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Marius Kudzmanas Conquers Record-Breaking WSOP Europe Main Event for €2,000,000
- Marius Kudzmanas wins WSOP Europe Main Event, earning €2,000,000.
- Record 15,779 entries and €39,500,000 in prizes at the 2026 WSOP Europe.
- Attention shifts to the WSOP in Las Vegas starting May 26, 2026.
The European poker landscape has a new king.
In a performance defined by calculated aggression and relentless pressure, Marius Kudzmanas has officially claimed the title of World Series of Poker (WSOP) Europe Main Event Champion, taking home a massive €2,000,000 first-place prize.
In a performance defined by calculated aggression and relentless pressure, Marius Kudzmanas has officially claimed the title of World Series of Poker (WSOP) Europe Main Event Champion, taking home a massive €2,000,000 first-place prize.
Seasoned WSOP Pro
While Kudzmanas is no stranger to the winner's circle:
boasting two previous WSOP online bracelet, this victory cements his legacy as a dual-threat powerhouse.
By navigating the largest open field in European history, he has proven that his digital dominance translates perfectly to the high-stakes pressure of live championship poker.
boasting two previous WSOP online bracelet, this victory cements his legacy as a dual-threat powerhouse.
By navigating the largest open field in European history, he has proven that his digital dominance translates perfectly to the high-stakes pressure of live championship poker.
A Festival of Broken Records
The 2026 WSOP Europe didn't just meet expectations; it obliterated them.
The festival saw 15,779 entries across 15 bracelet events, generating a staggering €39,500,000 in total prizes.
The festival saw 15,779 entries across 15 bracelet events, generating a staggering €39,500,000 in total prizes.
The Main Event stood as the crown jewel of the series. With 2,617 entries, it generated a €13,085,000 prize pool, making it the largest open poker event ever held on European soil.
WSOP Europe 2026: By the Numbers
| Category | Statistic |
| Main Event Entries | 2,617 |
| Main Event Prize Pool | €13,085,000 |
| Total Festival Entries | 15,779 |
| Total Prize Money Awarded | €39,500,000 |
| Participating Countries | 80+ |
Historic Milestones
Beyond the Main Event, the festival celebrated a landmark moment for women in poker.
Switzerland’s Anna Eggenberger captured her first gold bracelet in the inaugural €1,000 Ladies Championship. Outlasting 197 players, Eggenberger’s win marked the largest Ladies Championship ever held outside of Las Vegas.
Switzerland’s Anna Eggenberger captured her first gold bracelet in the inaugural €1,000 Ladies Championship. Outlasting 197 players, Eggenberger’s win marked the largest Ladies Championship ever held outside of Las Vegas.
The enthusiasm and incredible turnout, particularly for the record-breaking €5,300 Main Event, has been unprecedentedsaid Ty Stewart, CEO of the WSOP.
"Congratulations to Marius Kudzmanas for etching his name into the history books."
The Road to Las Vegas
With the European festivities concluded, the poker world is shifting its gaze toward the desert. The 2026 summer WSOP is scheduled to kick off in Las Vegas on May 26, running through July 15.
For those looking to follow in Kudzmanas’s footsteps, several qualification paths remain open:
- International Players: Qualify for the $10,000 No Limit Hold'em Main Event via GGPoker’s WSOP Express
- US-Based Players: Satellites are currently running on wsoponline.com.
- Registration: Players can secure their seats via the WSOP Live app.
As the "richest open event in European history" moves into the rearview mirror, all eyes turn to the fabled Las Vegas Strip to see who will be the next to claim a piece of poker immortality.
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