Updated on 22 Feb 26 by
Barry carter
Poker Expert

WSOP to include an Esports stage

We round-up some stories you may have missed including the new MPN software and an insane explanation of just how random a deck shuffle is.





Esports coming to the WSOP

Whereas once the WSOP might have added more craps tables to accommodate the High Rollers, this year gamers will be taken care of as the Pavilion Stage at the Rio will become an Esports lounge for all WSOP players. 

Players between tournaments can play games like Hearthstone, Fortnite and FIFA on the stage of the main tournament room throughout the 50 day series. 

So basically expect to see some ridiculous five figure prop bets on FIFA before the series is over. 

New MPN software sneak peak

The MPN Network is getting a long awaited overhaul and this week we got a sneak peak at what it's going to look like:

Every deal is unique

If you have ever wondered how random a shuffle of cards are, this explanation has been doing the rounds this week and will keep you up at night:

Phil being more Phil than usual

Finally, how could we pass up a chance to see the latest Phil Hellmuth name drop, complete with gold jacket?

Will you be playing Esports in Vegas? Let us know in the comments:


Barry carter
Poker Expert

Barry Carter is the editor of PokerStrategy.com and the co-author of The Mental Game of Poker 1 & 2, Poker Satellite Strategy, PKO Poker Strategy, Endgame Poker Strategy, GTO Poker Simplified, Mystery Bounty Poker Strategy and Beyond GTO. In 2025, he won the Global Poker Awards for Best Book and Twitter Personality of the Year.