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The 57th World Series of Poker (WSOP) will take place in Las Vegas from May 28 through July 25. For another year, the tournament will be held at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas on the Strip.
WSOP is revamping the event and how fans can watch the action. Cards will be in the air May 26 when WSOP kicks off a new lineup of 100 bracelet events. The schedule features several new tournaments alongside many returning favorites.
Ty Stewart, executive director of the WSOP said:
“This summer’s World Series of Poker promises more action and more opportunities to play your favorite events than ever before, from the first ‘Shuffle Up and Deal!’ to the crowning of the Main Event champion.”
While the full TV broadcast schedule has not been released, a live daily stream will run on the official WSOP YouTube channel from May 26 through the start of the Main Event. The broadcast will originate from a new TV set inside Paris Las Vegas. Organizers said the coverage will feature some of the game’s most recognizable commentators.
Last year, Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi won the Main Event title and a $10 million top prize at the world’s richest poker series. The Main Event is a $10,000 buy-in tournament; players are currently qualifying in person at Circuit events and through online poker at WSOP Online.
Main Event 2026: The quest for the $10 million prize
The centerpiece of WSOP is the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship, better known as the Main Event. It begins Thursday, July 2, and continues until the final table is reached on July 13.
However, WSOP has not revealed specifics regarding the Main Event final table. Since the tournament runs through July 25, a short break is possible. It is also possible the WSOP could bring back the “November Nine,” a format involving a four-month delay that has not been used since the tournament moved from the Rio in 2016.
WSOP will announce dates for the final table and broadcast coverage at a later date.
Fresh formats: The GGMillion$ and “Pick Your PLO” debut
WSOP includes both high- and low-roller tournaments. Five events feature a buy-in below $1,000, including the series opener. The three-day, $550 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Mini Mystery Millions begins May 26 at noon.
Last year, this tournament drew nearly 20,000 players with a $1,000 buy-in. Field sizes are expected to increase this year with the buy-in cut nearly in half. The opening event could be one of the largest in history due to the entry price and a $1 million bounty prize.
At the other end of the bankroll is the new GGMillion$ High Roller No-Limit Hold’em event starting May 31, which carries a $10,000 buy-in. Other new, three-day mid-range buy-in events include:
- June 2: US Circuit Championship No-Limit Hold’em ($1,700 buy-in)
- June 18: Five Card Pot-Limit Omaha ($1,500 buy-in)
- July 9: “Pick Your PLO” Dealer’s Choice ($1,500 buy-in), featuring PLO, PLO8, Five-Card PLO (High), and Big O.
Additionally, a WSOP Circuit series will run for the first time during the final days of the bracelet schedule, from July 14 through July 25.
The summer staples: Can’t miss WSOP tournaments
Many staples for professional and recreational players return for 2026. The $500 buy-in Colossus No-Limit Hold’em begins June 10, typically drawing among the largest crowds of the summer.
The five-day Millionaire Maker No-Limit Hold’em event begins June 17. The $1,500 buy-in tournament guarantees at least one player will win $1 million. Fans will also follow the $25,000 buy-in Heads-Up No-Limit Hold’em Championship, limited to 64 players, beginning May 29.
Other notable events include:
- June 3: Monster Stack No-Limit Hold’em ($1,500 buy-in)
- June 13: Super High Roller No-Limit Hold’em ($250,500 buy-in)
- June 15: High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha ($25,000 buy-in)
- June 21: Poker Players Championship ($50,000 buy-in)
- June 23: Mystery Millions No-Limit Hold’em ($1,000 buy-in)
Digital entry: Streamlining play with WSOP+
Participants can register in person at Paris Las Vegas or skip lines by using the WSOP+ app to buy into events before arriving. The app allows registration for all 100 events, including WSOP Circuit ring tournaments, and provides live updates.
Returning players from 2025 who have already verified their identity do not need to do so again unless their personal information or payment method has changed.
There is one caveat: players must verify their identity again if their personal information has changed or they are using a new payment method.
The “only in Vegas” spectator guide
While Las Vegas can be expensive, there is no fee to watch the WSOP in person. Visitors can wander into Paris Las Vegas and the Horseshoe to catch a glimpse of this “Only In Vegas” experience.
Poker players might be used to seeing rows of tables full of competitors, but the sight can be startling for those who have never attended such an event. While watching live poker might become tedious for those who don’t play the game, the unique atmosphere makes it worth a visit.
Even though watching WSOP is free, final tables and the Main Event may require wristbands or have limited access. Organizers suggest sticking to the earlier days of the tournaments, which offer the best opportunities to watch players up close.
