WSOP 2025: Why the Player of the Year Award Needs a Revamp

Every summer, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) attracts hundreds of thousands of players to Las Vegas, each vying for one of the coveted gold bracelets. The WSOP Player of the Year (POY) award is one of the most prestigious titles, and in 2025, Shaun Deeb claimed this honor for the second time.

Deeb's consistent performance, including 24 cashes (18 live and 6 online) and five final tables, earned him the title. However, many fans and players question whether the POY award truly reflects the most outstanding performance of the summer. Michael Mizrachi, for instance, won both the Main Event and the Poker Players Championship, feats widely regarded as the toughest in poker. Benny Glaser also had a remarkable summer, winning three bracelets. Despite these impressive achievements, only Deeb walked away with the POY title.

The WSOP POY formula, which rewards consistent in-the-money finishes and final tables, has been a subject of debate. Critics argue that the system favors volume over prestige. Phil Hellmuth, holder of a record 17 WSOP bracelets, publicly criticized the outcome, stating that Michael Mizrachi or Benny Glaser should have won the award. The debate highlights the need for a more comprehensive recognition system that better reflects the diverse achievements of players across the series.