The 57th annual World Series of Poker is here, and it’s the biggest edition yet. Running from May 26 to July 15, 2026, at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, the 2026 WSOP features 100 live bracelet events, 30 online bracelet events, buy-ins from $300 to $250,000, and a Main Event final table airing live on ESPN in August. Whether you’re playing, railing, or watching from home, here’s everything you need to know.
WSOP 2026 at a Glance
- Dates: May 26 – July 15, 2026 (Main Event Final Table: August 3–5)
- Venue: Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas
- Live Bracelet Events: 100
- Online Bracelet Events: 30
- Buy-in Range: $300 – $250,000
- Main Event: $10,000 NLHE, starts July 2
- TV: ESPN and ESPN app (6+ hours/day of live Main Event coverage)
Key Dates and Major Events
The 2026 WSOP schedule is dense from the opening weekend. Several marquee events stand out:
- $250,000 Super High Roller NLHE (Event #41) — June 13. The most expensive live event at the series, attracting the highest-stakes regulars.
- $1,000 Seniors Championship (Event #46) — Starts June 15. Two Day 1 flights for players 50 and older.
- $1,500 Millionaire Maker NLHE (Event #50) — Starts June 17. Four starting flights through June 20. The winner receives $1,000,000 guaranteed.
- $10,000 Main Event — Starts July 2. Four starting flights through July 5.
- $300 Gladiators of Poker NLHE (Event #88) — Starts July 8. Four flights July 8–11. Lowest buy-in live bracelet event, generating massive fields.
With 100 live events covering NLHE, PLO, Mixed Games, Short Deck, and more, there’s a tournament for every bankroll and game preference.
The $10,000 Main Event: Everything You Need to Know
The Main Event is the centerpiece of the summer. Here’s the complete structure:
- Day 1 Flights: 1A (July 2), 1B (July 3), 1C (July 4), 1D (July 5)
- Late Registration: Open through Day 2D on July 7
- Final 9 Determined: July 13
- Final Table: August 3–5 (delayed for ESPN’s multi-year broadcast deal)
- Buy-In: $10,000 — unchanged since 1972
For context: the 2025 Main Event drew 9,735 players with a $90,535,500 prize pool. Michael Mizrachi won the title. The 2026 edition is projected to be even larger.
The August final table delay is new for 2026, the result of a multi-year deal with ESPN that includes 6+ hours of daily live coverage on the ESPN app, with portions airing on ESPN2. The delay allows for edited coverage and audience buildup before the live conclusion — similar to the WSOP’s historic ESPN tape-delay era, but now with simultaneous streaming.
New Events at the 2026 WSOP
Six new bracelet events debut in 2026:
- $550 Mini Mystery Millions — A lower-stakes version of the popular Mystery Millions format
- $10,000 GGMillion$ — High roller event tied to GGPoker’s flagship online tournament brand
- $1,500 Pick Your PLO — Players choose their preferred PLO variant (4-card, 5-card, or 6-card)
- $500 Summer Saver — Budget-friendly late-series option
- $1,500 PLO 5 Card — Dedicated bracelet for the growing 5-Card PLO field
- $1,700 Circuit Championship — Elevates Circuit ring winners to bracelet competition
How to Enter the 2026 WSOP
Eligibility
You must be 21 or older with a valid photo ID and a Caesars Rewards card (obtainable at the venue).
Online Satellites
The most cost-effective path to the Main Event. GGPoker operates official satellite tournaments internationally. WSOP Online handles US players in regulated states (Nevada, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey). Satellites run weekly with seats available for a fraction of the $10,000 buy-in.
Registration Methods
- Online via WSOP+ app (wsop.com/registration) — Recommended. Supports credit/debit card, PayPal, ACH, and cryptocurrency. The WSOP+ app also provides real-time chip counts, structure sheets, and schedule updates.
- In-person at Champagne Ballroom, Paris Las Vegas — Cash, casino chips, cashier’s checks (pre-approved). Bank wire available for $100,000+.
Where and How to Watch WSOP 2026
- ESPN App: 6+ hours of live Main Event coverage daily. Live streaming throughout the tournament.
- ESPN2: Edited highlights and selected coverage airing on linear television.
- WSOP YouTube Channel: Free streaming of selected bracelet event final tables.
- August 3–5: Full Main Event final table aired live in its entirety on ESPN App and ESPN2.
This is the most comprehensive WSOP coverage in the series’ 57-year history.
WSOP 2026 Tips for First-Timers
- Book accommodation early — Hotels near the Strip fill quickly and prices spike during WSOP. Use promo code WSOP26 at Horseshoe/Paris for discounted rates.
- Register online — Avoid hours in line at the in-person registration cage, especially for popular events like the Millionaire Maker.
- Know the full schedule — Don’t just play the Main Event. There are 99 other live bracelet events across six weeks.
- Manage your bankroll — Budget for multiple events. The WSOP is a marathon, not one shot at the Main Event.
- Stay hydrated and rested — Las Vegas summer heat and marathon poker sessions are a combination that punishes the underprepared.
Beyond the Bracelets: What to Do in Las Vegas During WSOP
For those taking breaks from the tables — or railing from the rail — Las Vegas offers unlimited entertainment options. The Aria, Bellagio, Wynn, and Venetian all host strong daily tournament and cash game schedules as alternatives to the WSOP bracelet events. New for 2026: the WSOP Circuit Summer Series launches immediately after the bracelet schedule concludes on July 15, extending competitive poker through the summer with additional ring events for Circuit grinders and qualifiers.
The 2026 WSOP is the most ambitious edition in the series’ history. Whether you’re competing for a bracelet, chasing a Millionaire Maker seat, or following the action from home on ESPN, it promises to be an unforgettable summer of poker. kpokerclub.com will be covering results, strategy content, and key moments throughout the series.
