In the 968th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, which is sponsored by FanDuel Poker, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas for the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP).

To kick things off, they show footage from a recent police raid at Houston's Lucky J's Social Club in Texas. While it may have been reminiscent of the raid at The Lodge back in March, it's actually quite different, as the crew explains.

From there, they turn their attention to the WSOP, including a look at the brand new main stage arena that debuted on Friday. Hear from the new WSOP Countdown crew, including Jeff Platt, David Williams, Norman Chad, and Joe "Stapes" Stapleton. Plus, a tour of the WSOP shop featuring brand new merchandise and clothing that harkens back to the WSOP days of old.

Speaking of the WSOP, the first bracelet has been awarded, 90-year-old legend Perry Green made a deep run, and High Stakes Live is coming in June!

Other stories include Shawn Sheikhan getting out of prison, Daniel Negreanu and his wife are expecting their first child, and an entertaining live-stream from The Lodge featuring Doug Polk, Garrett Adelstein, and Alan Keating, the last two playing against each other for the first time. Oh, and you won't want to miss the tale of Big John Oakinson.

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 00:30 | New Sponsor: PokerStars x FanDuel 01:09 | Houston poker room raided 08:20 | Shawn Sheikhan out of prison 11:30 | WSOP debuts new main stage arena 15:20 | A look at the new WSOP merchandise 16:55 | Big John Okinson 17:47 | Daniel Negreanu having a baby! 19:00 | PokerNews Podcast giveaway 21:09 | PokerNews MyPlayers 22:25 | First WSOP bracelet awarded 23:15 | WSOP legend Perry Green makes a run 24:20 | High Stakes Live coming to WSOP 26:45 | Polk vs. Adelstein vs. Keating at The Lodge 28:10 | CSOP Event #100