The countdown to the 2026 WSOP starts here. 100 bracelets. All the poker players. And PokerOrg will be on the floor from start to finish.
David ‘ODB’ Baker is a longtime poker professional and is one of the most respected cash and tournament players in the game. He’s won four WSOP bracelets, as well as close to $10M in career earnings.
How do you prepare for the upcoming grind at the WSOP?
My preparation is mostly just playing poker. I also focus on a positive mindset by making good things happen. If something bad happens, I try to identify and work on my flaws, but mostly, I'm always playing. I rarely take time off because I love playing nearly every day, switching between tournaments and cash games.
My wife helps me maintain the right headspace for the series. I’m not one to meditate or drink smoothies daily.
What kind of things does your wife work on with you?
She keeps me grounded and in a positive frame of mind. If I am having a bad stretch at the tables, she's pretty good about trying to pump me up. And if I'm doing well, she makes sure I stay humble, but always in a supportive way.
This year's Main Event final table will be televised by ESPN.'I don't take rest days – I'll be playing poker 45 out of 45 days'
Do you think the WSOP’s partnership with ESPN is a good move for the game?
I think it's great. I grew up watching the WSOP on ESPN and dreaming of being on there one day. I've always been a person who is big on promoting the game of poker. I want to leave the game in better shape than I found it.
I support anything that highlights the game positively. ESPN achieves that, as does the World Series. That's why I'm loyal to the World Series each summer. So, yes. I love the fact that ESPN is involved again, and I hope to have a deep run this year.
What’s your best finish in the WSOP Main Event?
I got 17th in 2010, the year that Jonathan Duhamel won it. It was on ESPN that year and a few of my hands were televised during that run. That was fun. It definitely amps up my excitement for the series this year.
What do you do on your rest days to unwind?
I don't take rest days – I'll be playing poker 45 out of 45 days. I'm Team No Days Off.
Do you have a go-to healthy meal to keep your energy up during such a hardcore grind?
My wife excels at preparing meals for me. Every day, she makes a chicken Caesar and a cold pasta salad. I pack these with fruit in my lunchbox, and I eat it throughout the day to maintain my energy.
Last year's 2025 25K Fantasy Draft took place at the PokerGO studios.
'I love what fantasy has done for the overall WSOP vibe'
Let’s talk about something you helped create – fantasy poker at the WSOP.
The fantasy infiltration of the World Series has been one of the biggest catalysts in its growth. This is year 11 for us. I think we've worked out all the details to make it the best version yet. Each year, it's continued to grow.
It’s fun to think of poker as a team sport.
It’s fascinating to approach a very individual sport like poker as a team game. That dynamic increases everyone’s motivation. I love what fantasy has done for the overall World Series vibe and the small part that I've had in creating that. I’m very proud of that.
I know the players who participated in the PokerOrg Fantasy Freeroll had a blast last year.
PokerOrg has mirrored my draft and my format and put up some great prizes to play for. And PokerOrg doesn’t charge anything. PokerOrg gets to interact with more fans, and more fans get to interact with the players. That’s why I love fantasy sports in general.
I think it's cool that PokerOrg is getting more people involved in fantasy. I'm anticipating that we'll continue that relationship this year. I like everything about it.
David Baker: The quickfire round
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The 2026 WSOP starts on May 26 and runs through August 5, when the Main Event champion will be crowned.
