WSOP Europe 2026 Shatters Main Event Prize Pool Record

mrinal-gujare
By Mrinal Gujare
07 Apr 2026
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Mrinal Gujare 07 Apr 2026
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  • WSOP Europe Main Event sees a record 2,617 entries.
  • Day 3 features 356 players led by Thomas Eychenne (2,010,000 chips).
  • €2,000,000 top prize at stake; tournament surpasses €10M guarantee.
WSOP Europe
Image Credit: Tomas Stacha/Pokernews.com
A record-breaking field of 2,617 entries created a massive €13,085,000 prize pool at the WSOP Europe Main Event. With 356 players remaining and in the money, Thomas Eychenne leads the charge toward the €2,000,000 top prize and gold bracelet.

The initial milestones of the €5,300 World Series of Poker Europe Main Event are officially in the books. With late registration closed and the bubble burst during a high-stakes Day 2 at King's Casino in Hilton Prague, the focus shifts to the ultimate prizes. 

On the line is a life-changing €2,000,000 top payout and the highly coveted WSOPE gold bracelet. The event has officially made history with a record-breaking field of 2,617 entries. 

This incredible turnout pulverized the original €10 million guarantee, resulting in a staggering total prize pool of €13,085,000. 

As the tournament moves into Day 3 this Thursday, only 356 players remain in the hunt, all of whom have secured a spot in the money.

Leading the pack is Frenchman Thomas Eychenne, who finished Day 2 with a commanding stack of 2,010,000. 

His massive lead represents over 250 big blinds for the restart. Hot on his heels is Daan Mulders with 1,721,000, the player responsible for bursting the bubble. Rounding out the top three is Giovanni Zanette, who enters the next phase with 1,467,000 chips.

A Star-Studded Field Remains

Despite nearly 1,000 eliminations during the previous session, the remaining line-up is packed with elite talent. High-stakes regulars and former champions are well positioned for a deep run:
  • Alex Keating: 1,150,000
  • Chris Hunichen: 1,047,000
  • Alexandre Reard: 1,017,000
  • Shiina Okamoto: 982,000
  • Daniel Rezaei (Day 1c Leader): 967,000

Former WSOPE Main Event winner Alexandros Kolonias remains a threat with 854,000. He is joined by seasoned veterans like Josh Arieh (812,000), Roberto Romanello (803,000), and Shaun Deeb (689,000), the latter of whom managed a vital double-up on the bubble. Other notable names advancing include Tom-Aksel Bedell (673,000) and Nacho Barbero (631,000).

Storylines to Watch in the Money

Nineteen years after her historic win, Annette Obrestad is back in the spotlight with 581,000 chips. She will start Day 3 seated next to Jesse Lonis (540,000). Several world-class players are maintaining stacks above the tournament average, including Espen Jorstad (471,000), Aliaksei Boika (441,000), and Anthony Zinno (425,000).
Further down the leaderboard, several players will be looking for an early double-up to stay alive:
  • Zdenek Zizka: 284,000
  • Jason Wheeler: 260,000
  • Erick Lindgren: 246,000
  • Martin Kabrhel: 162,000
  • Simone Andrian: 141,000

At the very bottom of the counts, Stoyan Madanzhiev (44,000) and Eero Palmu (11,000) face an uphill battle as play resumes.

Top WSOP Europe Main Event Payouts

Place Prize
1 € 20,00,000
2 € 12,00,000
3 € 8,00,000
4 € 5,75,000
5 € 4,25,000
6 € 3,20,000
7 € 2,45,000
8 € 1,85,000

Day 3 of the Main Event

The action kicked off at noon local time. The blinds start at 5,000/10,000 with a 10,000 big blind ante. The schedule for Day 3 includes six 90-minute levels of play. 

Players will receive a 15-minute break after every level, with a 60-minute dinner break scheduled following Level 20. Fans can catch the live action via the WSOP YouTube channel stream.

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