The 2026 WSOP
The 2026 WSOP is well underway! As one of the largest poker events all year round, we always like to give our readers a run-down of how things look this year.
The World Series of Poker began on May 26th and will run until July 15th. It includes numerous famous tournaments, as well as the main event, where poker players from all over the world try their luck to win one of the famed bracelets. Read on to learn what you can expect from this year’s WSOP.
When Does the 2026 WSOP Start?
The 2026 WSOP began on May 26th and run until July 15th, the circuit operates year-round with events all over the world for people to try their hand to qualify for the Las Vegas event.
The main attraction at the WSOP is the Main Event, which will start its run from July 2nd to 5th with 4 initial tournaments for entry. Only the top individuals from each day will continue in the following days, with the final tables taking place August 3rd-5th.
Where is the 2026 WSOP Taking Place?
The 2026 World Series of Poker will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, as it has every year since its inception. This year, as in 2025, the event is split between two hotels on the Las Vegas Strip: The Horseshoe Las Vegas (formerly Bally’s Hotel and Casino) and The Paris Hotel and Casino, with the streaming stage situated in the Paris ballroom.
As in years past, these hotels are already fully booked for the duration of the main event. If you have yet to secure your room, we recommend doing so ASAP, as most of the hotels on the Las Vegas strip are completely sold out during the main event days of the WSOP.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter the 2026 WSOP?
Playing the WSOP isn’t free, and the buy-in you are required to pay will vary greatly depending on the events you plan to participate in. You should plan to pay anything from $1,000 to $100,000. See the chart below for examples on some of the tournaments available.
|
Event |
Start Date |
Buy-In |
|
$550 No-Limit Hold’em |
May 26th |
$550 |
|
$5,000 No-Limit Hold’em |
May 26th |
$5,000 |
|
$1,500 Omaha Hi-Lo |
May 27th |
$1,500 |
|
$5,000 Pot-Limit Omaha |
May 28th |
$5,000 |
|
$1,500 Seven Card Stud |
May 28th |
$1,500 |
|
$25,000 No-Limit Hold’em Heads Up |
May 29th |
$25,000 |
|
$1,500 Badugi |
May 29th |
$1,500 |
|
$10,000 Omaha Hi-Lo or Better |
May 30th |
$10,000 |
|
$600 No-Limit Hold’em |
May 31st |
$600 |
|
$10,000 GGMillion$ |
May 31st |
$10,000 |
|
$1,500 No Limit 2-7 Lowball Draw |
May 31st |
$1,500 |
|
$1,500 No-Limit Hold’em 6-Handed |
June 1st |
$1,500 |
|
$10,000 Seven Card Stud |
June 5th |
$10,000 |
|
$2,000 No-Limit Hold’em |
June 7th |
$2,000 |
|
$50,000 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller |
June 8th |
$50,0000 |
|
$3,000 No-Limit Hold’em |
June 9th |
$3,000 |
|
$100,000 No-Limit Hold-em High Roller |
June 10th |
$100,000 |
|
$1,500 H.O.R.S.E |
June 10th |
$1,500 |
|
$1,500 Razz |
June 12th |
$1,500 |
|
$250,000 No-Limit Hold’em Super High Roller |
June 13th |
$250,000 |
|
$1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Seniors Championship |
June 15th |
$1,000 |
|
$50,000 Pot-Limit Omaha High-Roller |
June 19th |
$50,000 |
|
$500 No-Limit Hold’em Salute to Warriors |
June 21st |
$500 |
|
$1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Tag Team |
June 24th |
$1,000 |
|
$1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Ladies Championship |
June 25th |
$1,000 |
|
$1,000 No-Limit Hold’em Mini Main Event |
June 28th |
$1,000 |
|
Main Event |
July 2nd |
$10,000 |
As you can see, there is a little something for everyone at the main event. Please note that this is not a full list of all events available, curated only to give you an idea of what may be available to you, when, and at what buy-in. See the WSOP website or social media accounts for a full list of events.
What is the Cheapest WSOP Event?
In the past years, there have been events with buy-ins as low as $300. Unfortunately, in 2026, the lowest buy-in event we could find is $500, and that is the Salute to Warriors event, to which entry may be limited. That being said, there are quite a few events at the $550 buy-in, as well as a few at the $600 buy-in, giving those on a budget some options.
Can Anyone Play the 2026 WSOP?
Yes, the craziest thing about the WSOP is that anyone can enter as long as they are 21 years of age (the legal gambling age in the US) and can pay the entry fee. There are a few events that require additional qualifications, though we are seeing fewer and fewer of these as the years go on.
How Do Players Afford the WSOP?
While it’s easy to imagine forking out a few hundred dollars to play a tournament, many wonder how anyone can afford to play a tournament with a $50,000 or even $100,000 buy-in. The truth is, many famous poker players have sponsors, who pay part, or the entire entry for their players, in hopes they will make it to a table that will show their brand on screen.
You can tell players who are sponsored, typically because they wear the logo of the brand on their shirt. Sometimes these logos are just patches, though sometimes a company may pay for the shirt itself. This is common with clothing brands.
How Many People Play the WSOP?
The main event is famous around the world for its 10,000 entries, which is exactly how the WSOP is able to pay so much to winners, considering each of these entrants pays no less than $10,000 to participate.
That being said, the exact entrants to any event will vary, as many people come only for the main event, and others play multiple events over the summer. All in all, the WSOP estimates that it has 240,000 unique players each summer for its famed Las Vegas event.
Ready to try your hand at the WSOP this summer? Be sure you practice online, or with friends before you go—as some of the best poker professionals play the WSOP. Feel free to start with our articles, such as our 11 types of poker, and Top Poker Hands, and don’t be afraid to practice in the casino poker rooms first before heading to the WSOP.
