2026 World Series of Poker

Event #98: $800 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em
Event #82: $10,000 WSOP Main Event NLH World Championship Event #88: $300 Gladiators of Poker Event #89: $3,000 Mid-Stakes Championship No-Limit Hold'em Event #93: $1,500 The Closer No-Limit Hold’em Event #94: $10,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold'em Championship Event #95: $500 Summer Saver No-Limit Hold'em Event #96: $3,000 6-Handed Pot-Limit Omaha Event #97: $25,000 High Roller H.O.R.S.E. Event #98: $800 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em Event #99: $5,000 8-Handed No-Limit Hold'em Show All Events
Day: 1
Event Info
2026 World Series of Poker
Event Info
Buy-in
$800
New Updates

A Big Field and Plenty of Action is on the Cards in the $800 Deepstack No-Limit Hold'em Event

Matthew Pitt
Matthew Pitt
Mariano Balfagon
Mariano Balfagon

Event #98: $800 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em is one of the final opportunities to grab a bracelet at the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. The two-day event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. on July 14, and players will begin with a 40,000 starting stack.

Expect a large field of up to 3,000 entries. With a relatively affordable buy-in and 30-minute levels throughout, expect action all the way as players look to end the summer in style.

📌 Event Snapshot

  • Event: #98 – $800 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em
  • Date(s): July 14-15
  • Time: 10:00 a.m. local time
  • Buy-In: $800
  • Format: No-Limit Hold’em
  • Late Registration: Open for 12 levels (Approximately 5:05 p.m.)
  • Starting Stack: 40,000 chips
  • Levels: 30 minutes
  • 2025 Winner: Mariano Balfagon ($252,386)
  • 2025 Field Size: 2,851
  • 2025 Prize Pool: $1,995,700

Structure and Schedule

It’s an early start for those entering Event #98: $800 Deepstack No-Limit Hold’em, with play getting underway at 10:00 a.m. local time. Just one re-entry is permitted, and each player will start with a stack of 40,000 chips.

In addition to regular short breaks every four levels (two hours), players will take a 75-minute dinner break after Level 16. Day 1 plays until the end of Level 22.

All surviving players will return for Day 2, which starts at 11:00 a.m. local time. The tournament will then play down to a winner.

Past Champions & History

Given the lower buy-in compared to other events, the $800 Deepstack usually attracts a field of lesser-known players. Argentine Mariano Balfagon took home the bracelet last year, taking home $252,386, which accounted for the vast majority of his career live tournament earnings.

In 2024, it was Timur Margolin who outlasted a larger field of 4,278, earning the Israeli $342,551.

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Tags: Daniel NegreanuMariano BalfagonTimur Margolin