NEW Poker Dealer Rating System Divides Players; Jeff Madsen Reflects on 20th Anniversary of 2006 WSOP POY

NEW Poker Dealer Rating System Divides Players; Jeff Madsen Reflects on 20th Anniversary of 2006 WSOP POY

Author: PokerNews Podcast May 14, 2026 Duration: 30:28

In the 964th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are once again joined by Jeff Madsen, who reflects on the 20th anniversary of his 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Player of the Year win. The trio also discusses the new dealer rating system announced by the WSOP, and whether or not it'll be a net positive for the game.

They also discuss the new rule put in place to combat third-party WSOP influence, like what happened with the Milly Maker last year. But could it have unintended consequences when it comes to staking, swapping, and the $25K Fanatasy Draft? Speaking of controversial things, there was a brouhaha when Matt Savage announced that headphones would be a topic discussed at this year's Tournament Directors Association (TDA) Summit. That led to Nick Palma and Victoria Livschitz getting into it.

Plus, hear about winners from the Aussie Millions and European Poker Tour (WPT) Monte Carlo, and Joe "Stapes" Stapleton leaving his gig at the EPT after many successful years.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:35 | 2026 WSOP
01:00 | New Dealer Ranking System
06:40 | Worrisome WSOP Rule?
15:12 | Remembering Doyle Brunson
16:00 | TDA Summit
16:30 | Headphones Ban?
21:30 | 20th Anniversary of Jeff Madsen's POY
24:05 | PokerNews MyPlayers
24:47 | Aussie Millions
28:46 | EPT Monte Carlo
29:35 | Stapes departs EPT


Every Friday, the longest-running news show in poker drops a new episode, offering a direct line into the heart of the community. With over 800 episodes in the archive, the PokerNews Podcast has become a Friday ritual for players and fans alike, blending the week's most urgent headlines with deeper stories, spirited debates, and the occasional bit of insider gossip. Host Chad Holloway, a WSOP bracelet winner himself, is joined by co-hosts like a Game of Gold star, ensuring the conversation is always grounded in real experience. They don't just report the news; they dissect it with a player's perspective. Tuning in means hearing from the most influential voices in the game, from Poker Hall of Famers to reigning World Series of Poker Main Event champions, who share stories you won't find anywhere else. This isn't just a recap; it's a weekly immersion into the strategies, scandals, and personalities that define the modern poker landscape. Whether you're grinding online or just love the drama of the felt, this podcast delivers the authentic, unfiltered sound of the game every week.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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