Overview
- The WSOP put a shot clock into effect on Day 7 of the Main Event, announced on the livestream, with 20 seconds preflop, 30 seconds postflop and six 30‑second time‑bank chips given to each player per day.
- Organizers said the change responded to prolonged stalling on Day 6, including a more than 15‑minute tank by Loren Klein that drew heavy criticism for attempting to ‘ladder up’ pay jumps.
- The rule rests on WSOP Regulation Section 80, which gives Host Properties the authority to implement an event‑wide player shot clock at its discretion.
- Player opinion is split: Shaun Deeb and Daniel Negreanu say the clock protects recreational players from stall tactics, while critics such as Chris Brewer and David Williams say a mid‑event change favors pros familiar with timed formats.
- WSOP has not said whether the system will stay, be relaxed, or be replaced for deeper levels or the August final table, and coverage has raised alternatives like dealer/floor discretion, chess‑style clocks and phased introductions as possible next steps.