The PokerNews Online Championship is back at 888poker from October 18 to 27, 2026, with 40 events, buy-ins ranging from $8.80 to $525 and guarantees totalling almost $800,000, according to PokerNews. The series leans heavily on mystery bounty formats and finishes with a $250,000-guaranteed Mystery Main Event.
For recreational and mid-stakes players, it's one of the more accessible series on the autumn calendar. Here is what you need to know.
Series Overview
The championship is run by 888 and PokerNews. It features a mix of mystery bounty, deep-stack, progressive knockout (PKO) and Super KO formats. Sunday events carry the highest guarantees. Satellites are available, with some starting as low as $0.10.
PokerNews describes the combined Main Event guarantees as $300,000: a $250,000 guarantee for the $250 Mystery Main Event and $50,000 for the $25 Mystery Mini Main.
Key Events
Event #5: $109 Mystery Opening Event
Held on Sunday, October 18 at 5:00 p.m. GMT, this event carries an $80,000 guarantee, the largest outside the Main Event. It is a natural starting point for players who want a big prize pool at a moderate buy-in.
Events #7 and #31: $525 High Rollers
Two $525 High Rollers run on October 18 (6:30 p.m. GMT) and October 25 (7:00 p.m. GMT), each with a $25,000 guarantee. These are the series' top buy-ins and attract the strongest regulars.
Event #29: $109 PKO Rumble
On October 25 at 6:00 p.m. GMT, the PKO Rumble offers a $30,000 guarantee for players who prefer progressive bounties.
Event #28: $55 Mystery Bounty
Also on October 25, this $55 event carries a $25,000 guarantee, a good option for the budget-conscious.
Event #35: $25 Mystery Mini Main
A multi-flight event with a $50,000 guarantee. Day 1 flights begin October 18, with Day 2 on October 26 at 9:30 p.m. GMT.
Event #36: $250 Mystery Main Event
The centrepiece carries a $250,000 guarantee. Day 2 is October 26 at 9:30 p.m. GMT and ends when eight players remain. The final table is October 27 at 7:00 p.m. GMT and is streamed on the 888poker Twitch channel. (PokerNews' article contains an inconsistency about when Day 1s start, giving both October 11 and October 18, so check the 888poker lobby for exact flight times.)
Sample Schedule
| Date | Time (GMT) | Event | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Oct 18 | 3:00 p.m. | $16.50 Mystery Bounty | $15,000 |
| Sun Oct 18 | 5:00 p.m. | $109 Mystery Opening Event | $80,000 |
| Sun Oct 18 | 6:30 p.m. | $525 High Roller | $25,000 |
| Tue Oct 20 | 5:00 p.m. | $320 Super KO High Roller | $10,000 |
| Thu Oct 22 | 5:00 p.m. | $320 DeepStack High Roller | $10,000 |
| Sun Oct 25 | 6:00 p.m. | $109 PKO Rumble | $30,000 |
| Mon Oct 26 | 9:30 p.m. | $250 Mystery Main Event Day 2 | $250,000 |
| Tue Oct 27 | 7:00 p.m. | Mystery Main Event Final Table | $250,000 |
The full schedule includes events every day, with lower buy-ins such as $8.80 and $5.50 mystery bounties on most days, allowing players with small bankrolls to participate.
The Mystery Bounty Trend
Mystery bounty tournaments dominate this series. In these events, part of each buy-in goes into a bounty pool. When you eliminate a player, you win a hidden bounty, which can range from small amounts to a jackpot-size prize. The format has become a staple of online poker because it increases variance and offers recreational players a shot at a big win without needing to finish deep.
For strategy, mystery bounty events require adjustments. Since bounties are random and the largest are relatively rare, calling ranges widen compared with standard tournaments, but not as much as in a fixed-bounty PKO. If you want to understand how pricing works, our explainers on pot odds and ICM are worth reading, as bounty events shift both considerations.
Strategy Tips for the Series
Match buy-in to bankroll. Mystery bounty events have high variance. A common guideline is to have at least 100 buy-ins for the format, but even this may be conservative. See our bankroll management guide.
Use satellites. Satellites starting at $0.10 allow you to win a seat in bigger events. They can be an efficient way to turn small stakes into entries for the $250 Main Event.
Don't ignore the deep-stack events. DeepStack tournaments give you more play, rewarding skill over luck. For stronger players, they can offer better value than mystery formats.
Plan your sessions. With 40 events in 10 days, it's easy to overextend. Choose a handful of events that fit your schedule and preferred formats.
Study bounty strategy. If you are new to PKOs, review our poker strategy hub and check the odds with the poker odds calculator.
888poker in the Current Landscape
888poker has been refreshing its tournament offering across the year, and this series fits its focus on bounty formats and rake-conscious promotions. PokerNews notes that welcome bonuses vary by location and that signing up through its links gives the best available offer.
Players comparing platforms should consider rake, player pool, software and available promotions. For a broader view of online poker sites available to US and international players, see our real money poker and bonus guides, as well as the tournaments page. If you play from the UK, our UK poker guide is a useful starting point; availability differs by country.
Who Should Play?
The series suits several types of player:
- Recreational players seeking low buy-ins and big upside, especially mystery bounty fans.
- Mid-stakes grinders looking for guaranteed prize pools above $10,000 with relatively soft fields.
- Satellite hunters who want to turn small buy-ins into entries for the $250 Main Event.
- Streamers and fans who like to watch the final table on Twitch.
Players who prefer cash games or want to focus on rakeback should consider other platforms or promotions; our rakeback page covers the options.
Things to Watch
Always check the 888poker lobby for confirmed times and details. Schedules can change, and PokerNews' article contained at least a couple of inconsistencies, including the Main Event Day 1 dates and the number of events counted in the guarantee total. Also be aware of time zones: all times listed are GMT.
Responsible play is essential. Set limits on deposits and time, and remember that tournaments are high-variance. If you feel your play is being affected by tilt, take a break.
Final Thoughts
The PokerNews Online Championship offers an approachable and varied schedule for players of all levels. With a $250,000-guaranteed Mystery Main Event, a $80,000 opening event and a spread of small buy-ins, it's likely to attract strong fields. If you plan to play, review the schedule, set your budget, and pick your spots.