In the high-stakes, arena of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, prestige isn’t bought—it’s earned through grueling, deep-stacked survival. The $10,000 Main Event is the pinnacle of the sport precisely because it is a true freezeout: one entry, one starting stack, and no safety net. When thousands of players converge on Las Vegas for this marathon, they are testing themselves against the most unforgiving format in tournament poker.

A Historic Milestone for Female Participation

The 2026 field itself has become a major talking point. This year, the Main Event attracted 9,208 entrants. Within that field, female participation reached an all-time high of 431 women. This represents approximately 4.68% of the total field, a notable increase from the 3.79% recorded in 2025 and a clear reflection of the growing trend in women’s representation at the highest level of the game.

Within this competitive field, Shanghai’s Congya Zhang has commanded the spotlight, emerging as the “Last Woman Standing” in the 2026 WSOP Main Event.

A Global Career: From Shanghai to the World Stage

While this Main Event run has captured the attention of the poker world, Zhang’s success is the culmination of a dedicated, high-level career. Originally from Shanghai, China, she has built a resume that reflects a player who is truly “cruising” through the international circuit. Unlike many who focus solely on one region, Zhang has balanced a rigorous schedule that includes:

  • Elite International Competition: From high-roller events in Jeju, South Korea, to deep runs in the Triton Poker Series and the Asian Poker Tour, she has consistently competed against the best in the world.

  • Versatility in Format: Her poker expertise extends far beyond standard No Limit Hold’em; she is a capable multi-discipline player who has notched impressive results in everything from mixed games (such as her 8-Game victory at APT Jeju) to turbo events.

  • Consecutive WSOP Success: Her presence in Las Vegas for the 2026 WSOP is not an outlier. She has been a fixture at the series for consecutive years—notably competing in the 2025 WSOP as well—grinding through grueling bracelet events to sharpen the very skills that have carried her deep into this year’s Main Event.

A Global Career: From Shanghai to the World Stage

While this Main Event run has captured the attention of the poker world, Zhang’s success is the culmination of a dedicated, high-level career. From Shanghai, China, she has spent the last eighteen months successfully navigating elite international fields. Her recent resume is a testament to her global presence, featuring consistent high-level performances from high-roller arenas in Jeju, South Korea, to deep runs in the elite Triton Poker Series and the Asian Poker Tour. Zhang’s expertise extends far beyond standard No Limit Hold’em; she is a capable multi-discipline player who has notched impressive results in everything from mixed games—such as her victory in an 8-Game event at the APT Jeju—to specialized turbo formats.

Building on that momentum, Zhang arrived in Las Vegas this summer with a schedule that suggests a focus on bracelet hunting. After competing through that rigorous summer schedule, Zhang is now positioned in the final 60 in the Main Event—where she is currently in the hunt for the ultimate prize.

Making History: The Pinnacle of a Professional Journey

Regardless of how she finishes, this run is already a career-defining moment. Her largest live tournament cash to date is $42,000, earned in May 2025. By surviving into the final stages of the 2026 WSOP Main Event, she is guaranteed to surpass that total, as all remaining players in this elite field have locked up substantial prizes. She is currently in a position to potentially make history; should she continue this momentum, she could become the first woman ever to win the WSOP Main Event—a feat that has remained the ultimate glass ceiling in poker since the tournament’s inception. The entire poker community is watching and cheering as she competes for the $10,000,000 first-place prize.