The RunGood Poker Series is bringing its Golden Expedition to Florida this month. The RGPS bestbet Jacksonville stop runs October 21 through November 1, 2026, with 11 ring events in 10 days and a $1,200 Main Event that guarantees $300,000. For Southeastern US players, it is one of the biggest regional tournament series of the fall, and the schedule offers a wide range of buy-ins.
Schedule Highlights
The Main Event is the centerpiece. It carries a $1,200 buy-in and a $300,000 guarantee, with three Day 1 flights: 1A on October 29, 1B on October 30 and 1C on October 31. The finals take place on November 1. Players can enter any flight, and the multiple starting days make it easier to fit the event around work or travel.
Other events are scattered through the festival:
| Event | Buy-in | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Ladies No-Limit Hold'em | $200 | October 21 |
| PokerNews PowerStack ($200,000 GTD) | $400 | October 22-25 (multiple flights) |
| Big O/8 | $300 | October 26 |
| Double Board PLO/NLH | $300 | October 27 |
| NLH 6-Max | $660 | October 28 |
| The BESTBET 500 NLH Ring Event | $500 | November 1 |
The $400 PowerStack with $200,000 guaranteed is a standout, because a guarantee of that size for a $400 buy-in offers good overlay potential if the field is small. Overlay occurs when the prize pool guarantee exceeds the total buy-ins, giving players extra value. Whether it happens depends on turnout, but it is worth watching.
Satellites and Side Action
Satellites run in buy-ins from $100 to $380, and daily $100 Flip and Go tournaments run throughout the series. Satellites are a good way to enter the Main Event for less than the full price. As with all satellites, they are variance-heavy, and players should approach them with the same bankroll discipline as any other event.
The mix of games is also notable. A Big O/8 event and a Double Board PLO/NLH event add variety beyond standard hold'em. Mixed and Omaha events often attract smaller fields and softer competition, since fewer players specialize in them. If you play Omaha, check our Omaha guide. If you are comparing the games, our hold'em vs Omaha article explains the differences.
Why Regional Series Matter
Regional tours like RGPS have grown in recent years. They offer mid-sized buy-ins and meaningful guarantees close to home, which lowers travel costs for players outside Las Vegas. For recreational players, a $1,200 Main Event is a manageable commitment compared with higher-priced championships.
We have covered the growth of regional tours and detailed other stops, including Maryland, Houston and Aruba. The pattern is consistent: operators build a calendar of events across states and offer a stable of guarantee tournaments that attract both local players and traveling regulars.
For the host casino, a series like this drives visitors and spending on food, hotel rooms and other games. For players, it provides a structured schedule with a clear final date, which makes planning easier. A multi-day series also gives players the chance to play several events and recover from early losses.
Live Tournament Strategy Basics
Large-field live tournaments reward patience and adaptability. Several principles are worth keeping in mind.
Early stages. Starting stacks are deep relative to the blinds, and there is time to observe opponents. Avoid unnecessary risk and focus on gathering information.
Middle stages. As blinds rise, stack sizes shrink relative to the blinds. Stealing blinds and defending correctly become important. Our poker strategy hub contains study material for these stages.
Bubble and pay jumps. Near the money, ICM pressure increases. Players who understand how to exploit it can accumulate chips from opponents who play too cautiously.
Final table. At the end, position and stack depth determine strategy. Be prepared for short-handed play, and review the math with a pot odds refresher.
If you are new to live play, our beginner poker sites page covers online options where you can practice before your first live event.
Budgeting for a Poker Series
A series with 11 events can be tempting, and the temptation is to enter many of them. That can burn through a bankroll quickly. A good approach is to decide in advance how many events you will play and how much you will spend, and then to stick to your plan.
Include travel, lodging and food in your budget, and treat the buy-ins as a separate pool. If you win early, resist the urge to enter higher-priced events than you can afford. If you lose early, avoid chasing losses by entering larger events. Our bankroll management guide goes through these ideas in more detail, and our what is tilt explainer can help you recognize emotional decisions.
Live Coverage
PokerNews plans to provide live coverage of the Main Event. For fans who cannot attend, live reporting is a way to follow the action, see chip counts and read player stories. Coverage often includes payouts, hand histories and final-table interviews.
If you prefer to watch poker on screen, our poker on TV guide lists broadcasts and streams, although regional series are less likely to be televised than major tour events.
Online Alternatives
If you cannot travel to Jacksonville, many online sites run tournaments with comparable guarantees. Players in the US should check which sites are legal in their state. Our US poker sites page covers legal options, and our real money poker guide offers an overview. For offshore options that accept American players, see our reviews of Americas Cardroom and BetOnline, and always check local laws before you deposit.
What This Means for Players
Choose your flights wisely. The Main Event has three Day 1 flights. Pick the one that fits your schedule and playing style.
Look for value. Events with large guarantees relative to the buy-in, like the PowerStack, can offer overlay. Watch registration numbers and consider late registration if the field looks small.
Mix up your games. The Big O/8 and Double Board PLO/NLH events are good options for players who want to try something different.
Plan your bankroll. Decide how many events you will play before you arrive.
Conclusion
The RGPS Golden Expedition at bestbet Jacksonville offers a full 12-day schedule, a $300,000 guaranteed Main Event and a range of side events. For players in Florida and the surrounding region, it is a convenient and affordable series. With satellites starting at $100 and daily Flip and Go events, there are many ways to get involved.
As always, preparation matters. Understand the format, set a budget and play responsibly. The series runs through November 1, so there is time to plan.
Gambling involves risk. Play responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.