WSOP Circuit May Double-Header Wraps: Izadi Claims 10th Ring, Marquez Wins First at Commerce
WSOP Circuit’s May Double-Header Concludes
The 2026 WSOP Circuit season — now running on a calendar-year format — kept up its relentless pace with a simultaneous double-header in May. From May 7 through 18, Circuit events ran concurrently at Harrah’s Cherokee in North Carolina and Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, California.
Both stops have wrapped, producing two Main Event champions with very different stories: veteran ring collector Hamid Izadi claiming his 10th career Circuit ring, and first-timer Anthony Marquez breaking through at one of America’s toughest card rooms.
I’ve always thought the WSOP Circuit offers the best bang-for-buck in live tournament poker — $1,700 Main Events with structures that rival the summer series, but against fields that are noticeably more beatable. These results prove the point: both grinders and newcomers can find life-changing scores here.
Cherokee: Hamid Izadi Claims Ring #10
Main Event Results
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | $1,700 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event |
| Venue | Harrah’s Cherokee, North Carolina |
| Dates | May 7–18, 2026 |
| Champion | Hamid Izadi |
| Prize | $332,405 |
| Runner-Up | Louis George |
| Third Place | Lou Ojeda |
Who Is Hamid Izadi?
Izadi isn’t a name you’ll see on televised final tables at the WSOP Main Event or on high-stakes livestreams. But in the world of WSOP Circuit grinding, he’s a legend. This Cherokee victory represents:
- His 10th career WSOP Circuit gold ring
- His 3rd Circuit Main Event title
- Career Circuit earnings surpassing $2 million
To put 10 rings in perspective: the WSOP Circuit has been awarding gold rings since 2005, and only a handful of players have ever reached double digits. Izadi doesn’t rely on occasional heaters — he shows up at nearly every stop, plays nearly every Main Event, and grinds out results through sheer volume and consistency.
Final table key moment: Reports indicate Izadi doubled up early at the 6-handed final table through a crucial all-in, then maintained chip lead throughout, eventually closing out the heads-up match with a commanding stack advantage.
Commerce: Anthony Marquez Wins His First
Main Event Results
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | $1,700 No-Limit Hold’em Main Event |
| Venue | Commerce Casino, Los Angeles, CA |
| Dates | May 7–18, 2026 |
| Champion | Anthony Marquez |
| Prize | $187,977 |
| Runner-Up | Erik Selami |
A First-Timer’s Breakthrough
Unlike Izadi’s routine excellence, Marquez’s win represents a breakthrough moment. Earning your first WSOP Circuit ring at Commerce Casino — a room notorious for its deep pool of tough California regulars — is no small feat.
Marquez showed composure under pressure at the final table, defeating the experienced Erik Selami heads-up to complete the victory. $187,977 plus a gold ring makes for a career-defining result for a first-time Circuit finalist.
New for 2026: $5,000 WSOP Paradise Package
This season introduced a major incentive change: every gold ring winner automatically receives a $5,000 WSOP Paradise 2026 package, which includes entry to the annual WSOP Circuit Championship.
This means both Izadi and Marquez have already locked up their seats at the year-end championship event. For a veteran like Izadi, it’s another routine qualification. For Marquez, it’s a ticket into an elite-level competition he might not have otherwise entered.
Two Venues, Two Different Worlds
The choice to run these stops simultaneously on opposite coasts gives players interesting options:
| Comparison | Harrah’s Cherokee | Commerce Casino |
|---|---|---|
| Location | North Carolina mountains | Los Angeles, California |
| Room Size | Mid-size, event-focused | One of America’s largest card rooms |
| Field Strength | Moderate; East Coast circuit grinders | Strong; dense California pro population |
| Vibe | Resort + poker; casino resort surroundings | Pure card room; hardcore poker culture |
| Access | Drive-in only; ~1 hour from Charlotte | Central LA; easy transit access |
What’s Next on the Circuit
With the May double-header in the books, the next batch of WSOP Circuit stops will continue through summer. The 2026 season features 39 global stops across the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific under the new calendar-year format.
For most players, though, attention now shifts to the WSOP Main Series starting May 26. One hundred gold bracelets are up for grabs, and both Izadi and Marquez have already warmed up through the Circuit.
For background on this year’s Circuit season restructuring, check out our earlier coverage: WSOP Circuit 2026 Season Overhaul.