Jeff Platt Answers Tough Questions About 2026 WSOP + $25K Fantasy Highlights

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