The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Schedule
The 2026 World Series of Poker schedule is officially here — and there are some significant changes afoot.
The world’s biggest poker festival returns to the Las Vegas Strip from May 26 through July 25, once again staged across Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas.
A full 100 live WSOP bracelets are up for grabs, matching last summer’s record-setting tally.
This 2026 WSOP guide covers everything you need to know including the full schedule, Main Event details, the hottest new events to watch for in 2026, and much more.
2026 World Series of Poker Full Schedule
The 2026 WSOP kicks off with a brand-new opener, the $550 Mini Mystery Millions. We’ll break down that event and other new additions later in this guide.
As ever, the schedule covers the full poker spectrum with buy-ins to suit every bankroll. Five bracelet events come in under $1,000, while 54 tournaments fall between $1,000 and $5,000, forming the core of the summer grind.
At the top end, there are 18 $10,000 buy-in events, six $25,000 high rollers, four $50,000 events, two $100,000 buy-ins, and the $250,000 Super High Roller standing alone at the summit.
"As we saw in 2025, thousands of incredible stories are waiting to be told at the World Series of Poker,” said Ty Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of WSOP. “We’re more committed than ever to being poker’s unquestioned biggest stage and to shining a brighter spotlight on our favorite game."
“Our favorite time of year is around the corner, and we cannot wait to once again welcome the poker world back to the Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas,” said Jack Effel, Senior Vice President of Poker Operations at Caesars Entertainment. “This summer's World Series of Poker promises more action and more opportunities to play your favorite events than ever before, from the first ‘Shuffle Up and Deal!’ to the crowning of the Main Event champion.”
Seven-time WSOP bracelet winner and GGPoker ambassador Daniel Negreanu also pointed to expanded online qualification paths, encouraging players worldwide to “take your shot at the gold in 2026.”
Did you know?
Playing just one entry in all 100 bracelet events at the 2026 WSOP would set you back a staggering $1,101,950! The smallest buy-in is $300, with the biggest being $250,000.
Big Shake Up for 2026 WSOP Main Event
Poker’s greatest tournament, the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship — better known as the Main Event — is back, and this year comes with a distinct hint of déjà vu.
The WSOP’s official announcement includes a tantalizing line suggesting a format shift many thought had been left behind, with a delayed final table, a modern spin on the “November Nine,” seemingly on the cards.
The format, which ran from 2008 to 2016, featured a four-month gap between the Main Event final table being set and the next world champion being crowned.
The break gave players respite from the gruelling Main Event grind, the chance to drum up sponsorship deals, and fly family and friends to Las Vegas for the biggest final table of their lives. Similarly, fans got to read profiles, interviews, debate likely winners, and enjoy some mainstream coverage of poker's greatest spectacle.
With GG now in its second year as WSOP owner, it’s clear there’s renewed appetite for that kind of storytelling, giving the Main Event more space to breathe and build anticipation.
So when will the next world champion be crowned? Well, it's not entirely clear. We can say for sure that the 57th annual Main Event is set to shuffle up and deal on July 2 at 11 am, with play running through July 13 when the final table will be formed. What happens after that is still to be confirmed.
Few expect the months-long gap that was a hallmark of the November Nine era; however, there is no doubt that any meaningful pause marks a big shake-up for 2026, and one that will surely spark debate among players and fans.
2026 WSOP Main Event Schedule
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, July 2, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 1A |
| Fri, July 3, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 1B |
| Sat, July 4, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 1C |
| Sun, July 5, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 1D |
| Mon, July 6, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 2ABC |
| Tue, July 7, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 2D |
| Wed, July 8, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 3 |
| Thu, July 9, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 4 |
| Fri, July 10, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 5 |
| Sat, July 11, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 6 |
| Sun, July 12, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 7 |
| Mon, July 13, 2026 | 11 a.m. | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Day 8 |
| TBD | TBD | $10,000 WSOP Main Event Final Table |
2026 WSOP Main Event Satellites
Along with the WSOP schedule, details have been released about the satellites on offer during the festival.
As expected, they include Specialty Landmark Mega Satellites taking place each day, allowing players to satellite into the following day’s $5,000 or $10,000 buy-in events.
There are also details of satellites to Mini Mystery Millions, Colossus, Gladiators of Poker and many more.
Daily Landmark Mega Satellites will run from May 26-July 13, which pay out multiples of casino value chips that can be used to buy into events.
Routes into the Main Event start at $150 with Mega Satellites running from July 1-6.
2026 WSOP Schedule Additional Highlights
Aside from the Main Event, there's plenty to get excited about this summer.
On May 29, the $25,000 Heads Up No-Limit Hold'em Championship looks set to be an early highlight of the series. Sixty-four of the world’s best will go head-to-head, each trying to win six straight matches for a bracelet. Artur Martirosian will be one to watch once again, having already taken down two WSOP bracelets in the format, including in 2025.
From the smallest fields to the largest, the $1,500 Monster Stack and $500 Colossus, will once again draw enormous crowds, as players of all levels embark on their annual poker pilgrimage to play two of the summer's most popular events.
At the other end of the spectrum, nosebleed high-stakes action returns with the $250,000 Super High Roller and $100,000 High Roller PLO, taking place on June 13 and June 15.
The summer then moves into the million-dollar-inspired events as the $1,500 Millionaire Maker and $1,000 Mystery Millions, get underway on June 17 and June 23. Last year, the Millionaire Maker was one of the most talked-about stories of the series, controversial but compelling, it remains a standout event that always draws a massive crowd.
And finally, there’s the five-day, $50,000 buy-in Poker Player’s Championship, always one of the summer’s showpiece occasions. In any other year, Michael Mizrachi winning the PPC for an unprecedented fourth time might have been the story of the summer, but you might remember "The Grinder" went and added something else to his record as well.
How do you top perhaps the greatest summer in poker history? No one is quite sure, but there’s no doubt he will be one of the favorites to claim a fifth title when the cards go in the air on June 21.
New Events at the 2026 WSOP
As mentioned, the $550 Mini Mystery Millions opens the series on May 26 and it could be one of the best curtain raisers for the series.
Last year’s Mystery Millions drew 19,654 entries, and with the buy-in nearly cut in half for this event, while keeping the $1 million top bounty prize, this edition has the potential to push toward one of the largest fields in WSOP history.
The $10,000 GGMillion$ High Roller follows on May 31. The three-day event features two starting flights and brings GG’s flagship brand to the live stage.
On June 2, the $1,700 U.S. Circuit Championship continues the push to connect the WSOP with the Circuit season. Unlike WSOP Paradise, this one does not include a mystery bounty element. At WSOP Paradise, Mark Darner topped 2,396 entries in the $2,500 Circuit Championship Mystery Bounty for $350,000.
There is also increased Pot-Limit Omaha representation. First off is the $1,500 Five-Card PLO on June 18, while “Pick Your PLO” on July 9 is a dealer’s choice format featuring PLO, PLO8, Five-Card PLO (High), and Big O.
Summer Circuit Debuts at WSOP
A WSOP Circuit runs during the 2026 WSOP for the first time in the festival's history. Scheduled to run between July 14-25, during the final days of the WSOP bracelet series, the WSOP Circuit Las Vegas schedule features a $400 Mini Main Event, a $2,200 No-Limit High Roller, and a $1,700 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event.
WSOP Circuit tournaments usually enjoy large crowds, but the ones in Las Vegas this summer could break attendance records with so many grinders being in Sin City for the 2026 WSOP.
In January 2026, the $1,700 WSOPC Las Vegas Main Event attracted 616 entrants, who created a $933,240 prize pool. Darren Rabinowitz came out on top and turned his initial investment into a cool $175,430. One would imagine those numbers will be much larger this summer.
If you miss out on a WSOP bracelet, you could return home with a WSOPC ring. Or, even better, there's a chance you could capture both pieces of sought-after poker jewelry.
WSOP Summer Circuit Schedule
2026 WSOP Livestreams
Alongside the new events, the way fans watch this summer’s WSOP is set for a major shake-up, with a free daily livestream available to an international audience on the WSOP’s YouTube channel.
Starting May 26, the streams will bring live action from a revamped TV set featuring some of poker’s most familiar voices.
Among them will be Jeff Platt, who last month announced a new role with the WSOP after a near decade-long association with previous series broadcaster PokerGO. Coming from a sports journalism background, Platt told PokerNews last month that fans can expect a "new era" of broadcasts, showcasing "more tournaments, more players, and more storylines."
The popular commentator also promised a "drastic improvement in the viewing experience, both live and via broadcasts," adding, "I’m so excited for not only the poker community to see what we have in store, but for casual viewers to get a taste of the game we know and love."
WSOP+ Registration & Accommodations
The excellent WSOP+ App returns for the 2026 WSOP, and everyone heading to Las Vegas should download it to their Android or iOS device. Not only can WSOP+ users access all real-time tournament information, but they can also avoid potentially massive lines at the registration desk by using the WSOP+ App to buy into all WSOP bracelet events and WSOPC ring-awarding tournaments.
The WSOP highly recommends downloading the WSOP+ App and completing the registration process before arriving in Las Vegas for the 2026 WSOP. If you were one of the many players who participated in the 2025 WSOP and have previously verified your identity, there is no need to do this again unless your personal information has changed, or you plan to use a different payment method.
You're going to need somewhere to rest and recuperate between 2026 WSOP events, and what better place to do that than at a Caesars Entertainment property? The WSOP has organized reduced room rates across the entire Caesars Entertainment Las Vegas hotel portfolio. All you need to do is head to www.caesars.com, select a date between May 26 and July 25, use the promo code WSOP26, and the discounted rate will be shown.
Vegas hotels tend to get booked up quickly when the WSOP is in town, so don't leave booking your accommodation until the last minute.
WSOP Player Of The Year
The 100 bracelet-awarding events that make up the 2026 WSOP will play a significant role in the race for the revamped WSOP Player of the Year competition. The WSOP Player of the Year is a fiercely fought competition where winners are immortalized in WSOP history.
This year's Player of the Year race will award $1 million in prizes across the 100 best-performing players, including a $100,000 WSOP Paradise package for the eventual champion.
Shaun Deeb is the reigning WSOP Player of the Year, having cashed in 18 live events, six online bracelet events, and reached five final tables in 2025. Deeb also captured his seventh bracelet in the $100,000 Pot Limit Omaha High Roller. Deeb won the coveted award in 2018, so the 2025 victory saw him become only the second player in history to become a two-time WSOP Player of the Year after Daniel Negreanu (2004 and 2013).
This year's POY race starts at the World Series of Poker Europe 2026, which will be hosted in Prague, Czechia, from March 31 through April 12.
More Information & Online Qualification
GGPoker sent more than 1,000 online qualifiers to the WSOP Main Event in 2025, and that impressive number is expected to increase this summer.
In July 2025, GGPoker launched the WSOP Express, allowing its players to win their way to the 2026 WSOP Main Event for as little as $0.50. The WSOP Express is a four-step satellite tree starting with a $0.50 buy-in (or Step 1 ticket) All-In or Fold 4-Max SNG. These progress into a $2 buy-in (or Step 2 ticket) Spin & Gold 6-Max SNG, then a $10 buy-in (or Step 3) Turbo Tournament, before a $150 buy-in (or Step 4 ticket) regular tournament opens the door for a WSOP bracelet pass.
The Bracelet Pass is valued at $10,000 and can be redeemed for a 2026 WSOP Main Event seat.
| Step | Format | Buy-in | Prizes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | All-In or Fold 4-Max SNG | $0.50 or Step 1 ticket | Step 2 ticket |
| 2 | Spin & Gold 6-Max SNG | $2 or Step 2 ticket | Step 2-4 ticket of WSOP Pass prize |
| 3 | Turbo Tournament | $10 or Step 3 ticket | Step 4 ticket |
| 4 | Regular Tournament | $150 or Step 4 ticket | Ring Pass or Bracelet Pass |
All GGPoker players receive a free Step 0 Avatar Race ticket each day they log into their account. This awards the winner a $0.50 Step 1 ticket. GGPoker players can also receive a $0.50 Step 1 ticket if they are dealt pocket aces in a cash game, and a $2 Step 2 ticket if they are dealt pocket aces three times.
Players should follow @WSOP on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram or check WSOP.com for more event news and updates. To qualify online for WSOP 2026, please visit GGPoker to find out more about WSOP Express, or wsoponline.com if located in the United States.
2026 World Series of Poker FAQs
Do you have to be American to play in the 2026 WSOP?
No! The WSOP welcomes poker players from around the globe. Every year, participants from numerous countries come to Las Vegas to compete.
Can beginners play in the 2026 WSOP?
Absolutely! Beginners are welcome to join the action at the WSOP. While some poker experience is helpful, there are plenty of events suitable for players of all skill levels.
How much does it cost to play in the 2026 WSOP?
Buy-ins for WSOP events range from affordable entry-level tournaments to the prestigious $10,000 Main Event. Stay tuned for the full schedule to see the complete list of events and buy-ins.
What is the prize pool for the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
The prize pool depends on the number of entries, but the 2025 Main Event featured a $90.5 million pool, with $10 million awarded to the winner.
What identification do I need to play in the 2026 WSOP?
Players must provide valid photo identification and a Caesars Rewards Loyalty card to register. International players may also need additional proof of address, such as a utility bill or signed lease.
What methods of payment will be accepted at the 2026 WSOP?
Though 2026 payment methods haven’t been confirmed yet, it’s expected to include cash, credit/debit cards, ACH transfers, wire transfers, and tournament buy-in chips or credits, similar to previous years.
Where is the 2026 WSOP?
The 2026 WSOP will take place at Horseshoe and Paris in Las Vegas
What is the lowest buy-in at the 2026 WSOP?
The lowest buy-in at the 2026 WSOP is the $300 Gladiators of Poker. The biggest is the $250,000 Super High Roller
