Hybrid 2020 WSOP Crowns Two Champions

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the World Series of Poker to adapt, leading to a unique tournament format that crowned champions in both the US and international brackets.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 4:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high-stakes poker game, with the players and table broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the intensity and drama of the event.The 2020 WSOP's innovative hybrid format combined online play and a live final table, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the poker community.Las Vegas Today

The 2020 World Series of Poker (WSOP) was a year like no other, as the global pandemic forced the tournament to take on a hybrid format. Instead of the usual summer extravaganza in Las Vegas, the WSOP combined online play with a live final table. This resulted in two different champions being crowned - one for the international bracket and one for the US bracket.

Why it matters

The innovative approach allowed the WSOP to adapt to the challenges of the pandemic and continue its legacy as the world's most prestigious poker tournament. The hybrid format highlighted the rise of online poker and the global reach of the game, while the stories of the two champions inspired aspiring players around the world.

The details

The international bracket was played on GGPoker, with Damián Salas of Argentina emerging as the champion. Salas navigated a field of thousands of international players to reach the final table, where his calm and collected demeanor, combined with his strategic prowess, allowed him to outplay his opponents and secure the victory. On the US side, Joseph Hebert battled his way through the online tables on WSOP.com to claim the title. Hebert's emotional story, as he dedicated his run to his late mother, resonated with poker fans around the world.

  • The 2020 World Series of Poker took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The online portion of the tournament was held in 2020.
  • The live final tables were held in a controlled environment in 2020.

The players

Damián Salas

A well-known and respected player in the poker world, with a long history of impressive results. Salas became the first player from Argentina to win the WSOP Main Event.

Joseph Hebert

Also known as 'kolebear' online, an American poker player who had been grinding online poker for years before his big win. Hebert's victory was particularly poignant as he dedicated his run to his late mother.

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What’s next

The 2020 WSOP paved the way for future hybrid events, which may become a more common occurrence in the world of poker. The lessons learned from this unique tournament will undoubtedly shape the future of the WSOP and the poker industry as a whole.

The takeaway

The 2020 WSOP will be remembered as a testament to the power of innovation and the resilience of the human spirit. It demonstrated the adaptability of the WSOP and the poker community, and highlighted the global reach and enduring spirit of the game.