This content was AI generated based on the original article published on https://www.pokernews.com/news/2026/07/2026-wsop-main-event-final-table-shot-clock-52025.htm. All credits for the original reporting belong to them.
The World Series of Poker has reversed its decision to use a shot clock at the 2026 Main Event final table, marking another twist in an already contentious rules debate.
The controversy began during Day 6, when Loren Klein’s 15-minute tank in a pay-jump situation led officials to introduce an “Action Clock” for Days 7 and 8. The move was the first of its kind in the tournament’s 57-year history and drew sharp criticism from players and fans alike.
With the field down to a single table and a two-week break before the final table, questions remained about whether the shot clock would carry over to the sport’s biggest stage.
On Thursday night, the WSOP announced via social media that it would not implement a shot clock for the final table. Instead, players and tournament staff can call the clock on opponents under existing rules, with staff intervention reserved for exceptional cases. Organizers said the goal was to preserve a natural playing environment while reserving the right to reinstate a shot clock if stalling becomes a persistent issue.
Reaction was largely positive, with poker pro Barny Boatman praising the decision and others noting that the original problem stemmed from insufficient floor monitoring rather than the need for a clock. Some critics, however, argued that repeatedly changing the rules undermines the event’s prestige.
The final nine, set in mid-July, will return to Horseshoe Las Vegas from August 3-5. Lucas Jumalon leads with 194,000,000 chips, followed by Rami Hammoud and Jamie Shaevel, while bracelet winners Greg Mueller and Michael Gagliano remain in contention for the $10,000,000 top prize.
