Best Online Poker Tournaments to Play in 2026

Matthew Pitt
Senior Editor
13 min read
Online Poker Tournaments

'A chip and a chair.' That famous poker idiom signifies that as long as you're still in a tournament, you've got a chance of winning no matter the size of your stack. And this is what draws so many to the tournament format. The journey doesn't really matter, but it's the destination and where you end up at the end that counts.

From freerolls to standard MTTs (multi-table tournaments), bounty builders to hypers, there are a range of different poker tournaments available for you to play on a daily basis.

At PokerNews, we’ve reviewed the top tournament sites in the US, Canada, UK and around the world. We have broken down the best formats to play, where to find value, and how to get started, including exclusive access to our PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar to help you plan your grind and make every session count. 

Read on to find…

Want to get straight to the action? Click below to learn how to play the best online poker tournaments.

PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar

Tired of jumping between poker clients to find your next tournament? The PokerNews Online Tournament Calendar brings everything together in one place. This free tool lets you browse and filter upcoming online tournaments across the biggest global poker sites.

You can quickly sort by different filters, including buy-in level, game type, and operator, making it easier than ever to plan your schedule, find the overlay value and register on time. Whether you're a casual weekend player or a full-time grinder, this calendar is built to help you find the right tournaments faster.

What Are Online Poker Tournaments?

Online poker tournaments are competitive events where every player starts with the same number of chips and plays until one winner remains. Unlike cash games, where chips represent real money and you can join or leave anytime, tournaments have fixed buy-ins, increasing blinds and structured payouts based on finishing position.

Tournaments reward endurance, smart decision-making, and stack management. As the field narrows, the stakes rise, and not just in chips, but also in ICM (Independent Chip Model) pressure, where every decision is influenced by payout jumps and stack sizes.

Prize pools are formed from all the buy-ins, with most of the money awarded to players who reach the final table. Many events also include guaranteed prize pools, which ensure a minimum payout regardless of entries, and can sometimes lead to overlays that offer even more value.

From low-stakes freerolls to WCOOP or WSOP Online bracelet events, tournaments offer all skill levels a shot at big rewards. Running deep, outlasting huge fields and taking down real money prizes that can sometimes be thousands of times your buy-in is one of the greatest appeals in poker. Chris Moneymaker's remarkable 2003 WSOP Main Event victory is perhaps the most relevant example of this, gaining entry via an $86 satellite. 

Summary 

✅ Every player pays the same buy-in  

✅ Every player stars with the same number of chips

✅ Blinds increase incrementally

✅ Structured payouts are awarded based on finishing position


Types of Online Poker Tournaments

While most poker tournaments include the same basic concepts, they can differ significantly when you get into more of the specific details. Things like length, blind levels, table size, field size, payout structure, game type, betting limits and general format are all variables that can (and do) change from tournament to tournament.

Below, we explain all the different types of online poker tournaments you can play, say how they work and give you the best sites to play for each. 

Tournament TypeBest Site for TournamentExplanation 
Freerolls PartyPokerPoker tournaments that have no buy-in fee, but will often award real-money prizes or tickets.
MTTs (Multi-table Tournaments) PokerStarsTournaments that run across multiple tables, but often MTTs will have field sizes in the thousands.
Sit 'n' GosPokerStarsSmaller tournaments, often single-table but can be multiple, which end much quicker than regular MTTs.
Progressive Knockouts (PKOs)PokerStarsTournaments where you're awarded a cash bounty prize for each player you knockout, which then adds value to your own bounty.
Mystery Bounties GGPokerGet a random cash prize for each player you knockout.
Turbo / HypersGGPokerMTTs that have shorter blind levels, making the tournaments significantly quicker than most.
Satellites WSOP.comTournaments with no cash prizes, but tickets to enter other, larger tournaments are awarded instead.

Online poker tournaments are fun, intense and (if played correctly) rewarding. For me, PokerStars and GGPoker are the two outstanding sites in terms of variation, regularity and size of tournaments. But most online sites all offer something different when it comes to tournaments. Finding the right tournaments and sites that run them is key to getting the maximum enjoyment out of them.

Freeroll Poker Tournaments

Freerolls

Freerolls are free-to-enter tournaments that offer real-money prizes or tickets without any buy-in. They’re perfect for beginners, bankroll builders and anyone looking to play without spending real money. 

While it sounds too good to be true, don't be worried. There really isn't a catch - freerolls are free and you can (often) win real money or other prizes. There are downsides though. Some sites don't offer regular freerolls, and those that do won't typically put up thousands of dollars. That means you might be finding yourself playing for hours and only winning a few cents. 

However, freerolls offer a great opportunity to those new to poker to get to grips with the game, try out a new site and potentially earn a little bit of money to boost the bankroll. 

Pros

  • Chance for beginners to learn poker in a real-money, without having to spend their money
  • Opportunity to try a new poker site without depositing money
  • Great to build a bankroll

Cons

  • Often very low prize pools
  • Freeroll gameplay doesn't emulate typical real-money tournaments
  • Often large field sizes
  • Can be restricted and require passwords or tickets to enter

Best Sites to Play Freerolls

The best poker site to play freerolls is PartyPoker.

Site Best for...RegionsPN Freeroll Rating
1. PartyPokerRegular daily freerolls US (NJ only) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. GGPokerFreeroll value UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. WSOP.comWSOP satellites US only (NV, NJ, PA, MI) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. BetMGM PokerDaily freeroll value (US)US only (NJ, PA, MI) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Bet365 PokerDaily freeroll value (UK + ROW)UK / IR / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐

PartyPoker tops our list for the best poker site for freerolls and it was an obvious pick. The operator runs 'Round the Clock' freerolls which, as the name suggests, happen on the hour, every single hour! The prize pools are nothing to write home about, but their frequency is what makes them such good value. 

Elsewhere, GGPoker's Weekly $100k Freeroll is a specific highlight, and by far the best online freeroll for value. You have to qualify to enter, but this isn't too difficult (as we outline in our freerolls page) and the rewards on offer are huge! GGPoker also runs WSOP freeroll satellites, as does WSOP.com (US). While  BetMGM Poker and Bet365 Poker both have decent, regular freeroll schedules. 

Multi-Table Poker Tournaments (MTTs)

MTTs

If we're taking the term literally, an MTT, or Multi-Table Tournament, is a tournament that runs across two or more tables simultaneously. Therefore, a two-table Sit and Go can classify as an MTT, but for the most part MTTs are usually tournaments that include large field sizes in the hundreds or sometimes even the thousands. This means the prize pools are typically larger, mirroring the bigger fields. 

MTT is a broad term that can encompass many different types of poker tournament in itself. For instance, a knockout (bounty) tournament will almost always be an MTT, but a hyper tournament could also fall under the MTT umbrella. Many notable streamers, such as Lex Veldhuis, Parker Talbot and Benjamin Spragg, choose to play MTTs due to their appeal to their audience and stream-friendly action.

The appeal comes from the potential to win 1,000x or more your buy-in. It's the low-risk, high-reward concept that draws many players to competing in this format - though be aware that there is always a certain risk of losing when wagering money on online poker.

Pros

  • Often large prize pools
  • Typically don't have to win or come in the top places to get a good ROI
  • Longer duration gives chance to pickup opponents' habits/tells
  • ICM becomes a large factor that can be capitalized on

Cons

  • Often very long
  • Larger fields make it less likely or more difficult to make the money

Best Sites to Play Multi-Table Tournaments

The best poker site to play MTTs is PokerStars.

Site Best for...RegionsPN MTT Rating
1. PokerStarsVolume and game varietyUS (MI, NJ, PA) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. GGPokerRegular featured tournamentsUS (MI, NJ, PA) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. WSOP.comWSOP satellites US only (NV, NJ, PA, MI) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. PartyPokerBig events and series US (NJ only) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. 888poker Live satellites US (NJ only) UK / IR / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

You won't find the depth and volume of daily online tournaments anywhere other than PokerStars. The industry giant leads the way when it comes to mixed games, offering a range of Razz, Stud, Omaha and more variant MTTs. Its daily schedule is packed with fan-favorite events, including bounties, hypers and satellites. Whatever you're after, PokerStars has an MTT that will fit your budget, skill level and format desires.

GGPoker also boast an extensive online poker tournament schedule. In particular, you'll find plenty of featured tournaments throughout each day, which all have boosted prize pools and effective structures. WSOP.com is another notable site, offering players a chance to compete for a coveted WSOP Online bracelet. 

Sit and Go Poker Tournaments 

sng

Sit and Gos are quick poker tournaments that often have significantly smaller fields compared to regular MTTs and are available on demand. By this, we mean there is no start time. Once a Sit and Go reaches its capacity field size, the tournament will begin. 

Typically, Sit and Gos are one, two or three-tabled tournaments. The most common field size is two (heads-up), six or nine players. You won't win 100x your stake, but these tournaments are perfect for grinders who are looking to minimize variance and try to apply their skill advantage to be profitable in the long term. 

Pros

  • Quick tournaments, perfect for short sessions
  • Lower variance
  • Deeper payout structure (E.g. 50/50 Sit and Gos where half the field gets paid

Cons

  • Often very low prize pools
  • Freeroll gameplay doesn't emulate typical real-money tournaments
  • Often large field sizes
  • Can be restricted and require passwords or tickets to enter

Best Sites to Play Sit and Go Tournaments

The best poker site to play Sit and Gos is PokerStars.

Site Best for...RegionsPN SNG Rating
1. PokerStarsVariety of stakes and Sit and Go gamesUS (MI, NJ, PA) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. WSOPSit and Gos (US) US only (NV, NJ, PA, MI) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. GGPokerMulti-format Sit and GosUK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. PartyPokerDouble-or-Nothing Sit and GosUS (NJ only) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Sky Poker / PaddyPower Poker / Bet365 PokerSit and Go game variety (UK + IR)UK / IR / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐

Poker variants are a trademark of PokerStars, and once again that's why we've got it as our number one pick for the best site to play Sit and Gos on. No other operator can match its offering, with Razz, Stud, PLO, PLO8 and many more variants available to play in a Sit and Go format. The stakes are another great plus, with micro, low, medium and high-roller games all available. 

WSOP.com and PartyPoker also have a good range of different Sit and Go tournaments, but they're just pipped by GGPoker - which brings a unique style to their SnGs. GG strays from the more conventional formats, and instead runs Battle Royale, All-in or Fold and other trademark Sit and Go tournaments. All are done in minutes and involve intense action and dynamics that you won't find elsewhere. 

pk

Progressive Knockouts (PKOs) Poker Tournaments 

Bounty builder poker tournaments have become some of the most popular MTTs formats around, with players drawn to the dynamic that you can win money during a tournament, simply for knocking out an opponent. Nowadays, most top poker sites often run annual bounty builder series packed exclusively with just knockout MTTs. 

Progressive knockouts have the same, basic concept where you get a cash prize (bounty) for busting another player, but with one crucial difference. Instead of the bounties being a fixed payout each time, bounties accumulate and are added to your own bounty every time you win one. This leads to the fascinating dynamic where you can win back more than your buy-in by collecting just one bounty alone. It's also common for the tournament winner to receive more from the bounty for knocking out their heads-up opponent than they do from finishing in first place. 

Overall, PKOs are a very enjoyable format where the gameplay is slightly more action-filled than a traditional MTT.

Pros

  • Win money while the tournament is happening
  • Unique gameplay dynamic with looser action
  • Don't have to finish 'in the money' to break even
  • Can potentially earn 1,000x your initial buy-in from bounties alone

Cons

  • Often face more aggression - especially if you have a large bounty
  • Prize pool is split between regular payouts based on finishing position and bounties
  • Often must finish in the very top places to get a decent ROI from your buy-in

Best Sites to Play Progressive Knockout Tournaments

The best poker site to play PKOs is GGPoker.

Site Best for...RegionsPN PKO Rating
1. GGPokerFeatured PKO tournamentsUK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. PokerStarsRegular daily PKO scheduleUS (MI, NJ, PA) / UK / CA / ROW ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. 888pokerSoft PKOs (US)US (NJ only) UK / IR / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. PartyPokerLow-stakes grinders + small fieldsUS (NJ only) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. Sky Poker / PaddyPower Poker / Bet365 PokerSoft PKOs (UK, IR + ROW)UK / IR / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐

GGPoker is the leader in the industry when it comes to PKOs. It has a regular, daily schedule which offers a range of well-structured, competitive PKO tournaments at all stakes. Another bonus is the bounty series that it runs on a seasonal basis, giving players another opportunity to compete in PKOs with huge prize pools (but more on that later). 

Closely behind GG is PokerStars, with its comprehensive PKO schedule. 888poker, PartyPoker and those on the iPoker network ( Sky PokerPaddyPower Poker and Bet365 Poker) are all great options for beginners looking for softer games. 

Mystery Bounty Poker Tournaments  

Mystery Bounty

Mystery bounty poker tournaments take the basic concept of a KO MTT and add an extra element of fortune and excitement. Forget progressive knockouts, where players' bounties accumulate every time they knockout a player - mystery bounties do not accumulate. BUT every bounty collected awards a random cash prize. 

This is where an element of good fortune comes into play. You might get the standard bounty prize that's usually in the region of a quarter of the buy-in (E.g. $10 buy-in = $2.50 minimum bounty). However, you could also get the max bounty, which can literally be 1,000x or more than your buy-in. Mystery bounties are becoming increasingly popular, but are more common as special events during promotional periods.

There's no doubt that mystery bounties provide an opportunity to multiply your buy-in considerably (if you get lucky!). Find out where you can play them below.

Pros

  • Every KO is a chance to win the maximum bounty
  • Greatest potential ROI out of any MTT
  • Most exciting formats for bounty builders
  • Often have large GTD and prize pools

Cons

  • Not very frequent
  • Less money up top from regular prize pool
  • Mystery bounties only offered 'ITM' stage, so often have to play for hours before they come into play
Player winning mystery bounty on 888poker

Best Sites to Play Mystery Bounty Tournaments

The best poker site to play mystery bounty tournaments is  GGPoker.

Site Best for...RegionsPN MB Rating
1. GGPokerFrequent, daily mystery bountiesUK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. PokerStarsBig mystery bounty events (during series)US (MI, NJ, PA) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. 888pokerSoft mystery bounties dailyUS (NJ only) UK / IR / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. PartyPokerValue (during series)US (NJ only) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐

GGPoker is our pick again for the best site for mystery bounties. If you're after daily tournaments, it's clear of the rest. As well as running several mystery bounties throughout the day, GG's Battle Royale Sit and Gos offer you the chance to play them at any time you want. What's more, during series like their Bounty Hunter Series, expect added mystery bounties with even more value, boosted prize pools and enormous max bounties. 

888poker is one online poker site that has embraced the mystery bounty craze. It offers mystery bounty tournaments throughout the day. However, the guarantees on these daily tournaments tend to be lower than 888poker's rivals.

Turbo and Hyper-Turbo Poker Tournaments

Turbo Hypers

We've all been in a situation where we have plans, but have a couple of hours beforehand to sneak in a quick session of poker. In this instance, cash games are the way to go and MTTs are out of the question, right? Not quite. With turbo poker and hyper tournaments, you can play full MTTs, go the distance and be all wrapped up in time to make your dinner reservations!

With shorter blind levels (typically 5-10 minutes for turbos and 2-5 minutes for hypers), action is far quicker, and players get to the ITM and final table stages considerably faster than normal MTTs. There's more action, since players must be more aggressive or face swift blind increases that fatally deteriorate their stacks. 

Turbos and hypers are ideal for players that want the full MTT experience, but grow tired of the (sometimes) 10+ hour marathons that some tournaments can be.

Pros

  • Tournaments finish a lot quicker than other MTTs
  • More action-packed and fast-paced
  • Big field sizes mean large prizes can be won in a short space of time

Cons

  • Not ideal for beginners
  • Pressure to play aggressively or risk blinding down
  • Higher variance

Best Sites to Play Turbo and Hyper Tournaments

The best poker site to play turbo and hypers is GGPoker.

Site Best for...RegionsPN Freeroll Rating
1. GGPokerVolume UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. PokerStarsDaily fixed turbo/hyper scheduleUS (MI, NJ, PA) / UK / CA / ROW ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. WSOP.comWSOP satellite and online eventsUS only (NV, NJ, PA, MI)⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
4. 888pokerSofter turbo/hypers US (NJ only) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐

GGPoker's comprehensive tournament schedule once again plays trumps in this case, as it offers a wide range of different turbo and hyper tournaments. You'll find various fast-paced MTTs at all stakes, with the only downside potentially being a lack of formats on offer - typically only No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha turbos and hypers are available. 

PokerStars also offers a lot of great turbo and hyper tournaments, built in to its packed daily schedule. Where GG might lack poker variants, PokerStars doesn't and you'll find some fun turbos and hypers across a range of different poker games. WSOP.com is also a strong candidate in this category, with special turbo WSOP online events running, giving players a chance to win a real WSOP bracelet. 

Satellite Poker Tournaments

Satellites

Satellites are great ways for players to gain entry to higher-priced tournaments without paying the full buy-in. They're essentially lower-buy-in qualifiers to a main featured tournament. 

They can come in various forms. Sit and Gos satellites often run for major, popular events, giving players on-demand opportunities to qualify for a main event. Some sites run freeroll satellites, while other formats include a more traditional MTT that simply awards tickets rather than cash prizes. 

Given that the payout structure for satellites is usually flat - awarding the top x amount of players all the same prize of entry to the target event, gameplay is slightly different compared to a usual MTT. This is because there is often no added value in finishing first versus finishing in any other ITM position. As a result, ICM dynamics become a whole other story during satellites.

Pros

  • Opportunity to qualify for a larger event at a discounted buy-in
  • Satellites often softer than the main field of the target tournament
  • Sites often run free or very low-stakes promotional satellites

Cons

  • Extra expense with no guarantee of winning a ticket
  • Often quick structures leading to higher variance

Best Sites to Play Satellite Tournaments

The best poker site to play satellites is WSOP.com.

Site Best for...RegionsPN Satellite Rating
1. WSOP.comWSOP satellites (US only)US only (NV, NJ, PA, MI)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2. GGPokerWSOP satellites (UK, CA + ROW)UK / CA / ROW ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. PokerStarsVolume and frequency of satellitesUS (MI, NJ, PA) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. 888pokerSmaller fields with lower varianceUS (NJ only) / UK / CA / ROW⭐⭐⭐⭐

In truth, it’s tough to separate the top three sites for satellites. WSOP.com just makes number one on our list, purely down to the opportunity players have to qualify for the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. During promotional periods, WSOP.com runs a range of different satellites, giving the chance to win a live seat in Vegas. 

GGPoker provides a similar opportunity, running step satellites where players can win full WSOP packages. Alternatively, PokerStars offers the most comprehensive satellite ecosystem, with a huge amount of regular, daily tournaments having several satellites available. Additionally, PokerStars players can win their way into major live events such as the Irish Open and the European Poker Tour.

Major Series & Online Poker Tournament Schedules

While a fundamental part of the ecosystem, online poker is built around more than just daily grinders and weekly freerolls. Major tournament series offer huge prize pools, deep structures and the chance to compete for prestige on a global stage. Whether you're looking to satellite into a championship event or play for six figures from your laptop, these recurring series set the tone for the online tournament calendar each year.

Read on to find out a detailed overview of the online poker series than each site runs. 

Tournament series are great for so many reasons. Boosted prize pools, huge fields and unique tournament concepts and formats all make them some of the best events to play in the online calendar. What's more, most poker sites host frequent series throughout the year, so you're not short of options.

PokerStars – SCOOP, WCOOP & EPT Qualifiers

SCOOP PokerStars title image

PokerStars is the best site to play on for major tournaments series. With frequent, well-established series like WCOOP and SCOOP, as well as EPT qualifiers, it's become home to the most prestigious online poker events in the game. 

Series EstablishedTimeDurationEvents 
SCOOP2009Usually March2-3 weeks120+ (approx. 350 tournaments tiered buy-in levels)
WCOOP2002Usually September3 weeks120+ (approx. 350 tournaments tiered buy-in levels)
EPT Qualifiers 2004All year roundOngoing 100s of satellites each year
  • SCOOP - The Spring Championship of Online Poker, PokerStars' flagship poker series, offers tiered-stake levels (three per event). It's extremely well-structured, with plenty of satellites running during the SCOOP period and a range of different formats and variants covered. 
  • WCOOP - The World Championship of Online Poker is PokerStars' premier annual series. Like SCOOP, it offers three buy-in tiers for each event. It's another must-play for any series MTT grinder - or simply anyone who wants to experience gigantic fields and huge prize pools.
  • EPT Qualifiers - PokerStars isn't just a gargantuan player in the online poker scene - it's also branched out into live poker as well. It runs the prestigious European Poker Tour tournaments, and offers plenty of chances to qualify for the live events via online satellites. 

GGPoker – WSOP Online & Bounty Hunters Series

GGPoker Bounty Hunter Series title image

GGPoker is home to the WSOP Online, where players from eligible countries can compete for actual World Series of Poker bracelets. Away from the WSOP, GGPoker also offers other well-known series like the World Festival, GG Masters, Bounty Hunter Series and MicroFestival, that deliver non-stop action with massive fields and lucrative guarantees.

Series EstablishedTimeDurationEvents 
WSOP Online 2020Usually May - July4-6 weeks40 bracelet events
GG Masters Festival 2018Multiple times per year1-2 weeks50-80 events
GG World Festival2021Multiple times per year2-3 weeks100+ events (tiered) 
  • WSOP Online - GGPoker is the second home to the World Series of Poker (behind WSOP.com), giving European, Canadian and players across the world an opportunity to win a real WSOP bracelet. The WSOP Online series is carries all the prestige of the Vegas series, but can be played from the comfort of your own home.
  • GG Masters Festival - GG Masters is GGPoker's flagship tournament series, running since 2018. Each week, a GG Masters champion is crowned, but the series gives further opportunities throughout the year for Masters glory.
  • GG World Festival - To celebrate its global player-base, GGPoker began their World Festival series in 2021. It's since been a mainstay of their annual calendar, with several editions running throughout the year. Tiered events and accessible start times for players across the world, along with fun side-running promotions make it a fan favorite. 

888poker – XL Series, 888poker LIVE Satellites 

888poker XL Winter Series title image

Known for its recreational focus, 888poker offers regular tournament festivals like its XL Series, 888poker LIVE Online and Mystery Bounty Festivals. High guarantees is the name of the game, and it's certainly one tailored more towards beginners and casual players. 

Series EstablishedTimeDurationEvents 
XL Series20132-3 times per year2-3 weeks30-40 events
ChampionChip Games 2021Various2 weeks20-30 low by-in events
888poker LIVE Online2019Same time as 888poker LIVE stopsContinually throughout the year2026 tour has 13 stops
  • XL Series - The equivalent to PokerStars' SCOOP, the XL Series is the main event in the 888poker calendar. Focusing on providing high guarantees rather than just volume of tournaments, it might not carry the same prestige as some competitors' series, but it's well worth a buy-in - especially if you're a beginner. 
  • ChampionChip Games - This series offers affordable buy-ins with juicy guaranteed prize pools. It is often run a couple of times per year, giving those with smaller bankroll a shot at glory.
  • 888poker LIVE Satellites - An online series of satellites and feeders that award seats and packages to the  888poker LIVE stops. 

PartyPoker – MILLIONS Online, Turbo and Mystery Bounty Series

PartyPoker MILLIONS Online Series title image

PartyPoker is perhaps most well-known MILLIONS Online series brand. Like 888poker, Party tends to lean towards higher guarantees rather than offering the volume of events that PokerStars and GGPoker does with their series. Other notable series include their KO and new Mystery Bounty Series.  

Series EstablishedTimeDurationEvents 
MILLIONS Online2017Intermittent 1-2 weeks20-40 
Mystery Bounty Series2025Inaugural year (Jul-Aug)1-2 weeks20-40 events 
Turbo Series2021Intermittent 1-2 weeks15-30 events
  • MILLIONS Online - The main Series on PartyPoker, the MILLIONS Online usually runs a few times a year and brings some huge prize pool guarantees and prestigious titles to players. 
  • Mystery Bounty Series - With 2025 being its inaugural year, it's not yet clear if this will be an ongoing series in the calendar. However, given its popularity, it could be very likely. PartyPoker boast the accolade of being one of the first sites to run an online series exclusively for Mystery Bounties.
  • Turbo Series - Not as prestigious as other online series, but a tonne of action. It's fast-paced with large guarantees and various formats.  

WSOP.com – WSOP Circuit Online (U.S.)

WSOP Online Circuit title image

We might have possibly saved the best till last. WSOP.com brings the glitz and glamour to digital tables, offering a host of different REAL WSOP bracelets during WSOP Online Circuit events. If you're after variety and a large number of different series, WSOP.com isn't for you. But if you're after only the very biggest, best, most illustrious online tournaments, then US players can only pick WSOP.com - not available in other countries!

Series EstablishedTimeDurationEvents 
WSOP Online Circuit2015 (2020 modern era)Several throughout the year3-6 weeks15-40 bracelet events (+ satellites)  
  • WSOP Circuit Online - Running intermittently throughout the year, WSOP.com gives players the opportunity to win real WSOP bracelets. Of course, there are huge guarantees as well, and with only a small handful of events each series, these really are some of the most sought-after tournaments to play within the online ecosystem. 

How to Play in Online Poker Tournaments

Laptop with several online poker tournaments running

By now, you hopefully know what online poker tournaments are, how they work and the best sites to play on. So, if you're ready to get started, it's a lot easier than you might think! Just follow these five steps below and you'll be at the tables in no time.

1. Choose a Licensed Poker Site

Pick a trusted, regulated poker room that’s available in your region. Scroll further up this page to see our top picks for all the best sites. 

2. Sign Up and Verify Your Identity

Create an account and complete identity verification as required. This usually involves uploading a photo ID and proof of address, but don't worry! It's a standard, industry process across regulated real-money platforms.

GGPoker KYC verification

3. Make a Deposit

Add funds using your preferred method: credit/debit card, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, or even cryptocurrency on some global platforms. Minimum deposits vary, but many sites offer low-stakes options.

Payment methods graphic

4. Find a Tournament

Head to the tournament lobby and use filters to narrow down events by buy-in, format, game type, or start time. You’ll find everything from freerolls and Sit & Gos to high-stakes Sunday majors.

PokerNews' Online Tournament Calendar

5. Register, Play and Go Deep

Once you’ve found your game, register and take your seat. Play smart, manage your stack, and aim for the final table. Good bankroll management and solid tournament strategy will take you a long way.

GGPoker online tournament

Playing online poker tournaments might seem daunting at first, but there really isn't anything to worry about. Signing up and finding the tournaments is simple, and once you've done that it's all about getting used to the gameplay, staying disciplined and nailing the strategy. 

Top 5 Online Poker Tournament Tips and Strategies

Strategy is vital for any poker format, but a solid plan and discipline is arguably even more essential when it comes to poker tournaments. ICM considerations, bankroll implications and gameplay dynamics become even more relevant, and there are several factors to consider in order to be profitable.

Below, we outline our top five tips and strategies for online poker tournaments. 

  1. Early Stages - Play Tight and Disciplined 
  2. Mid Stages - Apply Pressure as Blinds Increase 
  3. Bubble Play - Use ICM to your Advantage
  4. Final Table - Be Aware of Stack Sizes 
  5. Bankroll Management - 1-2% Rule

1. Early Stage – Play Tight and Disciplined

In the opening levels, everyone starts deep and the blinds are low. There’s little value in taking unnecessary risks. A double up early on or being an overwhelming chip-leader means little, given the total amount of chips in play and the time left in the tournament. For instance, having a 500 big-blind stack early on might only be 1% of the total chips in play, while having 20 big blinds on the final table is likely to equate to a much larger proportion. Don't follow Sammy Farha's advice - 'Just play every hand, you can’t miss them all.' Only focus on strong hands early on, avoid bloated pots out of position and let weaker opponents knock each other out.

''You can't win the tournament in Level 1, but you can definitely lose it.''

2. Mid Stages - Apply Pressure as Blinds Increase 

As blinds increase and stacks shrink relative to blinds, stealing becomes profitable. Open your range, especially from late position, and look to isolate shorter stacks. This doesn't justify you playing 2-7 off from the button, but if you strategically select hands to play aggressively with based on position and any reads you might have picked up, you can definitely make the most of this time. The mid stage is where many players tighten up: so this is your moment to take advantage.

 “Be the one applying pressure, not the one folding to it.”

3. Bubble Play - Use ICM to Your Advantage

The bubble (just before the money) is where strategy shifts. Medium stacks often play conservatively to lock in a cash. This is your chance to raise their blinds, especially when you cover them. However, if you're the one with a small-to-medium stack, be cautious - especially if you could be eliminated in a hand. Think about the playability of each hand on the latter streets. Even if yours has potential, larger stacks might try to apply pressure, so you must either be committed enough to push back or disciplined enough to let the hand go early in order to preserve your chip stack. If you are the one with a huge stack, now's your time to apply maximum pressure!

“Big stacks bully the bubble. Short stacks shove. Medium stacks suffer.”

4. Final Table - Be Aware of Stack Sizes

Once you reach the final table, every chip and position counts. Your strategy should change depending on whether you're the chip leader, a short stack, or stuck in the middle. It's vital to pay attention to pay jumps. If you're a medium stack, don't take unnecessary risks with non-made hands (E.g. draws), especially if there are several other smaller stacks. Be patient and disciplined, and wait for the small stacks to bust so you can ladder up the pay jumps. It's also worth analyzing how others are adjusting, to see if you can exploit their overly aggressive or passive play.

“Use your stack to target ICM pressure points—especially when you can cover players waiting to ladder up.”

5. Bankroll Management – Stick to the 1–2% Rule

MTTs come with variance. You can play perfect poker and lose 100 tournaments in a row. To protect your bankroll, avoid risking more than 1–2% of it on any single tournament. All it takes is to lose a few tournaments that are higher buy-ins than usual, and you could burn through your entire bankroll. Mix in freerolls, satellites and low-stakes games to help bolster your bankroll and stay in action without going broke.

“Discipline beats hot streaks. Sustainable bankrolls win in the long run.''

Most people think skill, good fortune and perfect strategy are the keys to online poker tournament success. While they all help, disciplined bankroll management is absolutely essential, and poor financial decisions in poker is often the downfall of even some of the best tournament players. 

10 Multi-Table Tournament Tips: Strategy on the Bubble
Poker Tournaments 10 Multi-Table Tournament Tips: Strategy on the Bubble 8 min read
GTO Wizard
Poker Tournaments Crush Poker Tournaments This Year With These 5 ICM Tips 3 min read

Ensuring Fair Play and Security Online

When playing real-money online poker tournaments, your safety and fairness at the tables should always come first. That’s why we strongly recommend using only licensed and regulated poker operators, no matter where in the world you’re playing.

Global Regulation and Licensing

Legitimate poker sites are licensed by trusted regulatory bodies that enforce strict standards for fairness, security, and responsible gaming. Some of the most reputable regulators include:

Before you sign up or deposit, make sure your chosen site holds a license from your region’s regulatory authority.

Game Integrity: RNGs & Anti-Collusion Tools

Every hand dealt on a licensed site uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) that has been independently tested to ensure cards are shuffled and dealt with 100% fairness. These platforms also deploy:

  • Bot and collusion detection algorithms
  • Game history audits and security reviews
  • Dedicated teams to investigate suspicious activity

Most online poker sites, such as PokerStars, GGPoker, 888poker, and PartyPoker use advanced real-time monitoring tools to keep the playing field level and secure.

Secure Payments and Data Protection

Regulated poker rooms support only trusted deposit and withdrawal methods, including PayPal, Visa, Skrill, Neteller, and even crypto on some international platforms. They use bank-level SSL encryption to protect your financial and personal data. Many also offer two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra account security.

Responsible Gaming Tools

The best poker sites don’t just protect your money, they help you stay in control. Licensed operators provide responsible gaming features such as:

  • Deposit limits
  • Time-out and self-exclusion options
  • Session time tracking and reality checks
  • Links to support services in your region

Online Poker Tournaments FAQs

What’s the best site for online poker tournaments?

PokerStars and GGPoker are the two best sites for online poker tournaments. They have the biggest and most varied daily tournament schedules, as well as some incredible recurring series.  

Can I win money from online tournaments?

Yes, you can win money from online poker tournaments in the sense that they are legitimate, real money poker games that award cash prizes. However, in order to win money (be profitable) in the long run, a decent understanding of the game is required. 

Do I pay tax on poker winnings?

It depends on where you live. The U.S. taxes gambling income; the U.K. doesn’t. Check local rules or ask a tax advisor.

Can I play tournaments on mobile?

Absolutely. All top sites have mobile apps with full tournament support—buy-ins, re-entries, late reg, and more.

What’s the difference between MTTs and SNGs?

MTTs have scheduled start times and large fields. SNGs start as soon as enough players register and usually have smaller fields.

What is a PKO tournament?

Progressive Knockout (PKO) events pay bounties when you eliminate players—and your own bounty grows with each knockout.

Can I play online tournaments from the U.S.?

Yes, in regulated states like NJ, MI, PA, and NV via WSOP.com, PokerStars, and BetMGM. Outside those, options are limited.

How long do online poker tournaments take?

Freerolls and turbos can last under an hour. Deep MTTs may run 4–6 hours or longer depending on field size and structure.

Are satellites worth playing?

Yes. Satellites let you win seats in bigger events for a fraction of the buy-in, which is great for building a tournament path on a budget.