The 2026 World Series of Poker
The 57th annual World Series of Poker returns to Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas for a summer-long series running from late May through mid-July 2026. The WSOP remains the largest and most prestigious live poker festival in the world, with over 90 open bracelet events spanning buy-ins from $500 to $250,000.
Whether you plan to compete in person or follow the action from home, the schedule below covers the key events, dates, and pathways to get there. Players looking to qualify online still have time to win their seats through satellites on WSOP.com, GGPoker, and PokerStars.
Key Events to Watch in 2026
The WSOP Player of the Year race runs across all open bracelet events, tracked by a points formula that rewards deep runs and final table finishes. Several marquee events anchor the schedule:
- The Colossus — A $400 buy-in event with multiple starting flights, consistently drawing 10,000+ entries and generating one of the largest prize pools of the summer.
- Millionaire Maker — The $1,500 buy-in NLH event designed to award a seven-figure first prize.
- Monster Stack — A $1,500 event with a deep starting stack (50,000 chips) that favors patient, post-flop-heavy play.
- The Main Event — The $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em World Championship. Four starting flights feed into a multi-day tournament that crowns poker's annual world champion.
- High Roller Events — Including the $50,000 Poker Players Championship and the $250,000 Super High Roller.
For a broader look at tournament formats and strategy, see our tournament guide.
Major Bracelet Events Schedule
The table below highlights selected events from the full 90+ event schedule. All dates are 2026, and events begin at their posted start times at Paris/Horseshoe Las Vegas.
| Event # | Event Name | Buy-in | Start Date | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Casino Employees NLH | $500 | May 27 | 2 |
| 3 | The Housewarming NLH | $500 | May 29 | 3 |
| 7 | Omaha Hi-Lo 8 or Better | $1,500 | Jun 1 | 3 |
| 12 | Colossus NLH (Flight A) | $400 | Jun 4 | 5 |
| 18 | Millionaire Maker NLH | $1,500 | Jun 9 | 4 |
| 23 | Pot-Limit Omaha 8-Handed | $1,500 | Jun 12 | 3 |
| 28 | Monster Stack NLH | $1,500 | Jun 16 | 4 |
| 33 | Six-Handed NLH | $3,000 | Jun 20 | 3 |
| 40 | Poker Players Championship | $50,000 | Jun 24 | 5 |
| 45 | Seniors NLH (50+) | $1,000 | Jun 27 | 3 |
| 52 | Super Turbo Bounty NLH | $1,000 | Jul 1 | 2 |
| 58 | Main Event NLH (Flight A) | $10,000 | Jul 2 | 14 |
| 58 | Main Event NLH (Flight B) | $10,000 | Jul 3 | 14 |
| 58 | Main Event NLH (Flight C) | $10,000 | Jul 4 | 14 |
| 58 | Main Event NLH (Flight D) | $10,000 | Jul 5 | 14 |
| 76 | High Roller NLH | $25,000 | Jul 8 | 3 |
| 82 | Super High Roller NLH | $250,000 | Jul 11 | 3 |
| 88 | The Closer NLH | $1,500 | Jul 14 | 3 |
The Main Event final table is scheduled for July 15-16 at Horseshoe Las Vegas with ESPN coverage.
Online Satellite Qualification
You do not need $10,000 in your pocket to play the Main Event. Online satellites let you win your seat for a fraction of the buy-in, sometimes as little as $1. The three main satellite pathways are:
WSOP.com Satellites
WSOP.com runs daily satellites and step-system qualifiers for most bracelet events. Available in regulated US states (New Jersey, Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania), WSOP.com offers the most direct path to a seat. Satellite buy-ins start at $1 and run through multi-step systems where each tier awards a seat to the next level. Winners receive their tournament entry directly credited to their live WSOP account.
GGPoker WSOP Online
GGPoker is the official international online partner of the WSOP. Their satellite schedule typically opens months before the series begins, with buy-ins starting under $5. GGPoker also hosts its own WSOP Online bracelet events for international players who cannot travel to Las Vegas. The combination of satellite qualifiers and online bracelet events makes GGPoker the primary gateway for players outside the United States.
PokerStars Satellites
PokerStars runs satellite packages that include the Main Event buy-in plus travel and hotel expenses. Their Road to the WSOP promotion historically awards full packages valued at $12,500+. Even though PokerStars is not an official WSOP partner, their satellite system remains one of the most efficient ways to qualify thanks to the sheer volume of qualifying events and the included travel package.
Tips for First-Time WSOP Attendees
Playing your first WSOP event is a milestone. A few practical considerations will help you focus on the poker rather than logistics.
Bankroll Planning
The WSOP is expensive beyond the buy-in. Budget for travel, hotel (rates spike during the series), food, and potentially multiple events. A reasonable plan for a first trip is one target event plus a backup option, with enough reserve to cover a week of expenses in Las Vegas. Our bankroll management guide covers how to size your live tournament bankroll.
Registration and Logistics
Register for events at the WSOP registration desk inside Paris Las Vegas. Arrive early on your starting day — registration lines can stretch for hours on popular events like the Main Event and Colossus. WSOP.com account holders in eligible states can pre-register online. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security number (required for US tax reporting on wins over $5,000).
Travel and Accommodation
Book accommodation well in advance. Paris and Bally's (connected properties) offer convenience, but off-Strip hotels are significantly cheaper. The series runs long enough that many players rent apartments or share houses. Las Vegas in June and July means temperatures above 100F, so plan transportation accordingly.
At the Table
WSOP events use a slower blind structure than most online tournaments, so patience is rewarded. Starting stacks are generous in most events. If this is your first major live tournament, review our poker strategy guide for fundamentals and focus on playing your best game rather than trying to make hero plays.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 WSOP Main Event start?
The 2026 WSOP Main Event begins with Flight A on July 2, with additional starting flights on July 3, 4, and 5. Surviving players from all flights combine on Day 3, and the final table is scheduled for July 15-16. The full series runs from May 27 through mid-July at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas.
How much does it cost to enter the WSOP Main Event?
The Main Event buy-in is $10,000. However, you can qualify for far less through online satellites on WSOP.com, GGPoker, and PokerStars, where satellite entries start as low as $1. Other bracelet events have buy-ins ranging from $400 (the Colossus) to $250,000 (the Super High Roller).
Can I play WSOP events online instead of traveling to Las Vegas?
Yes. GGPoker hosts official WSOP Online bracelet events for international players, and WSOP.com runs online bracelet events for players in regulated US states. These carry the same prestige and award the same gold bracelets as their live counterparts.
What is the best strategy for WSOP satellite tournaments?
Satellite strategy differs from regular tournament strategy. Once you have enough chips to secure a seat, shift to a survival approach — avoid marginal confrontations and protect your stack. In satellites, all winning positions pay the same (a tournament entry), so there is no incentive to accumulate chips beyond the threshold needed to qualify. Study poker strategy fundamentals and focus on tight, disciplined play.
Do I need to be a US citizen to play at the WSOP?
No. The WSOP is open to players from around the world, provided they are at least 21 years old. International players need a valid passport and may need a US visa depending on their country of origin. Non-US citizens who win prizes are subject to a 30% federal tax withholding, though this may be reduced by tax treaties between the US and their home country.
How do I prepare for my first WSOP tournament?
Start by choosing an event that fits your bankroll and experience level. The Colossus ($400) and other low buy-in events are good starting points. Practice in online tournaments at similar blind structures, review the poker hand rankings, and study fundamentals like position play and pot odds. Arrive in Las Vegas a day early to handle registration, get settled, and adjust to the environment before your event begins.