Published on: March 27, 2026, at 02:39h.
Updated on: March 27, 2026, at 02:39h.
- ESPN regains WSOP broadcasting rights after five years on CBS platforms
- Moneymaker’s 2003 championship ignited global poker phenomenon
- NHL lockout contributed to a surge in WSOP ratings during ESPN reruns
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is set to make its return to ESPN this summer following a five-year stint on CBS/Paramount+.
On Thursday, ESPN and WSOP announced a new multiyear agreement, marking the return of poker’s premier event “back home,” as WSOP CEO Ty Stewart stated. ESPN first aired the event in 1987, showcasing the main event won by Johnny Chan, who was just 30 at the time.
From Niche to Popularity
The network has transformed the WSOP from a niche event into a mainstream sensation, especially after introducing hole-card cameras in 2003, which made the game significantly more viewer-friendly. That same year, Chris Moneymaker’s “Moneymaker Effect” fueled an unprecedented spike in poker’s popularity.
Chris Moneymaker, a Tennessee accountant, turned an $85 online satellite entry into a staggering $2.5 million by clinching the main event title. He was the first amateur online qualifier to achieve this feat, inspiring many to believe they could follow in his footsteps.
Additionally, the 2004–05 NHL lockout played an unexpected role in the poker boom. The cancellation of hockey due to salary cap disputes left ESPN in search of affordable replay content, leading to an influx of WSOP reruns.
The added exposure proved highly effective, with episodes drawing ratings comparable to major cable sports events, even surpassing those of the NHL at times. What was once a niche curiosity began transitioning into a highly popular sport.
“This partnership’s legacy helped the game explode in popularity, and we’re eager to inspire a new generation with world-class content,” Stewart remarked.
‘Cliffhanger’ Finale Details
Ashley O’Connor, ESPN’s vice president of programming and acquisitions, described the agreement as a “significant moment for fans and ourselves,” expressing enthusiasm for showcasing the tournament’s intensity and unpredictability across their platforms.
The new deal includes over 100 hours of Main Event coverage set to begin on July 2, culminating in a three-night ‘cliffhanger’ finale from August 3–5. ESPN will air specially curated prime-time episodes during the interim to build excitement for the grand finale.
Early broadcasts will feature three simultaneous tables, providing viewers greater access to gameplay from top competitors as they progress.
Nearly 40 years ago, when ESPN first aired the Series, there were only 152 participants in the main event, with a top prize of $625,000. In contrast, last year’s champion, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, walked away with $10 million after outperforming a field of 9,735 competitors.