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WSOP Removes Shot Clock for 2026 Main Event Final Table

The change preserves a more natural decision-making setting while leaving WSOP staff able to restore a shot clock if repeated stalling occurs.

Overview

  • WSOP announced late Thursday that it will not use a shot clock at the Main Event final table after discussions with players and tournament staff.
  • Organizers had installed shot clocks on Days 7 and 8 after a Day 6 incident in which Loren Klein spent about 15–17 minutes tanking to try to move up a pay jump.
  • WSOP’s Official Tournament Rules (Section 80) give Host Properties the sole discretion to add an event-wide player shot clock at any point, and the organization said it may reintroduce one if pace problems return.
  • The final nine will return to Horseshoe Las Vegas to finish play August 3–5, each already guaranteed at least $1,000,000 and led by 22-year-old chip leader Lucas Jumalon.
  • Reaction among players and viewers is mixed, with some praising the return to traditional final-table play and others criticizing mid-tournament rule changes and warning the decision could complicate the televised broadcast and competitive fairness.