t have shares in Under Armour. Yet.

Caitlin Comeskey is out at PokerStars.

The now ex-ambassador has parted ways with the brand, as she eyes a move back to Texas.

We’ve been off over the holidays, but now we’re back and it’s time to catch up on what we’ve missed.

Let’s jump in with the Lock-In year in review episode!