The WSOP Circuit is heading to Belgium. From November 6 to November 15, 2026, Casino Middelkerke Betfirst by Partouche in Middelkerke will host a nine-ring series, topped by a €1,500 Main Event and a €2,500 High Roller. It is a compact schedule by Circuit standards, but it arrives in a country with a real poker pedigree, and it gives European players a convenient chance to chase a gold ring without crossing the Atlantic.
This guide covers the full schedule, the structure of the key events, what we do and do not know about guarantees, and how to approach a short, ring-focused series.
The Series at a Glance
- Venue: Casino Middelkerke Betfirst by Partouche, Middelkerke, Belgium
- Dates: November 6-15, 2026
- Ring events: nine
- Largest buy-in: the €2,500 NLH High Roller
- Main Event: €1,500 NLH
According to PokerNews, eight of the nine events are No-Limit Hold'em, and there is one Omaha tournament. The reporting does not list any guaranteed prize pools, so prize money will depend on turnout.
Full Event Schedule
| Start date | Buy-in | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 6 | €300 | #1: NLH Mini Main Event |
| Nov 8 | €550 | #2: NLH Seniors (50+) |
| Nov 8 | €550 | #3: NLH Mystery Bounty |
| Nov 10 | €500 | #4: NLH Knockout |
| Nov 10 | €2,500 | #5: NLH High Roller |
| Nov 11 | €1,500 | #6: NLH Main Event |
| Nov 14 | €1,000 | #7: NLH Deepstack |
| Nov 14 | €300 | #8: Omaha |
| Nov 15 | €350 | #9: NLH Bigstack |
One quirk in the published information: the report states the Omaha event takes place on the final day, while the schedule table lists it for November 14. The Bigstack is listed for November 15, the last day. Check the official WSOP Circuit schedule before you travel to confirm exact start times.
The Main Event
The €1,500 Main Event begins November 11 and offers four Day 1 flights. Day 2 is on November 14. Players start with 50,000 chips, and blinds rise every 40 minutes. That is a comfortable structure: a 50,000-chip stack is deep relative to typical Circuit starting stacks, and 40-minute levels give you time to play postflop poker rather than being forced into shove-or-fold decisions.
The €300 Mini Main Event on November 6 runs on a similar multi-flight model, with four Day 1 starting flights and re-entry allowed in any session. That makes it a lower-cost way to get a feel for the room and the field before the bigger events.
Variety for Different Bankrolls
The series offers entries at several price points:
- Low: €300 (Mini Main, Omaha), €350 (Bigstack)
- Mid: €500 to €550 (Knockout, Seniors, Mystery Bounty), €1,000 (Deepstack)
- High: €1,500 (Main Event) and €2,500 (High Roller)
Bounty and knockout formats feature prominently, with a Mystery Bounty and a Knockout. If you are accustomed to online mystery bounty formats, the live version rewards the same strategic thinking, adjusted for slower play and bigger blinds. Our tournaments hub outlines the main formats.
Belgium's Poker Pedigree
The country has produced a number of high-profile players. PokerNews points to Kenny Hallaert, a two-time WSOP Main Event final tablist, and Davidi Kitai, a bracelet winner. Poker has deep roots in Belgium, and a Circuit stop in a seaside casino fits the broader pattern of the WSOP Circuit expanding across Europe. The Circuit has also made stops in Malta and Liechtenstein this autumn, and a UK series, WSOPC UK, runs in Nottingham over the same dates, November 6 to 15. Our WSOP schedule page lists the major WSOP stops.
Strategy: How to Approach a Short Ring Series
Pick two or three events, not all nine. Nine events over ten days looks tempting, but the best use of a limited bankroll is often to select the events that suit your skill set. If you are a strong deep-stack player, the Main Event and the Deepstack are natural targets. If you thrive in aggressive formats, consider the Knockout or Mystery Bounty.
Play the structure. The Main Event's 50,000 starting stack and 40-minute levels reward patience in the early levels. Our poker strategy hub discusses how stack depth changes preflop ranges and postflop plans.
Account for bounties. In a Knockout, each elimination is worth extra, so you can profitably call wider against shorter stacks. Mystery bounties add unpredictability, so avoid overvaluing a bounty whose value may be small. Learn how to evaluate pot odds in these structures.
Respect the bubble. At smaller live events, the bubble can last a long time and the payouts are sharply tiered. Understanding ICM will help you choose when to fold a marginal hand and when to apply pressure.
Mind your bankroll. Tournament poker is a high-variance business. A €1,500 Main Event and a €2,500 High Roller are major commitments for most players, and a disciplined approach to bankroll management will keep you in action for the next series.
The Value of a Ring
A WSOP Circuit ring is not a bracelet, but it carries real prestige and counts toward Circuit rankings and seasonal championships. For many players, especially those based in Europe, a Circuit ring is a realistic goal that fits within a modest travel budget. Winners at Circuit stops often include well-known regulars, but the field regularly includes plenty of amateurs, too.
Practical Travel Tips
- Book accommodation early. Middelkerke is a coastal town, and hotel availability can be tight during busy weekends.
- Check currency and payment options. Buy-ins are in euros; bring a plan for withdrawing cash or paying by card at the casino.
- Understand house rules. Read the tournament rules sheet, particularly around re-entry, late registration, and the use of electronic devices at the table.
Why This Matters for the Wider Circuit
The Belgium stop adds to a busy November for live poker. In addition to the UK series and the Borgata Fall Poker Open, players can also choose from the CNP Winamax Grand Final in Madrid and the Irish Open in Marrakech. For players who prefer to stay home, our online vs live comparison explains the trade-offs.
Schedule and buy-in details are based on PokerNews reporting published October 28, 2026. Confirm all details with the official WSOP Circuit listing before you travel.