Poker News — Latest Stories from the Felt

Barney Frank, Congressman Who Championed Legal Online Poker, Passes Away

Former U.S. Representative Barney Frank, one of the most vocal and persistent advocates for the legalization of online poker in the United States, has passed away. Frank fought relentlessly in Congress for legislation that would have regulated and taxed online poker at the federal level, viewing it as a matter of personal liberty. The poker community remembered Frank as a rare ally in Washington, and his efforts helped shape the current state-by-state approach to online poker regulation.

May 21, 2026 PokerNews

WSOP 2026 Kicks Off May 26 With 100 Bracelet Events and a New Main Event Deal With ESPN

The 57th Annual World Series of Poker begins May 26 at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas, running through July 15 with 100 live bracelet events — the largest schedule in the series' history. The $10,000 Main Event starts July 2 with four Day 1 flights, and a new multi-year deal with ESPN will bring extensive broadcast coverage including a delayed Final Table broadcast in August. The cheapest entry on the schedule is a $300 No-Limit Hold'em event; the priciest is the $250,000 Super High Roller on June 13.

May 21, 2026 WSOP.com

Kevin Martin Launching New Reality TV Poker Competition 'Poker Wars'

Canadian poker player and media personality Kevin Martin is launching a new reality television poker competition called "Poker Wars." The show will blend competition poker with reality TV production values, aiming to bring the game to audiences beyond the traditional poker viewership. Martin announced the premiere for late May 2026, describing it as a format designed to be accessible to casual viewers while still engaging serious players.

May 20, 2026 PokerNews

Poker Pro Charlie Carrel Banned From Entering the United States

British poker professional Charlie Carrel, known for his deep runs on the live tournament circuit, has been banned from entering the United States under circumstances that have drawn significant attention from the poker community. Carrel confirmed the ban publicly, though full details have not been disclosed. The development means Carrel will be unable to compete in the 2026 WSOP and any other US-based events for the foreseeable future — a major disruption to a career with over $5 million in live earnings.

May 19, 2026 PokerNews

Triton Poker Returns to Montenegro for 2026 Series With $200K Invitational

Triton Poker, the ultra-high-stakes series known for its invitation-only events and massive buy-ins, has returned to Montenegro for its 2026 installment featuring a $200,000 invitational event. Action in the event included a dramatic three-way all-in on Day 2 and a rare straight flush, with Anatoly Zlotnikov leading at the final table. The Montenegro stop has become one of the most anticipated events on the high-roller calendar.

May 18, 2026 PokerNews

Lodge Card Club Grand Reopening Date Set After Poker Room Raid

The Lodge Card Club in Austin, Texas — one of the most talked-about poker rooms in the country thanks to its YouTube presence and livestreamed cash games — has announced a reopening date following a law enforcement raid that temporarily shuttered the venue. The Lodge rose to national prominence through partnerships with poker streamers and high-production cash game broadcasts. The reopening is anticipated to be one of the most-watched events in live poker this year.

May 12, 2026 PokerNews

Hustler Casino Live's Million Dollar Game Moving to WSOP in June

Hustler Casino Live, the streaming powerhouse known for its high-stakes cash game broadcasts, has announced that its flagship Million Dollar Game will move from Hustler Casino in Los Angeles to the WSOP in Las Vegas on June 12. The decision brings one of poker's most-watched events to the world's most famous poker series for the first time, creating a high-profile convergence of live tournament and livestreamed cash game poker.

May 10, 2026 PokerNews

Daniel Negreanu Weighs In on David Peters Unpaid Debt Controversy

A dispute involving high-stakes professional David Peters and an unpaid debt to a fellow player went public on social media, prompting poker legend Daniel Negreanu to weigh in with a defense of Peters' position. Peters, who has accumulated more than $50 million in live tournament earnings, responded publicly to the accusations. The controversy drew wide engagement across the poker community and reignited conversations about debt culture in high-stakes games.

May 8, 2026 PokerNews

2026 WSOP Introduces New Events Including $550 Mini Mystery Millions and GGMillion$ High Roller

The 2026 World Series of Poker has introduced several new bracelet events, including the $550 Mini Mystery Millions — a lower-stakes version of last year's Mystery Millions that drew nearly 20,000 entries — and a $10,000 GGMillion$ No-Limit Hold'em High Roller based on a popular GGPoker online tournament. Additional new events include a $1,700 U.S. Circuit Championship. The full 100-event schedule reflects WSOP's ongoing effort to broaden accessibility while maintaining its prestigious marquee events.

April 28, 2026 PokerNews

PokerStars Exclusively on FanDuel Launches in North America

In a landmark deal for online poker in North America, PokerStars has launched exclusively on FanDuel's platform, combining two of the most recognized names in poker and sports betting. The partnership expands access to PokerStars' tournament software and player pools in regulated US states, marking a significant step in the continued growth of legal online poker. The deal is expected to increase player pool sizes and tournament guarantees for US-based online players.

April 15, 2026 PokerNews