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What Is Solana and Why Do Poker Players Use It? (2026 Guide)
- Official WSOP payment partner
- Fast transaction speeds
- Low network fees
- Secure tournament buy-ins
Solana has quickly become one of the most recognizable cryptocurrency payment options in live poker after partnering with the World Series of Poker (WSOP) for the 2026 series.
The collaboration, which saw the company lit up around the WSOP stage and on sponsored felts, allows players to purchase tournament entries via a Solana wallet through the WSOP LIVE app, offering a faster and safer digital alternative to traditional payment methods.
For poker players, Solana’s biggest appeal is its ability to simplify tournament payments, particularly for international players travelling to major live events. With fast transaction speeds and low fees, it provides a convenient way for players to manage buy-ins without carrying large amounts of cash.
So, if you're a poker player, is it worth using Solana? We're taking a look...
Pros
- Fast transaction speeds
- Low transaction fees
- Supported for WSOP tournament buy-ins
- Convenient option for international players
- Reduces the need to carry large amounts of cash
Cons
- Requires players to set up and use a crypto wallet
- Not available as a payment option at every poker event
What is Solana?
Solana is a blockchain network designed to process digital transactions quickly and efficiently. Its native cryptocurrency, SOL, can be transferred between users through compatible wallets, allowing payments to be made without relying on traditional banking systems.
While cryptocurrency has traditionally been associated with online payments and digital assets, Solana’s growing presence in poker has focused on a more practical use case: making live tournament payments easier.
For poker players, the key benefits are speed, efficiency, and safety. Transactions can typically be completed within seconds, with minimal fees compared with some other blockchain networks. Moreover, there have been some horror stories recently associated with players carrying cash, so many just don't want to take the risk.
Solana and the World Series of Poker
Solana’s biggest connection to poker to date comes through its partnership with the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
In 2026, the WSOP announced Solana as the official Presenting Sponsor for both the WSOP in Las Vegas and WSOP Paradise in The Bahamas. As part of the collaboration, players gained the ability to purchase tournament entries using cryptocurrency for the first time in WSOP history.
Using the WSOP LIVE app, players can buy tournament tickets with Solana through MoonPay Commerce, giving players an alternative way to register for events without relying on traditional payment methods.
The integration is particularly useful for international players, who often have to navigate currency exchanges, bank transfers, or the challenge of carrying large amounts of cash when travelling to major poker festivals. By allowing players to pay directly with Solana, the WSOP, alongside its WSOP Live app, made tournament registration faster and more accessible for its global player base.
MoonPay Powers Solana WSOP Payments
MoonPay Commerce provides the payment infrastructure behind the WSOP’s Solana integration, connecting players’ crypto wallets with the tournament registration process.
Rather than requiring players to convert their cryptocurrency before buying into an event, MoonPay Commerce allows Solana payments to be processed directly when purchasing tournament entries. The system is designed to simplify the experience, making crypto payments as familiar as doing a bit of online shopping or using PayPal or a similar tool.
The collaboration is also set to expand beyond tournament registrations. At the 2026 WSOP Paradise, players will have the option to receive tournament winnings in stablecoins on the Solana network, providing another digital payout option for international players.
Solana Fees & Transaction Speed
| Feature | Solana |
|---|---|
| Transaction speed | Usually completed within seconds |
| Network fees | Typically very low |
| Live tournament payments | Available at the WSOP |
| International accessibility | Available around the world via compatible wallets |
Getting Started With Solana for Live Poker
Players looking to use Solana for tournament payments will need a compatible crypto wallet and enough SOL to cover their chosen event buy-in.
Before attending a major live series, players should make sure their wallet is set up correctly and familiarize themselves with sending and receiving cryptocurrency. It is also recommended to keep wallet recovery details secure and only use trusted platforms when purchasing or transferring digital assets.
For WSOP events, including WSOP Paradise later in the year, players can use the available payment options through the WSOP LIVE app when registering for eligible tournaments.
Is Solana Useful for Poker Players?
Solana is unlikely to replace traditional payment methods for every poker player, but it offers a very useful alternative for those comfortable using digital wallets.
Its strongest use case is among live tournament players, particularly those travelling internationally who want a quick, safe, and efficient way to manage buy-ins. The WSOP partnership has helped establish Solana as one of the most relevant cryptocurrency payment solutions in poker, giving players another option when registering for some of the biggest tournaments in the world.
For players already familiar with cryptocurrency, Solana provides a simple way to move funds quickly and cheaply. For those new to digital payments, traditional options may still feel more straightforward, but the growth of Solana at major live events shows how quickly poker is evolving, and that many brands, like the WSOP, are committed to making registering for tournaments as simple as possible.
Solana FAQs
What is Solana?
Solana is a high performance network powering internet capital markets, payments, AI agents, and crypto applications. Solana operates as a single global state machine, and is open, interoperable and decentralized. In the context of poker, players are able to buy into WSOP tournaments with Solana. Payments on Solana typically settle in seconds and cost fractions of a penny. By comparison, traditional payment method, such as credit cards, often take 2–3 business days to settle and incur processing fees of around 2–3%.
Can I use Solana to buy into WSOP tournaments?
Yes. The WSOP allows players to purchase entries for eligible tournaments using Solana through the WSOP LIVE app. Payments are processed using MoonPay Commerce, giving players an alternative to traditional payment methods.
Why would poker players use Solana?
Solana offers fast transaction speeds, low network fees, and removes the need to carry large amounts of cash to live poker festivals. It can be particularly useful for international players travelling to major tournament series such as the WSOP who don't want to deal with exchange rates.
Do I need a Solana wallet?
Yes. To make tournament payments with Solana, you'll need a compatible crypto wallet that holds enough SOL to cover your buy-in. You'll also need to complete any required identity checks with the services you use to purchase cryptocurrency.
Is Solana only accepted at the WSOP?
No. Solana can be used for many different cryptocurrency transactions, but its most notable poker partnership is with the WSOP. Availability as a tournament payment method varies between poker tours and casinos.
Can I receive poker winnings in Solana?
At the 2026 WSOP Paradise, players have the option to receive tournament payouts in stablecoins on the Solana network. Whether this option is available depends on the event and the tournament organizer.