Alex Foxen has seized the WSOP Player of the Year lead from Shaun Deeb, marking the second lead change in as many weeks. The two rivals now find themselves in direct competition, sharing the same Main Event field at the 2026 WSOP.
The 2026 Player of the Year race operates under a new format, spanning three separate festivals for the first time in history. This extended structure creates a longer runway for point accumulation and shifts strategy around which events players prioritize. Multiple festivals mean multiple opportunities for scoreboard movement, which explains why the lead has already swung twice in quick succession.
Foxen's reclamation of first place reflects his consistent deep runs and cashes across WSOP tournaments. The New York poker pro has built his reputation on grinding large fields and navigating tough competition, skills that translate directly to POY scoring. His focus on volume and placement consistency differs from some competitors who chase higher buy-in prestige events.
Deeb held the lead recently, proving the 2023 WSOP Player of the Year remains hungry and sharp. The veteran competitor has demonstrated staying power in high-level tournaments, but the extended three-festival format works against maintaining leads. With more events across more time, the player with the best sustained performance across all three stops will ultimately claim the trophy.
The fact that both players occupy the same Main Event field adds intrigue. They'll watch each other's results in real time, and whoever performs better in the Main and subsequent events could establish breathing room in the standings. The Main Event traditionally offers substantial POY points given its prestige and field size.
This volatile lead-swapping pattern suggests the 2026 race will remain competitive deep into the year. Neither player has built an insurmountable advantage. Other competitors remain within striking distance, waiting for their own hot streaks to vault up the leaderboard.