The 2026 PokerStars Open Philadelphia series is already underway, and the headliner is set to begin today at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia.
Five days of exciting poker action will kick off at 11:15 a.m. local time with the opening flight of the $1,100 Main Event. Day 1a marks the first chance to bag up in the money, with four more flights to follow until the finale on Sunday, March 22.
The tournament carries a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool, which was smashed last spring in the inaugural event in Philadelphia. Players can take advantage of unlimited reentries, and with late registration remaining open through the first 12 levels of each starting day.
The 2025 edition attracted a field of 1,154 entries, creating a massive prize pool of $1,107,840. That largest share of that went to Edward Leonard, who endured a marathon final day and was declared champion after a three-way deal with Guan Huang and Frank Funaro.
2025 PokerStars Open Philadelphia Main Event Final Table Results
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Edward Leonard | United States | $147,806* |
| 2 | Guan Huang | United States | $126,507* |
| 3 | Frank Funaro | United States | $125,708* |
| 4 | William Beer | United States | $62,760 |
| 5 | Adam Agaev | United States | $47,415 |
| 6 | Norman Rogers | United States | $38,330 |
| 7 | Dan McGinnis | United States | $31,660 |
| 8 | Michael Bohmerwald | United States | $25,095 |
| 9 | Norman Rodriguez | Dominican Republic | $18,625 |
*Denotes Three-Way Deal
Players will take their seats for all starting flights with 40,000 chips, looking to navigate their way into the money through 40-minute levels. Play will continue on Day 1 until just 12.5% of the field remains, with all surviving players earning a bag for the final day.
Those qualifying for Day 2 can play another opening flight to improve their stack, but on their largest chip count will carry forward.
Players who find multiple bags will earn addition minimum payouts. Action will conclude on Sunday, March 22, where a champion will be crowned.
Blinds will begin at 100/100 along with a 100 big blind ante, and breaks will occur after every three levels of play. The schedule also calls for a 40-minute dinner break at the conclusion of Level 9. Registration and reentries will be permitted until the start of Level 13.
$1,100 Main Event Schedule
| Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mar. 18 | Day 1a | 11:15 a.m. |
| Mar. 19 | Day 1b | 11:15 a.m. |
| Mar. 20 | Day 1c | 11:15 a.m. |
| Mar. 21 | Day 1d | 10:15 a.m. |
| Mar. 22 | Day 2 | 11:15 a.m. |
Be sure to follow all of the action, as the PokerNews live reporting and social media teams will be inside the ropes for full coverage all week long.