The calculator is now built directly into the WSOP+ app
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has quietly rolled out a feature that many players never expected to see: an ICM calculator built directly into the WSOP+ app. The tool gives every player who reaches the money a real-time estimate of their stack’s value based on the Independent Chip Model, a metric normally used during payout negotiations in the late stages of tournaments.
The move is surprising because the WSOP has long prohibited prize-pool adjustments and public deals. Yet the calculator appeared without any announcement of a policy shift. The app, launched earlier this year and required for all event registrations, now lets users enter chip counts and instantly see what their stack is worth. WSOP even promoted the feature on social media through a comedic reel starring poker player Ben Ludlow.
The timing raised eyebrows, especially after a recent bracelet event at WSOP Paradise ended with a deal. Matthias Eibinger and Mike Watson agreed to an ICM-based chop in the $75,000 Triton PLO event, with Triton staff facilitating the arrangement. WSOP officials declined to comment, leaving players unsure how the long-standing no-chop policy applies today.
The addition also comes months after controversy surrounding the Millionaire Maker final table. Allegations of soft play led to an investigation and a rare decision to split the prize money between the two finalists without awarding the bracelet. Many players argued that allowing formal chops could have prevented the dispute.
For now, the WSOP hasn’t formally changed its rules, but the new tool signals a shift in how information is shared with players. Whether it represents a step toward embracing official deal-making or simply a transparency feature remains unclear, but the poker community is watching closely for what comes next.
