Adrian Mateos Leads 2026 WSOP Money Earners at Midpoint

The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) has officially passed its halfway mark, with 26 days of play concluding the initial summer grind. As the series progresses towards its highly anticipated Main Event conclusion in August, a clearer picture is emerging of the top earners. Thanks to WSOP livestreams, the top 20 money earners have been identified, showcasing a mix of established stars and rising talents.

Mateos Making History

Leading the charge is Spanish poker pro Adrian Mateos, who has amassed an impressive $4,466,161 in winnings so far. This substantial sum is largely attributed to his victory in the prestigious $250,000 Super High Roller event. In a notable heads-up match, Mateos defeated Bryn Kenney, the all-time money leader, to secure his sixth WSOP bracelet. At 31, Mateos also set a new record as the youngest player to achieve six WSOP bracelets, continuing a career marked by early success. He previously became the youngest player to win three bracelets at age 22 in 2017. The $250K Super High Roller has become a signature event for Mateos, having also won it in 2021 for $3,265,362. His recent performance has propelled him from ninth to fifth on poker’s all-time money list, with expectations of further climbs as the series continues.

A Summer for the Foxens

The 2026 WSOP has also been a remarkable summer for the poker power couple Alex and Kristen Foxen, who currently sit side-by-side in 9th and 10th place on the money list. Kristen Foxen was the first to achieve a significant win, taking down a highly competitive field in the $25,000 High Roller for $1,773,083 and her sixth career bracelet. Alex followed suit days later with his own bracelet win in the $10,000 Super Turbo Bounty for $594,246. This dual success made them only the second married couple in WSOP history to win individual bracelets in the same summer, following Max and Maria Stern in 1997. Beyond their bracelet wins, Alex Foxen has demonstrated remarkable consistency, cashing in seven events, more than any other player in the current top 20. Combined, the Foxens have earned $3.3 million in the opening weeks of the series.

The Power of High Rollers

The impact of high-stakes events on the earnings leaderboard is evident. Bryn Kenney’s deep run in the $250,000 Super High Roller, culminating in a runner-up finish, netted him $2,776,634. This single cash is more than some players have accumulated across multiple events. Similarly, David Einhorn, currently in 8th place, secured $1,862,941 by finishing third in the same high-buy-in event. This illustrates how one significant performance in a top-tier tournament can define a player’s WSOP success.

Other Notable Performances

Several other players have made their mark on the leaderboard. Levon Khachatryan (12th), Alex Kulev (15th), Richard Alsup (16th), and Galen Hall (18th) each secured their positions within the top 20 based on a single deep run in a major event. These results highlight the potential for significant earnings from a well-timed deep stack in a high-profile tournament.

Key facts

This mid-series update provides valuable insight for video poker enthusiasts and poker fans alike, showcasing the high stakes and significant prize pools available at the highest levels of professional poker. The performances at the WSOP directly influence the careers and rankings of these top players, offering a glimpse into the competitive landscape of elite poker.

Source: PokerNews – Halfway Stage! Who Has Made the Most Money at the 2026 WSOP So Far? https://www.pokernews.com/news/2026/06/who-has-made-the-most-money-at-the-2026-wsop-so-far-51613.htm