2026 WSOP Main Event - Everything you Need to Know
If you're excited for the 2026 World Series of Poker, then there's a good chance you're excited for the 2026 WSOP Main Event. As the most prestigious poker tournament in the world, whether you're playing or watching as a spectator, the event will crown poker's latest world champion and distribute millions of dollars in prize money.
So we've got all the information about the 2026 WSOP Main Event in one place, and are answering all the important questions: When is the 2026 WSOP Main Event, How to Enter the WSOP Main Event and much more. This page breaks down all the key details, from dates and structure to satellite options and all-important payouts.
What is the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
It's the one everyone wants to win, and the 2026 WSOP Main Event remains the jewel in the crown of the WSOP schedule. It's one of the biggest fields of the summer, and will attract a variety of players: from aspiring amateurs, big-name pros and even the highest of high rollers. They'll all be out for the win and the coveted WSOP Main Event bracelet.
Each year, the tournament's prestige grows, and 2026 is no exception.
When is the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
The 2026 WSOP Main Event kicks off with the first of four starting flights on Thursday, July 2.
The four opening flights (1A, 1B, 1C and 1D) are traditionally centered around the July 4 holiday. Players who survive these flights will advance to the corresponding Day 2 before combining for the first time for Day 3 on Wednesday, July 8.
The entire tournament spans nearly two weeks, with intense day-by-day action as the field narrows toward the final table. This year, the tournament will play down to a final table on Monday, July 13.
No details have been released regarding when the Main Event will finally play out. However, 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.
Below is the full schedule for the 2026 WSOP Main Event:
| 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 |
Note: The 2026 WSOP Main Event will be filmed is subject to adjustments to accommodate taping needs
What is the Buy-in for the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
The buy-in for the 2026 WSOP Main Event remains $10,000, the same price since 1972. Despite inflation pushing its equivalent value to around $86,000 today, the tournament has kept its original buy-in.
A total of 7% of the entry pool is withheld.
Can Anyone Play the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
Yes, anyone aged 21 or older can enter the 2026 WSOP Main Event, provided they have the $10,000 buy-in. No qualification is required, though players can win entry through satellites and promotions.
Registration is open to all, including amateurs and professionals, as long as they meet age and legal requirements
Where is the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
The 2026 WSOP Main Event will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, the longtime home of poker’s biggest tournament. As the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas has hosted the WSOP since its inception, drawing players from around the globe to compete on its iconic tables.
This year, the Main Event will be held at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas, the same venues that have hosted the WSOP since 2022.
The tournament will take place across multiple poker rooms and ballrooms within both casinos, with the final table taking place in the Horseshoe.
2026 WSOP Main Event Payouts - How Much Can You Win?
While exact payouts for the 2026 WSOP Main Event can’t be predicted, we can estimate based on past trends. Last year, the prize pool exceeded $90 million with 9,735 entries, and first place awarded $10 million.
With an expected similar turnout in 2026, first place could be in the range of $10-12 million, depending on total entries. Payouts will also extend deep into the field, with hundreds of players receiving varying amounts. The top 100 spots typically see six-figure payouts, and the prize pool will likely be adjusted based on the final number of entrants.
How Can I Enter the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
There are several ways to enter the 2025 WSOP Main Event, including direct buy-ins, satellite tournaments, and online qualifiers, providing multiple paths to compete
How to Buy-in to the 2026 WSOP Main Event
To buy into the 2026 WSOP Main Event, players must register in person at Horseshoe Las Vegas or Paris Las Vegas.
Registration opens several days before the event and can be done at the designated registration areas. Players will need to visit the registration desk to pay the $10,000 buy-in, either with cash, a casino chip, or a credit card.
Once registered, players will receive their tournament seat assignment and receive a tournament chip stack when seated at the start of play.
Payment Methods - How to Pay Entry for the 2026 WSOP Main Event
To pay the required buy-in for the 2026 WSOP Main Event, players can use several methods. Here’s an overview of the accepted payment options:
- Cash
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express)
- Cashier’s Checks from an accredited bank account
- Paris or Horseshoe Gaming Chips
- WSOP Tournament Account
Note that additional fees apply for credit/debit card transactions and WSOP Tournament Account payments. Players using credit/debit cards must present a valid ID matching the cardholder’s name. All payments must be made at the designated registration areas within the tournament venues.
Can I Pick Which 2026 WSOP Main Event Day 1 I Play?
Yes, players can choose which Day 1 flight to enter for the 2026 WSOP Main Event. There are four starting days (1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D) with the additional option to register at the start of Day 2A, 2B, 2C (Monday, July 6) or 2D (Tuesday, July 7).
Players are able to register for their preferred flight during the registration process.
Can I Rebuy into the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
No, the 2026 WSOP Main Event is a freezeout formattournament, meaning players are eliminated once they run out of chips and cannot rebuy. This traditional format has been a cornerstone of the Main Event’s appeal ever since its inception.
How Long is Registration Open for the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
The structure for the 2026 WSOP Main Event hasn't been confirmed, but in 2025 registration remained open for seven levels on Day 2ABC or 2D.
Any new entrants must have registered before the start of Level 8. Players can choose their starting or Day 2 flight, but late registration is not permitted after Level 8 begins.
Can you Satellite into the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
Players can satellite into the 2026 WSOP Main Event through various online and live qualifiers, offering an alternative route to secure a seat at the tournament
How to Satellite into the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
To satellite into the 2026 WSOP Main Event, you can enter live qualifiers at casinos or play online through platforms like GGPoker.
Online satellites begin as low as $1 with winners securing a $10,000 Main Event seat, plus potential additional travel and accommodation benefits. Players should check the terms and conditions of any satellites before entering.
There are live satellites on offer that provide similar opportunities, including those taking place at the WSOP in the days leading up to the Main Event.
GGPoker 2026 WSOP Main Event Satellites
GGPoker offers players the chance to satellite into the WSOP Main Event through its WSOP Express promotion.
WSOP Online 2026 WSOP Main Event Satellites
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Details of WSOP Online satellites are yet to be released, but the most up-to-date details will be available in the client.
WSOP Main Event History
The WSOP Main Event has a rich history, starting in 1970 and evolving into the world's most prestigious poker tournament, where legends are made
Who Won the 2025 WSOP Main Event?
The 2025 WSOP Main Event was won by Michael Mizrachi.
He defeated a field of 9,735 players and secured the victory after an intense final table featuring Leo Margets, the first female to make the WSOP Main Event final table since Barbara Enright, and two-time WSOP Main Event final tablist Kenny Hallaert.
How Much Did the 2025 WSOP Main Event Winner Get?
Here’s a breakdown of the 2025 WSOP Main Event final table payouts, where the top nine players earned significant prizes
| Rank | Winner | Country | Prize (in USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michael Mizrachi | United States | $10,000,000 |
| 2 | John Wasnock | United States | $6,000,000 |
| 3 | Braxton Dunaway | United States | $4,000,000 |
| 4 | Kenny Hallaert | Belgium | $3,000,000 |
| 5 | Luka Bojovic | Serbia | $2,400,000 |
| 6 | Adam Hendrix | United States | $1,900,000 |
| 7 | Leo Margets | Spain | $1,500,000 |
| 8 | Jarod Minghini | United States | $1,250,000 |
| 9 | Daehyung Lee | South Korea | $1,000,000 |
How Many Entries Were There for the 2025 WSOP Main Event?
The 2025 WSOP Main Event saw a record-breaking 9,735 entries.
Who Has Won the Most WSOP Main Events?
The record for the most WSOP Main Event victories is held by Johnny Moss and Stu Ungar, both with three wins. Moss won in 1970, 1971, and 1974, while Ungar claimed victories in 1980, 1981, and 1997.
Who Has the Best WSOP Main Event Record?
It's difficult to define the best WSOP Main Event record, but several players are certainly in the conversation. Doyle Brunson stands out with two titles and seven final tables between 1971 and 1983.
Crandell Addington made seven final tables between 1972 and 1979, as did Jesse Alto between 1974 and 1986. However, neither player won poker's biggest championship.
Johnny Moss, with three titles and six final tables, is another standout performer who is hard to ignore.
WSOP Main Event Past Winners
Here is a list of the past WSOP Main Event champions:
| YEAR | ENTRIES | CHAMPION | COUNTRY | PRIZE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9,735 | Michael Mizrachi | United States | $10,000,000 |
| 2024 | 10,112 | Jonathan Tamayo | United States | $10,000,000 |
| 2023 | 10,043 | Daniel Weinman | United States | $12,100,000 |
| 2022 | 8,663 | Espen Jorstad | Norway | $10,000,000 |
| 2021 | 6,550 | Koray Aldemir | Germany | $8,000,000 |
| 2020 | 1,379 | Damian Salas | Argentina | $2,550,969 |
| 2019 | 8,569 | Hossein Ensan | Germany | $10,000,000 |
| 2018 | 7,874 | John Cynn | United States | $8,800,000 |
| 2017 | 7,221 | Scott Blumstein | United States | $8,150,000 |
| 2016 | 6,737 | Qui Nguyen | United States | $8,005,310 |
| 2015 | 6,420 | Joe McKeehen | United States | $7,683,346 |
| 2014 | 6,683 | Martin Jacobson | Sweden | $10,000,000 |
| 2013 | 6,352 | Ryan Riess | United States | $8,361,570 |
| 2012 | 6,598 | Greg Merson | United States | $8,531,853 |
| 2011 | 6,865 | Pius Heinz | Germany | $8,715,638 |
| 2010 | 7,319 | Jonathan Duhamel | Canada | $8,944,310 |
| 2009 | 6,494 | Joe Cada | United States | $8,547,042 |
| 2008 | 6,844 | Peter Eastgate | Denmark | $9,119,517 |
| 2007 | 6,358 | Jerry Yang | United States | $8,250,000 |
| 2006 | 8,773 | Jamie Gold | United States | $12,000,000 |
| 2005 | 5,619 | Joe Hachem | Australia | $7,500,000 |
| 2004 | 2,576 | Greg Raymer | United States | $5,000,000 |
| 2003 | 839 | Chris Moneymaker | United States | $2,500,000 |
| 2002 | 631 | Robert Varkonyi | United States | $2,000,000 |
| 2001 | 613 | Carlos Mortensen | Spain | $1,500,000 |
| 2000 | 512 | Chris Ferguson | United States | $1,500,000 |
| 1999 | 393 | Noel Furlong | Ireland | $1,000,000 |
| 1998 | 350 | Scotty Nguyen | Vietnam | $1,000,000 |
| 1997 | 312 | Stu Ungar | United States | $1,000,000 |
| 1996 | 295 | Huck Seed | United States | $1,000,000 |
| 1995 | 273 | Dan Harrington | United States | $1,000,000 |
| 1994 | 268 | Russ Hamilton | United States | $1,000,000 |
| 1993 | 220 | Jim Bechtel | United States | $1,000,000 |
| 1992 | 201 | Hamid Dastmalchi | Iran | $1,000,000 |
| 1991 | 215 | Brad Daugherty | United States | $1,000,000 |
| 1990 | 194 | Mansour Matloubi | Iran | $895,000 |
| 1989 | 178 | Phil Hellmuth | United States | $755,000 |
| 1988 | 167 | Johnny Chan | United States | $700,000 |
| 1987 | 152 | Johnny Chan | United States | $625,000 |
| 1986 | 141 | Berry Johnston | United States | $570,000 |
| 1985 | 140 | Bill Smith | United States | $700,000 |
| 1984 | 132 | Jack Keller | United States | $660,000 |
| 1983 | 108 | Tom McEvoy | United States | $540,000 |
| 1982 | 104 | Jack Straus | United States | $520,000 |
| 1981 | 75 | Stu Ungar | United States | $375,000 |
| 1980 | 73 | Stu Ungar | United States | $385,000 |
| 1979 | 54 | Hal Fowler | United States | $270,000 |
| 1978 | 42 | Bobby Baldwin | United States | $210,000 |
| 1977 | 34 | Doyle Brunson | United States | $340,000 |
| 1976 | 22 | Doyle Brunson | United States | $220,000 |
| 1975 | 21 | Brian Roberts | United States | $210,000 |
| 1974 | 16 | Johnny Moss | United States | $160,000 |
| 1973 | 13 | Walter Pearson | United States | $130,000 |
| 1972 | 8 | Thomas Preston | United States | $80,000 |
| 1971 | 6 | Johnny Moss | United States | $30,000 |
| 1970 | 7 | Johnny Moss | United States | N/A |
2026 WSOP Main Event FAQs
How much is entry to the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
The buy-in for the 2026 WSOP Main Event is $10,000.
Where is the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
The 2026 WSOP Main Event takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas.
When is the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
The 2026 WSOP Main Event runs from July 2-13, 2025
When is the 2026 WSOP Main Event Final Table?
The WSOP is yet to release information about when the 2026 WSOP Main Event final table will take place
Has anyone won the 2026 WSOP Main Event twice?
Yes, four players have won at least two WSOP Main Events. Stu Ungar and Johnny Moss are the only players who have won it three times, with Doyle Brunson and Johnny Chan two-time champions.
Do you win a bracelet for winning the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
Yes, the winner of the 2026 WSOP Main Event will win a bracelet.
How much is a 2026 WSOP Main Event bracelet worth?
Although exact numbers are unknown, the 2025 WSOP Main Event bracelet was created by Jostens and was made of 367 grams of lustrous 10-karat yellow gold, and featured more than 2,250 stunning round diamonds.
Are there satellites for the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
Yes, there are live and online satellites available to the 2026 WSOP Main Event.
Do I have to be American to play the 2026 WSOP Main Event?
No, players from all over the world are able to enter and play in the 2026 WSOP Main Event.