Former Champion Making Noise at the 2026 WSOP Main Event
Seven years after hoisting the bracelet, Hossein Ensan is reminding the poker world exactly why he belongs at the top. The 2019 WSOP Main Event champion navigated Day 6 of the 2026 edition with impressive momentum, positioning himself among the chip leaders heading into Day 7.
A Familiar Name Near the Top
There is something compelling about a former champion threading their way back through one of the deepest fields in poker. Ensan's run is a reminder that knowing how to survive deep in a Main Event is a skill set that doesn't expire — the experience of having been the last person standing once is a rare kind of edge when the pressure mounts.
Shaun Deeb Still Alive
Also notable: Shaun Deeb, one of the most prominent tournament grinders in the game, continues to hang on. Deeb is known for running deep in high-volume schedules, and his presence deep in the Main Event adds another familiar face to what is shaping up to be a compelling final stretch.
What to Watch on Day 7
With the field now thinned to its most resilient survivors, Day 7 will be critical in determining who has a genuine shot at the final table. Key storylines to follow:
- Ensan's bid to become a rare multi-time Main Event standout at the deepest stage
- Deeb's staying power as the field continues to shrink
- How the broader chip counts shake out as pressure escalates across every table
The 2026 WSOP Main Event continues to deliver the kind of narrative drama that makes it the signature event on the poker calendar. Stay tuned as the field narrows and new stories emerge on Day 7.