WPT Prime is heading back to The Lodge Card Club in the Austin, Texas area, with a $1 million guaranteed championship that begins October 8. The $1,100 WPT Prime Lodge no-limit hold'em Main Event anchors a festival running from September 24 to October 12, and it arrives with a clear benchmark: last year's champion, 22-year-old Harvey Castro, won $225,020 after beating 1,648 entrants.
For players in Texas and those willing to travel, the event is one of the more accessible seven-figure guarantees on the fall calendar. Here is how the schedule works and what to consider before you register.
Main Event schedule
The Main Event is a $1,100 buy-in with unlimited re-entry across the opening flights. The published structure is:
- Day 1A, 1B and 1C: October 8, 9 and 10 at 12:15 p.m.
- Day 1D (turbo): October 10 at 6:15 p.m.
- Day 2: October 11 at 12:15 p.m.
- Day 3 (final day): October 12 at 2:15 p.m.
There is also a $2,000 WPT Prime Lodge High Roller carrying a $100,000 guarantee, running October 11-12. Daily $150 satellites feed the Main Event for players who prefer a cheaper entry point.
The festival itself, listed by the venue as carrying more than $2 million in guarantees, opened on September 24, so the Main Event is the culmination of nearly three weeks of action.
The Lodge and the social club model
The Lodge Card Club is described as the largest poker facility in Texas. It operates using the social club model, which requires membership before entry to games and tournaments. For visitors, that typically means signing up before playing, and the process is straightforward at established Texas card rooms.
Texas has become a major growth market for live poker. Card rooms in the state have built large tournament series in recent years, and the WSOP Circuit and other tours have scheduled stops there. If you are new to the state's system, keep in mind that clubs rely on membership and fees rather than raking pots in the way Nevada casinos do.
What WPT Prime is
WPT Prime is the World Poker Tour's regional tier, offering lower buy-ins than the flagship WPT Main Tour while still carrying big guarantees and a WPT trophy. That makes it attractive for players who want the WPT branding without a $10,000 buy-in. A $1,100 entry with a $1 million guarantee sits in a sweet spot for regional players: affordable enough for weekend grinders, large enough to produce a life-changing first prize.
Last year's numbers illustrate the potential: Castro's $225,020 win came from a field of 1,648 entrants. If the 2026 edition draws a similar field, the top prize could again land in that neighborhood, though the figure depends entirely on total entries.
Format and strategy notes
Three flights plus a turbo. Multiple starting flights let players choose the day that suits their schedule. The Day 1D turbo flight, starting in the evening on October 10, offers a faster pace and typically attracts players who could not make the earlier days. Turbo structures compress skill edges and make short-stack strategy more important.
Unlimited re-entry. If you bust on Day 1, you can typically re-enter another flight. That flexibility reduces the pressure of a single bullet but increases total cost. Set a budget before you start. Our bankroll management guide explains how to plan for re-entry events.
Three-day format. The main event runs across Days 1 to 3, with the final day on October 12. That means players who reach Day 2 must be available for the entire weekend.
Deep-stack play. In most WPT Prime events, players begin with sizable starting stacks, and the early levels reward patient, position-conscious play. Our tournaments hub and poker strategy section cover early-stage strategy in detail.
Qualifying online
Several routes exist to reach the event without paying the full $1,100. The venue offers daily $150 satellites, and ClubWPT has listed a $2,500 WPT Prime Lodge Championship passport qualifier for its members. ClubWPT is a separate membership platform, and its availability depends on your location; check the operator's terms before you sign up.
Players who prefer traditional online rooms may find satellite qualifiers to major live events on various sites. Our real money poker and tournaments pages list options, and our reviews of Americas Cardroom and BetOnline cover offshore operators that run tournament series for U.S. players, subject to local laws.
What this means for players
Plan your flight. Pick the starting day where you expect to be at your best. Fresh, well-rested players tend to make fewer errors in long events.
Understand the field. Fields in the $1,100 range typically include recreational players and regional regulars. Adjust your strategy: value bet thinly, avoid unnecessary bluffs against players who call too much, and pay attention to opponents' tendencies. Our how to bluff and poker tells guides can help.
Know the guarantee dynamics. With a $1 million guarantee, the operator is on the hook if the field is small. Historically, this event has drawn more than 1,600 entries, so it appears likely that the prize pool will exceed the guarantee, but nothing is certain until registration closes.
Bring a plan for downswings. A $1,100 buy-in tournament with a big field has high variance. Even great players cash in a small percentage of entries. Keep your expectations realistic.
Check membership requirements. Because the venue uses a social club model, you will need to join before playing. Arrive early to complete any paperwork.
Why it matters
Regional tours are the backbone of American live poker. Mid-stakes events such as WPT Prime give recreational players the chance to compete in televised-brand events at reasonable prices, and they often produce younger champions like Castro who go on to bigger stages. For the WPT, Texas is a strategic market: large population, strong poker culture and a network of well-run card rooms.
If you plan to play, be sure to review the venue's official schedule for any changes. Times, flights and guarantees can be updated, and the venue's published information is the authoritative source.
The takeaway
A $1,100 buy-in, a $1 million guarantee and a champion who last year turned an entry into $225,020 is a compelling package. With three opening flights, a turbo flight and a straightforward three-day structure, WPT Prime Lodge offers a clear path for both regional players and travelers. Whether you enter directly, satellite in or simply follow the action from home, the event is one to watch as the fall poker calendar heats up.