Event #54: $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship of the 2026 World Series of Poker starts on June 18, returning to the WSOP schedule. This is a high-stakes mixed-game event that really tests players across multiple poker variants, with a gold bracelet and a big prize pool on the line.

The H.O.R.S.E. format rotates through Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better, Razz, Seven Card Stud, and Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo 8 or Better, so it’s perfect for players who want to show their all-around skill. With deep starting stacks, long levels, and an 11-level late registration, the event promises plenty of action and tough decisions throughout the summer.

📌 Event Snapshot

• Event: #54 – $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship
• Date(s): June 18–21, 2026
• Time: 2:00 p.m. local time
• Buy-In: $10,000
• Format: H.O.R.S.E. Mixed Game / Championship
• Late Registration: Open for 11 levels
• Starting Stack: 60,000 chips
• Levels: 40 minutes (Levels 1-6), 60 minutes (Levels 7-20), 90 minutes (Level 21 onward)
• 2025 Winner: Kristopher Tong – $452,689
• 2025 Field Size: 207 entries
• 2025 Prize Pool: $1,925,100

Structure and Schedule

Day 1 starts at 2:00 p.m. with 60,000 in starting chips. The first six levels are 40 minutes each, levels 7 through 20 are 60 minutes, and the final levels are 90 minutes.

Late registration is open until Level 12 (≈ 2:15 p.m. on Day 2), so players have plenty of time to get in.

Players who survive Day 1 come back on Day 2 as the field shrinks toward the final table, which is expected on June 21. The structure is designed to reward strategic play and give skilled players the chance to really shine across each game.

Why This Event Matters

The $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. Championship is one of the most prestigious mixed-game events on the WSOP schedule. It’s a real test for anyone who wants to prove they can play all five variants well, while also offering bracelet prestige and a healthy payout. Even if you’re not chasing the top prize, watching the tables is a masterclass in mixed-game poker.

Past Champions & Notable Winners

Last year, Kristopher Tong won his first WSOP bracelet in this event, taking home $452,689 after navigating a tough field of 207 entries.

Tong shared his emotions after the win:

“I'm like super blessed in life… Calling my parents, who've always been there for me and have really helped me through the last nine months, and then my kids. That's what I do everything for, my two motivations in life are them, so it was incredible.”

Other recent champions include Maksim Pisarenko (2024), Mike Gorodinsky (2023), and Andrew Yeh (2022).

With consistently challenging finishes and a strong reputation among mixed-game players, the H.O.R.S.E. Championship is always a highlight of the WSOP summer.