WSOP 2026: Martirosian Leads $100k PLO, Gonsalves Stays Live

WSOP 2026 Day 36: a big-stage day for specialists and high rollers

Day 36 of WSOP 2026 delivered exactly what poker fans expect from the series at this stage: elite fields, big buy-ins, and multiple storylines running at once. Alexander Martirosian took command in the $100,000 Pot-Limit Omaha event, while James Woods put together a strong showing in Triple Draw. At the same time, James Gonsalves stayed in the hunt for the $5,000 Six-Max title.

That combination matters. WSOP is never just about one marquee final table — it is a live snapshot of where modern tournament poker stands right now, from high-variance Omaha battles to skill-heavy short-handed formats and niche mixed-game events.

Martirosian sets the pace in the $100k Pot-Limit Omaha

A $100,000 PLO event is one of the purest tests of elite poker skill on the summer calendar. The buy-in guarantees a field full of experienced regulars, and Pot-Limit Omaha punishes every small technical leak. Equities run close, stacks move fast, and postflop decision-making becomes the real separator.

Martirosian’s Day 1 lead is meaningful because it suggests he handled the chaos better than most of the field. In PLO, that usually means strong hand selection, disciplined pot control, and a clear understanding of when to press an edge and when to keep the pot manageable.

For players who want to study the format more seriously, poker school content is especially valuable when paired with real-world observation of how top pros navigate deep-stack Omaha pressure.

Gonsalves remains in contention in the $5k Six-Max

The $5,000 Six-Max event is a very different animal. Short-handed poker rewards wider opening ranges, faster adjustments, and a willingness to fight for blinds and antes. Players who wait too long to apply pressure often find themselves blinded down, while active players can build stacks quickly.

Gonsalves staying alive in the title race is notable because Six-Max events often come down to who can maintain momentum across changing table dynamics. One orbit can shift the entire tone of the tournament, especially once the field gets shallow and stack sizes start to compress.

For grinders who want more volume and softer paths into live events, it is worth comparing poker rooms and poker clubs that offer satellites, qualifiers, and regular opportunities to practice tournament endgame spots.

James Woods and why Triple Draw still matters

James Woods’ strong run in Triple Draw is a reminder that the WSOP remains one of the few places where mixed-game expertise still gets the spotlight it deserves. Triple Draw is a discipline that rewards patience, memory, and a very different kind of strategic discipline than no-limit hold’em or PLO.

Because the game is less common, many players underprepare for it. That creates an edge for specialists who know how to manage drawing rounds, read draw patterns, and avoid overplaying marginal made hands. In other words, Triple Draw is not just a side event — it is a technical battlefield.

Expert analysis: what this day tells us about modern tournament poker

Day 36 highlights a broader trend in tournament poker: the best results increasingly come from players who combine specialization with adaptability. Martirosian’s position in a massive PLO event shows how important technical postflop skill is when equities are close. Gonsalves’ run in Six-Max shows how valuable short-handed aggression remains. Woods’ Triple Draw success proves that deep format knowledge still matters in mixed games.

• if you only study one format, your ceiling is lower than you think;
• if you understand stack dynamics and pressure points, your decisions improve immediately;
• if you want to build a broader live schedule, keep an eye on promotions & bonuses that can help you reach more events efficiently.

This diversity is also healthy for the game itself. A series like WSOP keeps poker culturally relevant because it showcases more than one path to success. That matters for recreational players, aspiring pros, and anyone trying to build a sustainable poker career.

Day 36 takeaway: momentum can change fast at WSOP

Martirosian’s lead in $100k PLO, Gonsalves’ live title shot in $5k Six-Max, and Woods’ strong work in Triple Draw all point to the same conclusion: WSOP rewards players who can stay sharp across formats and pressure levels.

There is still a lot of poker left to play, and in fields this tough, one bad orbit or one huge pot can completely rewrite the story. That is exactly why the series remains must-watch poker for serious players and fans alike.

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