Full Breakdown
WSOP 2026: Card Protector Controversy, DoorDash Driver Sponsorship, and the $50,000 Poker Players Championship Battle
6/25/2026, 1:51:42 AM
Card Protector Warning in $1,000 Super Seniors
British player Andrew Martin was asked by WSOP staff to remove a silver X-rated card protector—a novelty anal sex toy—during Day 2 of the $1,000 Super Seniors tournament. The event attracted 3,323 entries and a $355,263 top prize; Martin held over 300,000 chips when warned. Staff warned him that repeat use could bring a harsher penalty. The Official Tournament Rules do not specifically address explicit card protectors, leaving the decision to staff.
DoorDash Driver’s WSOP Sponsorship
Poker vlogger Corey Eyring offered DoorDash driver Nixon Diaz a “freeroll” into the $1,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event, which had 2,636 entries and a $390,300 first prize. Eyring gave Diaz a $500 tip and later covered three months’ rent and cash. Diaz, who served a five-year prison term for illegal gambling, finished 26th for $14,510—far short of the first prize but a notable payday for a first-time WSOP entrant.
High-Stakes Battle in $50,000 PPC
The $50,000 Poker Players Championship, a mixed-games marquee, began with 108 starters and 39 remained on Day 3; the top prize is $1,343,764 and the minimum cash $100,934. Phil Ivey sat fifth with 2.4 million chips, behind leader Benny Glaser (4.3 million). Phil Hellmuth held 875,000 chips in 14th, while three-time champion Brian Rast, the only former winner left, rebuilt a sub-million stack after a near-elimination.
Official Statements
WSOP staff cited “inappropriate” equipment as the basis for Martin’s warning, noting rules lack a clause on explicit protectors. Eyring framed his support as a “freeroll” and confirmed the $500 tip and later cash assistance.
Criticism
Observers flagged the lack of a clear policy on novelty card protectors, saying staff discretion creates inconsistency. Buying players into high-stakes events draws criticism for undermining merit-based entry, especially given Diaz’s background.
Conflicts & Gaps
WSOP documentation does not ban explicit card protectors, leaving the rule’s applicability ambiguous. Diaz’s claim of “doing really well, illegally” and imprisonment lacks independent verification, and WSOP has not commented on the sponsorship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If you want to play the WSOP, I'll freeroll it,” — Corey Eyring, poker vlogger
- “Man, I'm gonna cry right now, because I was asking for that, bro. I can't afford it, bro. You know what I mean? Damn, bro, for real? I would love that, bro. I would really love that, bro.” — Nixon Diaz, DoorDash driver
- “Phil, play some poker,” — Eric Wasserson, WSOP staff member
- “Wass, don't talk to me while I'm watching soccer,” — Phil Ivey, professional poker player
What’s Next
Final day of the Poker Players Championship on Thursday will decide if a first-time champion emerges or Brian Rast wins a fourth title. Ivey and Hellmuth remain in contention.
