Gilberto López's bold move reshapes 2026 WSOP Main Event rankings
The 2026 WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas has seen a dramatic shift in rankings after a key hand between Gilberto López and Juanmi Cubero. López, now in fourth place, secured a crucial victory that boosted his chip stack to over 8.5 million. The tournament, currently at Level 27, continues with high stakes and rising tension among the remaining players.
Before the decisive hand, López had climbed from 147th place with 1.2 million chips to fourth, accumulating $450,000 in winnings from bounties and earlier payouts. The top ten players now include Daniel Negreanu leading with 12.1 million, followed by Fedor Holz (10.2M) and Kristen Bicknell (9.1M).
The clash unfolded at Casino Admiral in Seville, where Cubero opened with a 250,000 raise from under the gun. López, in the small blind, called. On the A♦2♦4♥ flop, Cubero bet 275,000, and López check-called. The turn brought the 10♥, prompting Cubero to shove all in for 1,475,000. López called, revealing his 4♠4♦ against Cubero's K♥Q♥.
López's flopped set of fours held, eliminating Cubero in thirteenth place for a €720 payout. After the hand, López's stack grew to 4,465,000, though his earlier surge had already cemented his position near the top.
With the tournament deep into Level 27, blinds at 60,000/120,000 and a 120,000 big blind ante, the pressure remains intense. López's win strengthens his chances, while Cubero's exit narrows the field further. The event continues as players vie for the top prize in Las Vegas.
