Will Givens’ Unconventional WSOP Main Event Approach Raises Eyebrows

The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event has seen its share of drama and unexpected turns, but few participants have drawn as much attention for their pre-game routines as Will Givens. Despite amassing a substantial chip stack, Givens has been absent from his table on multiple occasions deep into the tournament, sparking curiosity among players and spectators alike.

Givens, who entered Day 6 of the Main Event with nearly 100 big blinds, has opted for a highly personalized preparation strategy that includes gym time, meditation, and a specific breakfast, rather than adhering to traditional poker tournament schedules. This unconventional approach has led to him arriving late for play, even when significant prize money and massive pay jumps are on the horizon.

Unconventional Preparations

On Day 6, Givens was notably absent when play resumed Saturday morning, a surprising sight in a tournament of this magnitude. He explained to PokerNews that his tardiness was a deliberate choice to focus on his well-being. “I was at the gym, I went harder, meditated longer,” Givens stated, detailing his routine. “I got some avocado toast and eggs, took a longer walk a different way, went outside, got some sun. I really was just in my own world, and now I got here.”

This focus on personal care and a specific nutritional intake, including avocado toast, has become a hallmark of his approach to the high-stakes tournament. While many players adhere to strict schedules to maintain focus, Givens believes his method enhances his performance.

Repeat Lateness Amidst High Stakes

Givens’ lateness was not a one-off occurrence. He arrived late during the first level of play on Saturday and, despite this, managed to build his stack to over 12 million chips by the second break. As the field narrowed to 106 players remaining, the urgency of the tournament increased, with players busting rapidly and substantial pay jumps looming. Nevertheless, Givens was again late returning from a break, even with a substantial stack and the increasing significance of each elimination.

At the time of publishing, Givens was positioned second in chips, trailing only Malcolm Trayner. His performance is particularly noteworthy given his return to the WSOP after a four-year absence, following the removal of a ban from Caesars properties.

A History in High-Stakes Poker

With over $4.1 million in live tournament cashes according to The Hendon Mob, including a WSOP bracelet won in 2014, Givens is no stranger to the poker world. He is also known for participating in high-stakes Pot-Limit Omaha cash games in Texas. However, his current run in the WSOP Main Event presents the biggest stakes of his career, with the potential to more than triple his previous winnings if he secures the first-place prize.

Givens’ unconventional strategy highlights a growing trend among some professional athletes and players to prioritize mental and physical well-being, even in the high-pressure environment of a major poker tournament. While his approach may raise eyebrows, his success at the table suggests that for Will Givens, finding his own rhythm and prioritizing personal care is the key to navigating the complexities of the WSOP Main Event.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|—|—|
| Player | Will Givens |
| Tournament | 2026 WSOP Main Event |
| Notable Occurrences | Arrived late to Day 6 play and after breaks |
| Stated Reason for Lateness | Focus on gym, meditation, nutrition (avocado toast, eggs), and fresh air |
| Chip Stack (entering Day 6) | Nearly 100 big blinds |
| Current Standing (approx.) | Second in chips |
| Previous WSOP Bracelet | 2014 |

This story is relevant to PlayVideoPoker readers as it offers a glimpse into the mindset and strategies of a professional poker player during a major tournament. While the focus is on live poker, the underlying themes of preparation, mental fortitude, and unconventional approaches to high-pressure situations can resonate with players across all forms of poker, including video poker. Understanding how top players manage stress and focus can offer insights applicable to any poker enthusiast seeking to improve their game.

Source: PokerNews – Why Will Givens Has Been Absent with a Big Stack Deep in WSOP Main Event, https://www.pokernews.com/news/2026/07/will-givens-absent-at-wsop-main-event-51850.htm

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