USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect-Robert Hanashiro
The 2026 World Series of Poker $10K No-Limit Hold’em Main Event, the official ‘World Championship of Poker,’ got off and running on July 2nd and this year the action is back on ESPN. This has, thus far, been fantastic for those who enjoy watching Poker on TV as ESPN carried the WSOP through the Golden Age of Poker back in the early 00s.
Those tuning in to ESPN for the World Series of Poker Main Event have noticed new technology being deployed. ESPN has rolled out AI tech which analyzes player’s faces for ‘tells’ to determine whether or not they are bluffing… But why?
What is the Point of ESPN’s AI Bluffing Technology for the World Series of Poker?
Check it out:
NEW: ESPN's World Series of Poker coverage now includes an AI model that detects when players are likely bluffing based on facial movements, posture, and blink rate. pic.twitter.com/CLblwQVCsf
— Valuetainment (@valuetainment) July 8, 2026
The new AI-powered technology on the broadcasts shows a player’s blink rate, posture, physical movements. All of that data is used to determine whether or not a player is bluffing.
While the AI tech is cool, to be sure, and knowing a player’s patterns during a bluff over time can certainly be helpful for those sitting at the table… What use is it to us at home?
We can see the player’s hole cards, the two cards they are dealt at the start of each hand. The broadcast shows us a constantly updating grid of odds showing each player’s chances of winning the hand as cards are dealt. We don’t need AI to tell us if someone is bluffing because the TV broadcast is always shown on a slight delay so we can see the player’s hole cards. Is this really just ESPN’s way of jumping onto the AI craze? Because beyond highlighting facial cues during bluffs there’s really no value here on the TV broadcast.
This year’s WSOP Main Event had 4 flights to start, Days 1A/B/C/D. Day 3 wrapped up yesterday, July 8th, and the 2026 World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table will air on ESPN between August 3rd to the 5th.
Have you been watching? What do you think of the new AI tech? Is it making you a better poker player witnessing these pros bluffing in real time? Answers down below in the comments!