WSOP Can BAN Players For Wearing These Logos; Matt Berkey Guest Hosts

WSOP Can BAN Players For Wearing These Logos; Matt Berkey Guest Hosts

Author: PokerNews Podcast May 21, 2026 Duration: 39:59

In the 965th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, which is sponsored by WPT Global, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Matt Berkey at Level 9 Studio in Las Vegas to discuss the brouhaha surrounding patches at the 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP), a topic spurred by a social media post from Patrick Leonard. What's the situation, and should you be worried?

The trio then discusses Charlie Carrel being banned from entering the USA for nine years now, stemming from a drug arrest, poker returning next week to The Lodge in Texas, and an update on the bankruptcy of Maurice Hawkins, who amended his court filing to include his "friend" and "backer" Cody Stanford. 

Chad then asks Berkey if we might ever see the return of the Only Friends Podcast before the crew wraps things up by examining WPT Global Ambassador Phil Ivey's top WSOP scores.

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
00:20 | Matt Berkey joins the show
01:00 | Patches at the WSOP
13:23 | Charlie Carrel banned from USA
16:42 | Poker returns to The Lodge in Texas
20:42 | Maurice Hawkins wins but adds to bankruptcy filing
29:35 | Will Only Friends Podcast ever come back?
36:08 | WPT Global Ambassador Phil Ivey WSOP scores


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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