Jeff Platt Answers Tough Questions About 2026 WSOP + $25K Fantasy Highlights

In the 966th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, which is sponsored by WPT Global, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are back at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas, where they are once again joined by Jeff Platt. There are a lot of questions surrounding the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP), including rule changes, patches, dealer ratings, and whether or not Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll will be allowed back. Jeff answers them all, as well as a look into some new things, such as a new merch store, the WSOP Countdown Show, and members of the WSOP family. Jeff also talks about being on a team drafting for the $25K Fantasy, which took place later that evening. Chad headed over to speak with Daniel Negreanu and David "ODB" Baker while offering a look at the draft itself. The crew then remembers online poker legislative champion, Congressman Barney Frank, who recently passed away, and then offer you a chance to win a seat to this weekend's 100th Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) event! 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 00:20 | Jeff Platt joins the show 01:08 | Patches at WSOP 09:15 | Dealer Ratings 14:33 | WSOP Family 20:40 | New Merch Store 24:20 | Parking issues 25:20 | $25K Family 26:20 | Video highlights from $25K Fantasy 29:32 | PokerNews MyPlayers 29:49 | Jesse Yaginuma & James Carroll 33:00 | CSOP Giveaway 33:50 | Remembering Barney Frank