The Midpoint Showdown: Ian Matakis Dominates the 2023 World Series of Poker Player of the Year Race

As the 2023 World Series of Poker reaches its midpoint, the competition for the Player of the Year title is still anyone’s game. However, Ian Matakis from Faribault, Minnesota, has managed to extend his lead in recent times. Matakis, who triumphed in the Online Event #2: $500 No-Limit Hold’em Bankroll Builder at the beginning of the series, has accumulated 2,914.73 points so far. This puts him almost 500 points — equivalent to a second-place finish in a standard event — ahead of the current runner-up, Michael Santos.

Over the past fortnight, Matakis has consistently increased his Player of the Year points, and he has now earned money in 12 series events. Four of these earnings were from online events, including his bracelet-winning performance and another final table appearance.

Santos, who has 2,429.26 points so far, leads a closely packed group of players within a 300-point range. Shaun Deeb, the reigning Player of the Year, is hot on Santos’ heels with 2,358.97 points, while Christopher Brewer, Chad Eveslage, Josh Arieh, and Michael Moncek have all surpassed the 2,100 point mark.

The victor of the 2023 Player of the Year will secure a spot in the 2024 Main Event and will be honored with a banner that will be displayed at the series annually, forever. Here are the top ten contenders in the Player of the Year competition as of June 23rd:

Ian Matakis – 2,914.73 Michael Rodrigues Pires Santos – 2,429.26 Shaun Deeb – 2,368.97 Christopher Brewer – 2,300.38 Chad Eveslage – 2,217.92 Josh Arieh – 2,173.70 Michael Moncek – 2,151.16 Jans Arends – 1,999.18 Tyler Brown – 1,946.11 Chance Kornuth – 1,933.38 All of the top ten players in the Player of the Year standings have won a bracelet event this summer, including Chad Eveslage, who has won twice and is currently in fifth place.