Josh Arieh Could Prove Voters Wrong at Poker Players Championship Final Table

Josh Arieh was not included in the 2026 Poker Hall of Fame ballot, a decision that could face scrutiny if he secures a victory in the prestigious $50,000 Poker Players Championship. Arieh, a seven-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner and the 2021 WSOP Player of the Year, is one of six players competing for the coveted mixed games title.

The final table, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. PT on Thursday, features a competitive lineup. Benny Glaser holds a significant chip lead with 8,610,000, while Arieh is third with 5,265,000 chips. Other contenders include Maxx Coleman, Kristopher Tong, Phil Ivey, and Paul Volpe. A win for Arieh would place him among a select group of players with eight WSOP bracelets, potentially prompting a reevaluation of the Hall of Fame voting.

After a quieter performance in the previous summer, Arieh is demonstrating a strong bounce-back season in 2026. He has recorded 10 cashes and made five final table appearances this summer, including a second-place finish in the $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship, where he lost to Calvin Anderson. His last bracelet win was in an online tournament in October of the previous year.

The Poker Players Championship final table is expected to draw considerable viewership, not only for Arieh's pursuit of an eighth bracelet but also for Phil Ivey's quest for his 12th and Benny Glaser's bid for his ninth. The competitive dynamics and the high stakes of the tournament ensure significant attention from the poker community.