ESPN Returns to WSOP After Five-Year Hiatus

ESPN is bringing the World Series of Poker (WSOP) back to its lineup after a five-year absence, marking a significant moment for the sport’s global popularity. The multiyear deal, announced this week, aims to reignite the poker boom that ESPN helped pioneer in the early 2000s.

The network first aired the WSOP in 1987, transforming it from a niche spectacle into a mainstream event. The introduction of hole-card cameras in 2003 and the legendary win by amateur player Chris Moneymaker—who turned a $85 satellite into a $2.5 million prize—sparked a poker frenzy. Meanwhile, the 2004–05 NHL lockout inadvertently boosted WSOP ratings, as reruns filled empty programming slots and drew cable sports-level viewership.

“The legacy of this partnership helped the game explode, and we can’t wait to deliver inspiration through world-class content to a new generation of viewers,” said Ty Stewart, WSOP CEO.

Under the new agreement, ESPN will broadcast over 100 hours of WSOP Main Event coverage starting July 2, culminating in a three-night ‘cliffhanger’ finale from August 3–5. Early-stage broadcasts will feature three simultaneous tables, offering deeper access to hands from top players.

From 152 entrants and a $625,000 first prize in 1987, the WSOP has grown to 9,735 participants and a $10 million winner’s share in 2025, reflecting its enduring appeal.