NEW Poker Dealer Rating System Divides Players; Jeff Madsen Reflects on 20th Anniversary of 2006 WSOP POY

In the 968th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, which is sponsored by FanDuel Poker, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas for the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP). To kick things off, they show footage from a recent police raid at Houston's Lucky J's Social Club in Texas. While it may have been reminiscent of the raid at The Lodge back in March, it's actually quite different, as the crew explains.  From there, they turn their attention to the WSOP, including a look at the brand new main stage arena that debuted on Friday. Hear from the new WSOP Countdown crew, including Jeff Platt, David Williams, Norman Chad, and Joe "Stapes" Stapleton. Plus, a tour of the WSOP shop featuring brand new merchandise and clothing that harkens back to the WSOP days of old. Speaking of the WSOP, the first bracelet has been awarded, 90-year-old legend Perry Green made a deep run, and High Stakes Live is coming in June! Other stories include Shawn Sheikhan getting out of prison, Daniel Negreanu and his wife are expecting their first child, and an entertaining live-stream from The Lodge featuring Doug Polk, Garrett Adelstein, and Alan Keating, the last two playing against each other for the first time. Oh, and you won't want to miss the tale of Big John Oakinson. A new PokerNews Podcast drops three times a week during the 2026 WSOP! You can expect a new episode every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps *Time    Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 00:30 | New Sponsor: PokerStars x FanDuel 01:09 | Houston poker room raided 08:20 | Shawn Sheikhan out of prison 11:30 | WSOP debuts new main stage arena 15:20 | A look at the new WSOP merchandise 16:55 | Big John Okinson 17:47 | Daniel Negreanu having a baby! 19:00 | PokerNews Podcast giveaway 21:09 | PokerNews MyPlayers 22:25 | First WSOP bracelet awarded 23:15 | WSOP legend Perry Green makes a run 24:20 | High Stakes Live coming to WSOP 26:45 | Polk vs. Adelstein vs. Keating at The Lodge 28:10 | CSOP Event #100

In the 967th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, which is sponsored by FanDuel Poker, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas for the first official episode of the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP), which officially got underway with a rather strange hand in which an instruction card found its way onto the flop.  It was a funny start to the summer, which also kicked off with some smaller numbers across town, where the Wynn had an overlay. Is it a sign of things to come in Las Vegas, which has become increasingly more expensive? Speaking of the WSOP getting underway, Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi gave the ceremonial "Shuffle up and deal," while Martin Kabrhel is already up to his old antics. The crew then made a bet on their favorite 25K Fantasy teams. The Lodge reopened in Texas, and Craig Welko claimed RGPS Player of the Year honors. Finally, Ray Kondler of Kondler & Associates came into the studio to share the latest on the current poker tax situation, while Robbie Strazynski dropped by to talk about his upcoming Mixed Game Festival XIV at Bellagio. A new PokerNews Podcast drops three times a week during the 2026 WSOP! You can expect a new episode every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps *Time    Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 01:10 | Instruction card dealt on the flop 02:25 | Low numbers on first day 04:36 | Playing with Nikki Limo 07:05 | Price of Las Vegas 11:23 | Grinder gives "Shuffle Up & Deal" 12:27 | Martin Kabrhel back at it 16:00 | Favorite $25K Fantasy Teams 19:00 | Ray Kondler on poker taxes 28:00 | The Lodge reopens in Texas 28:58 | Craig Welko wins RGPS POY 30:07 | Robbie Strazynski talks Mixed Game Festival XIV

In the 966th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, which is sponsored by WPT Global, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas, where they are once again joined by Jeff Platt. There are a lot of questions surrounding the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP), including rule changes, patches, dealer ratings, and whether or not Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll will be allowed back. Jeff answers them all, as well as a look into some new things, such as a new merch store, the WSOP Countdown Show, and members of the WSOP family. Jeff also talks about being on a team drafting for the $25K Fantasy, which took place later that evening. Chad headed over to speak with Daniel Negreanu and David "ODB" Baker while offering a look at the draft itself. The crew then remembers online poker legislative champion, Congressman Barney Frank, who recently passed away, and then offer you a chance to win a seat to this weekend's 100th Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) event! A new PokerNews Podcast drops three times a week during the 2026 WSOP! You can expect a new episode every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps *Time    Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 00:20 | Jeff Platt joins the show 01:08 | Patches at WSOP 09:15 | Dealer Ratings 14:33 | WSOP Family 20:40 | New Merch Store 24:20 | Parking issues 25:20 | $25K Family 26:20 | Video highlights from $25K Fantasy 29:32 | PokerNews MyPlayers 29:49 | Jesse Yaginuma & James Carroll 33:00 | CSOP Giveaway 33:50 | Remembering Barney Frank

In the 965th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, which is sponsored by WPT Global, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Matt Berkey at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas to discuss the brouhaha surrounding patches at the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP), a topic spurred by a social media post from Patrick Leonard. What's the situation, and should you be worried? The trio then discusses Charlie Carrel being banned from entering the USA for nine years now, stemming from a drug arrest, poker returning next week to The Lodge in Texas, and an update on the bankruptcy of Maurice Hawkins, who amended his court filing to include his "friend" and "backer" Cody Stanford.  Chad then asks Berkey if we might ever see the return of the Only Friends Podcast before the crew wraps things up by examining WPT Global Ambassador Phil Ivey's top WSOP scores. A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps *Time    Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 00:20 | Matt Berkey joins the show 01:00 | Patches at the WSOP 13:23 | Charlie Carrel banned from USA 16:42 | Poker returns to The Lodge in Texas 20:42 | Maurice Hawkins wins but adds to bankruptcy filing 29:35 | Will Only Friends Podcast ever come back? 36:08 | WPT Global Ambassador Phil Ivey WSOP scores

In the 964th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are once again joined by Jeff Madsen, who reflects on the 20th anniversary of his 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Player of the Year win. The trio also discusses the new dealer rating system announced by the WSOP, and whether or not it'll be a net positive for the game. They also discuss the new rule put in place to combat third-party WSOP influence, like what happened with the Milly Maker last year. But could it have unintended consequences when it comes to staking, swapping, and the $25K Fanatasy Draft? Speaking of controversial things, there was a brouhaha when Matt Savage announced that headphones would be a topic discussed at this year's Tournament Directors Association (TDA) Summit. That led to Nick Palma and Victoria Livschitz getting into it. Plus, hear about winners from the Aussie Millions and European Poker Tour (WPT) Monte Carlo, and Joe "Stapes" Stapleton leaving his gig at the EPT after many successful years. A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps *Time    Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 00:35 | 2026 WSOP 01:00 | New Dealer Ranking System 06:40 | Worrisome WSOP Rule? 15:12 | Remembering Doyle Brunson 16:00 | TDA Summit 16:30 | Headphones Ban? 21:30 | 20th Anniversary of Jeff Madsen's POY 24:05 | PokerNews MyPlayers 24:47 | Aussie Millions 28:46 | EPT Monte Carlo 29:35 | Stapes departs EPT

In the 963rd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back to talk about the recent concerns and unanswered questions surrounding CoinPoker. The offshore site has come under fire for deceptive and unclear marketing, as well as concerns over player funds. Poker pro Manig Loeser recently spoke out about them, and there's been mounting pressure on social media from the likes of Pokerbots1 and Todd Witteles accounts.  The crew also takes a look at the set-over-set cooler that benefited Alan Keating in a $1.2M pot, poker thriving in Texas with the WSOP Circuit at TCH, and the High Roller for One Drop at the EPT Monte Carlo. Speaking of big tournament series, PokerNews is on-site in the southern hemisphere at the recently relaunched Aussie Millions. Chad turned to his colleagues in the land down under for an update on all things Aussie Millions. Finally, mark your calendar for the upcoming Mixed Game Festival XIV, which will kick off at the end of the month and continue into the summer. A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps *Time    Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 01:00 | CoinPoker controversy 14:55 | Alan Keating $1.2M pot 18:10 | Texas poker thriving + TCH WSOPC 21:02 | PokerNews MyPlayers 21:50 | High Roller for One Drop 24:20 | MSPT Potawatomi 25:40 | Aussie Millions 29:30 | Highlights from Aussie Millions 30:35 | Mixed Game Festival XIV

In the 962nd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back to catch you up on all the latest in the poker world. That includes Daniel "Jungleman" Cates getting kicked off Hustler Casino Live (HCL), a $5-million live-streamed cash game pot, and David Peters getting called out by Dylan Linde over an outstanding debt. The crew also wraps up the U.S. Poker Open, including David Coleman winning the $25K finale and Brock Wilson topping the overall leaderboard to become the U.S. Poker Open champ! Finally, Chad goes one-on-one with Sorel Mizzi to discuss his amazing weight loss and body transformation, which was a part of a $300,000 prop bet with Bill Perkins. Mizzi opens up about his inspiration, life changes, and what he's up to now when it comes to poker. A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps *Time    Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 01:32 | Jungleman gets kicked off HCL 05:31 | $5M pot Largest in Live Stream history 08:40 | David Peters called out by Dylan Linde 13:52 | Interview with Sorel Mizzi 27:00 | 888poker XL Series May 3-12 27:30 | David Coleman wins USPO final 28:20 | Brock Wilson named overall USPO champ 30:22 | Teaser – Art Parmann & Justin Young from Table 1 Podcast

In the 961st episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back for a special episode to discuss the recent Grand Jury verdict regarding The Lodge Card Club in Round Rock, Texas. Spoiler Alert: It was good news for Doug Polk and company as potential charges were dismissed, and seized funds and equipment will be returned. Not only that, the cardroom has plans to reopen as soon as possible. It was the best case outcome considering the situation, and the poker world, including co-owners Brad Owen and Andrew Neeme, celebrated en masse. There are still a lot of lingering questions as to what may come next, but the crew dives into it all in this episode. A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps *Time    Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 00:28 | Charges dropped 02:28 | Doug Polk shares the good news 05:00 | Was it a witch hunt? 06:45 | The Lodge Card Club issues statement 07:45 | Another legal win for Texas poker 10:26 | Is this good long term? 11:00 | Poker community celebrates 15:30 | Brad Owen & Andrew Neeme 17:10 | WSOPC at Texas Card House 18:30 | Influencers & Live Stream

In the 960th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Maurice Hawkins, who finally took them up on their long-standing offer to come on the show and share his side of the story. Maurice discusses his recent Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, his dealings with Randy Garcia, and why he feels unjustly targeted. The 24-time WSOP Circuit ring winner also touches upon the situation with Denise Pratt, his backing situation with Cody Stanford, family obligations, and much more. Things became heated at times over the course of the 40-minute uncut interview, but it marks the first time Maurice has come on the PokerNews Podcast to discuss the various allegations and judgment against him. A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps *Time    Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 00:35 | Maurice Hawkins joins the show 02:13 | Situation with Randy Garcia 06:27 | Cody Stanford backer situation 08:56 | Great year, but unable to pay 09:37 | Should it be considered scamming? 13:00 | Failing to live up to the agreement 17:30 | Is Maurice a legend? 20:35 | Could Maurice be a beloved player? 29:36 | Who is the victim? 34:35 | Final words

In the 959th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz get together to discuss the recent bankruptcy filing of Maurice Hawkins. Is it to absolve himself from a six-figure poker debt due to Randy Garcia? According to a Voluntary Petition for Individuals Filing for Bankruptcy (Case 26-15116-EPK) obtained by PokerNews, Hawkins, through his attorney Michael A. Kaufman, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on Thursday, April 23 in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The filing came less than three weeks after Hawkins won the WSOP Circuit Elgin Event #3: $400 NLH for $17,419 and his record 24th ring, and despite Hawkins having already amassed $217,254 in 2026 tournament earnings according to The Hendon Mob. Plus, hear from Randy Garcia's attorney Rogen Chhabra, who has launched garnishment efforts against Maurice. A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps *Time    Topic* 00:00 | Welcome to the show 01:20 | Maurice Hawkins Files For Bankruptcy 16:40 | Attorney Rogen K. Chhabra