The 2026 World Series of Poker returns to the Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas from May 26 through July 2026, bringing 109 bracelet events across nearly two months of tournament action. Whether you're planning your first trip to the series or you've made the annual pilgrimage for years, this guide covers everything you need — schedule highlights, structure analysis, travel logistics, lodging, food, registration, money movement, and tips from players who've been through it before.

For more event guides, travel resources, and tournament preparation advice, see our complete live tournament player's guide.

WSOP 2026 at a Glance

The World Series of Poker is the longest-running and largest annual poker festival in the world. The 2026 edition marks the continuation of WSOP's residency at the Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas complex on the Las Vegas Strip — the same venue that hosted the 2024 and 2025 series after the move from Bally's (which was rebranded to Horseshoe).

Key facts:

Dates: May 26 – late July 2026 (Main Event Final Table date TBD)
Venue: Paris Las Vegas & Horseshoe Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada
Total bracelet events: 109 unique events (159 total schedule rows including flights)
Buy-in range: $150–$250,000
Main Event: Event #82 — $10,000 No-Limit Hold'em World Championship, four starting flights (A–D), 60,000 starting chips, 120-minute levels
Defending Main Event Champion: Michael Mizrachi ($10,000,000 in 2025)
2025 Main Event field: 9,735 entries, $90,535,500 prize pool
2025 series total: 100 bracelet events, approximately 246,883 entries across all events, over $470 million in total prize pools
New for 2026: 6 new event types including Mini Mystery Millions, GGMillion$ High Roller, Five Card PLO, Pick Your PLO, U.S. Circuit Championship, and Summer Saver
Official schedule: wsop.com (opens in new tab)

The 2025 series set records across the board — the Gladiators of Poker drew 24,629 entries, and Michael Mizrachi captured the Main Event title and $10,000,000 from a field of 9,735 entries. The 2026 schedule adds 9 more bracelet events and several new formats.

2026 Schedule Overview: What to Play

The 109-event schedule spans the full range of buy-ins and formats. Here's how it breaks down.

Events by Buy-In Tier

Tier	Buy-In Range	Approximate Events	Best For
Budget	$150–$500	~7 events	First-time WSOP visitors, bankroll-conscious players
Mid-Range	$501–$1,500	~41 events	The core schedule — the most popular buy-in tier
Premium	$1,501–$4,999	~14 events	Experienced tournament players
High Roller	$5,000+	~37 events	High-stakes players (includes $10K+ and $25K+ events)

The mid-range tier ($501–$1,500) accounts for the largest share of the schedule and draws the biggest fields. The $1,500 buy-in is the signature WSOP price point — events like the Monster Stack, Millionaire Maker, and the various format-specific bracelet events all sit at this level.

Signature Events to Watch

Mini Mystery Millions (Event #1, $550) — New for 2026. A six-flight bounty event that opens the series. Payouts begin on Day 1, bounties begin on Day 2, and the top bounty is guaranteed at $1,000,000. At $550, this is the most accessible opening event in recent WSOP history and is expected to draw a massive field.

Monster Stack (Event #18, $1,500) — One of the deepest-stacked events on the schedule with 50,000 starting chips and 40/60-minute levels across four flights and five total days. In 2025, the Monster Stack drew 9,920 entries and a $13,148,390 prize pool. Klemens Roiter won $1,204,457.

Colossus (Event #34, $500) — The budget-friendly mass-field event, running four flights. In 2025, the Colossus drew 16,301 entries with Courtenay Williams taking the bracelet and $542,540.

Millionaire Maker (Event #50, $1,500) — The name says it: first place is guaranteed $1,000,000. Four flights. The 2025 Millionaire Maker drew 11,996 entries and a $15,924,690 prize pool. Note: the 2025 event had no bracelet awarded due to a chip dumping investigation, with the prize split between the final two players.

Mystery Millions (Event #63, $1,000) — The second bounty event with a guaranteed $1,000,000 top bounty and guaranteed $1,000,000 first-place prize. Six flights. The 2025 Mystery Millions was the largest field of the entire series at 19,654 entries and $17,295,520 in total prizes.

GGMillion$ High Roller (Event #11, $10,000) — New for 2026. A two-flight, eight-handed event that brings GG's online brand to a live bracelet format.

Poker Players Championship (Event #60, $50,000) — The mixed-game crown jewel. Seven-handed, five days, ten game mix. This is the event that the poker community watches most closely after the Main Event.

Main Event (Event #82, $10,000) — The one everyone's here for. Four starting flights (A–D) beginning July 2, 60,000 starting chips, 120-minute levels. The final table format for 2026 features a delayed final table (date TBD). Michael Mizrachi returns as the defending champion after winning $10,000,000 in 2025.

Gladiators of Poker (Event #88, $300) — The lowest buy-in bracelet event on the schedule. In 2025, this was the largest non-Main Event field in WSOP history at 24,629 entries.

Format Mix

The schedule is predominantly No-Limit Hold'em, but mixed-game players have plenty to choose from: Omaha variants (PLO, PLO Hi-Lo, Five Card PLO), Stud and Razz events, Draw games, H.O.R.S.E., Dealer's Choice, and the new Pick Your PLO format. Eight-handed and six-handed structures appear frequently at higher buy-in levels.

Re-Entry and Late Registration

Re-entry policies vary by event. Most multi-flight events allow re-entry (typically once or twice per flight), while freezeout events are explicitly marked on the schedule. Late registration is generally available for 9–12 levels into Day 1. Check the specific event details on wsop.com before planning your schedule.

Capture your key hands during the series with LiveHands and review them between flights or after each day's session — the fastest way to log hands at the table and export to PT4, HM3, or GTO Wizard for deeper analysis.

Tournament Structure Analysis

Main Event Structure

The WSOP Main Event is one of the deepest and slowest structures in tournament poker. Here's what to expect:

Detail	Value
Buy-In	$10,000
Starting Chips	60,000
Starting Big Blind	100 (300 BB effective stack)
Level Duration	120 minutes
Flights	A (July 2), B (July 3), C (July 4), D (July 5)
Day 2	July 6 (ABC combined), July 7 (D alone)
Day 3 Onward	Combined field from July 8
Final Table	Delayed — date TBD

With 60,000 chips and a 100 starting big blind, you're looking at 600 big blinds to start — an exceptionally deep stack that rewards patience and post-flop skill in the early levels. The 120-minute levels mean the structure stays playable deep into Day 2 and beyond. For most players, the Main Event structure doesn't become "fast" until Day 4 or later, by which point you're well past the money bubble.

For a detailed breakdown of how Main Event blind levels affect ranges and strategy, see How to Read Tournament Structures Like a Pro.

Monster Stack Structure

The Monster Stack earns its name with 50,000 starting chips and 40/60-minute levels (40-minute levels early, transitioning to 60-minute levels). At the $1,500 buy-in, this is one of the best structure-to-price ratios on the schedule. You'll start with roughly 250–500 big blinds depending on the opening blind level, giving you significant post-flop play through the first day.

Colossus and Gladiators Structures

The budget-friendly events ($300–$500) use 25,000 starting chips with 30-minute levels. These are faster structures by design — they need to process massive fields efficiently. Expect the structure to get "fast" (under 20 big blinds) by the middle to late stages of Day 1. If you're used to deeper structures, adjust your opening ranges and be prepared to play shorter-stacked poker earlier in the tournament.

Getting to the WSOP

Airports

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is approximately 4–5 miles from the Paris/Horseshoe complex on the central Strip. Most flights from major U.S. cities and international hubs serve LAS directly.

Ground Transport

Option	Approximate Cost	Travel Time	Notes
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)	~$18 average (can surge higher)	~13 minutes	Pick up at Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 ride-share lots
Taxi	~$25 plus possible fees	10–20 minutes	Fixed taxi zone at arrivals; Zone 2 Strip rate applies
Shared Shuttle	~$7–$17	20–40 minutes	Multiple hotel stops; prices vary by provider
Rental Car	~$40–$80/day (volatile)	10–15 minutes	Rates vary widely by date, class, and booking window

Transport costs are approximate estimates based on March 2026 data. Rideshare pricing varies by time of day and demand — expect higher rates during WSOP peak periods. Rental car rates can be lower or higher than the range shown depending on availability.

Driving and Parking

If you're driving to the venue, self-parking at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe is available. Expect to pay approximately $20–$25/day for self-parking (rates are higher Thursday–Sunday) or approximately $40/day for valet parking. Rates may change during the series — check the venue website for current pricing. If you're attending for multiple days, a monthly parking pass may be available through the Caesars Rewards program.

International Travel

For international players, the United States requires an ESTA authorization under the Visa Waiver Program (for eligible nationalities, permitting stays up to 90 days for business or tourism) or a B-1/B-2 visa for others. Apply well in advance — during WSOP season, processing times can be longer than usual. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov) has current requirements. Currency is U.S. dollars; buy-ins and payouts are in USD.

Where to Stay

The WSOP venue at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas is on the central Las Vegas Strip, surrounded by dozens of hotel options at every price point.

On-Site and Adjacent

Paris Las Vegas / Horseshoe Las Vegas — The host venue. Staying on-site eliminates commute time entirely — you can walk from your room to the tournament area in minutes. Room rates are highly date-dependent — current listings show rooms starting from around $60–$90/night on off-peak dates, but expect rates to climb during peak WSOP weeks and especially around the Main Event. Player rate deals are sometimes available through the Caesars Rewards program or WSOP promotional emails — sign up early.

Nearby Budget and Mid-Range Options

Hotel	Starting From (approx.)	Distance to Venue	Notes
Excalibur	~$65/night	~1.4 miles	Basic rooms, consistent value
Luxor	~$67/night	~1.7 miles	Slightly more modern than Excalibur
Flamingo Las Vegas	~$67/night	~1 mile	Same Caesars complex; good proximity
LINQ Hotel + Experience	~$68/night	~3,800 ft	Modern renovation, good value
Harrah's Las Vegas	~$68/night	~3,800 ft	Same Caesars complex
Planet Hollywood	~$83/night	~2,000 ft	Across the street from Paris; very convenient

Premium Options

Hotel	Starting From (approx.)	Distance to Venue	Notes
Cosmopolitan	~$198/night	~7-min walk	Popular with the poker crowd for its restaurants and vibe
Bellagio	~$306/night	~3,800 ft	The Strip's flagship luxury property

All hotel prices are "starting from" snapshots checked March 2026. Rates vary enormously by date, room type, and booking timing — a $68 rate on a Tuesday might be $200+ on a Friday during the Main Event. Book early and expect prices to climb as the series approaches.

Alternative Accommodation

For the full WSOP experience (especially if you're attending for multiple weeks), Airbnb and VRBO rentals off the Strip can offer better value at $80–$150/night for a private room or studio. Look in areas like Spring Valley or the Arts District, both within a 10–15 minute drive of the venue. Extended-stay hotels like Residence Inn or Homewood Suites provide kitchen access for players who prefer to cook — useful for longer stays.

Booking timing: Book 8–12 weeks before the series starts. Cancellation-flexible rates are worth the slight premium — plans change, especially if you bust the Main Event early.

Eating at and Around the WSOP

Poker tournament schedules demand flexible eating — you might play through dinner, take a break at 11 PM, or need food in 15 minutes during a tournament break.

At-Venue Dining

The Paris/Horseshoe complex has multiple dining options inside the building:

Food court (Paris): Quick-service options including Bobby's Burgers, Sekushi, Café Americano, and several grab-and-go counters. These are your best bet during tournament breaks — most serve in under 10 minutes.
Gordon Ramsay Steak, Mon Ami Gabi, and Eiffel Tower Restaurant (Paris): Sit-down options for post-session meals. Not practical during breaks, but good for dinner after you bag chips for the day.
Jack Binion's Steak (Horseshoe): Another sit-down option in the Horseshoe.

Quick-Service and Delivery

Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub all operate extensively on the Strip, with late-night delivery generally available until 1–2 AM. The Strip itself has fast food within walking distance in every direction — In-N-Out Burger, Shake Shack, and dozens more. The LINQ Promenade (a 5-minute walk north) has additional quick-service options.

Dietary Accommodations

Vegetarian/Vegan: Mon Ami Gabi (Paris) has vegetarian options. For dedicated vegan dining, Veggie House is within a 10–15 minute drive off the Strip. The Strip food courts generally have limited but available vegetarian options.
Gluten-Free: Most sit-down restaurants at Paris and Horseshoe can accommodate gluten-free requests. Bobby's Burgers offers lettuce-wrapped burgers.
Kosher/Halal: Options are limited on the Strip. The Halal Guys has a location in Las Vegas. For kosher and Mediterranean dining, Jerusalem Mediterranean Chef's Table is within a 15-minute drive. Plan ahead for these — walk-up options near the venue are sparse.
Healthy Eating: For players looking to avoid fast food during a multi-week grind, grocery delivery (Instacart, Amazon Fresh) to your hotel or Airbnb is the most practical option. Whole Foods Market has a Las Vegas Boulevard location (6689 Las Vegas Blvd South), though it is at the south end of the Strip area — check current hours before visiting.

Late-Night Dining

This matters — you'll often finish playing at midnight or later. The Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge (approximately 2 miles north on the Strip) is open 24 hours Thursday through Sunday and until 2 AM Monday through Wednesday — a long-standing favorite among poker players. Denny's, IHOP, and several 24-hour casino restaurants are also available within walking distance. Many Strip restaurants keep kitchens open until midnight or later.

Hydration

Bring your own water bottle. The tournament area typically has water stations, and most WSOP venues allow players to bring non-alcoholic drinks to the table. Staying hydrated during 10–12 hour sessions is one of the simplest and most overlooked performance edges.

Practical Info: Venue, Registration, and Amenities

Tournament Area Layout

The WSOP tournament area at Paris/Horseshoe is one of the largest poker spaces in the world during the series, with hundreds of tables spread across the convention and ballroom areas. The main tournament area, registration desk, and cash game room are all within the same general zone. Expect congestion at registration and during break times, especially on opening days of popular events.

Registration

You can register for WSOP events through:

WSOP+ app: The current primary method for online pre-registration. Create an account, fund it, and register for events before arriving at the venue. This is the fastest path to your seat. Note: some events may have payment-method restrictions for online registration.
On-site registration desk: Available at the venue during operating hours. Lines can be long on Day 1 of popular events — arriving early or using WSOP+ to pre-register is strongly recommended.
Online at wsop.com: Registration for select events is also available through the WSOP website.

Phone and Device Policy

WSOP allows players to have phones at the table for texting and email while not involved in a hand, but phone calls must be taken away from the table. Headphones are typically permitted. Policies can vary by event and change between years — check the official WSOP rules posted at the venue or on wsop.com for the 2026 season's specific policies.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

The venue offers Wi-Fi, though reliability varies during peak hours. For critical tasks (WSOP+ registration, hand review), a cellular data connection is more reliable.

Secure Storage and Logistics

If you advance to Day 2 of an event, your chips are bagged and stored by tournament staff — you'll receive a bag with your seat assignment for the next day. Keep valuables on your person or in your hotel room safe; the venue does not typically offer secure storage for personal belongings. Smoking is not permitted in the tournament area; designated smoking areas are outside the tournament floor.

Nearby Amenities

The Paris/Horseshoe complex and adjacent Strip properties offer pools, gyms, and spas. If you're staying on-site, pool access is typically included with your room.

Money Movement: Funding Buy-Ins and Cashing Out

Paying for Tournaments

WSOP+ is the current primary payment and registration system for WSOP 2026. You can fund your WSOP+ account and register for tournaments directly through the app. Wire transfer has been supported as a funding method for WSOP registration flows. Setting up and funding your account before arriving in Las Vegas is strongly recommended — it saves time and avoids lines at the cage.

Cage/Cashier: You can also buy into events with cash at the registration desk. The cashier cage at Horseshoe handles cash transactions during the series. Bring exact amounts when possible to speed up the process.

Credit/Debit Cards: Generally not accepted for direct tournament buy-ins. You can withdraw cash from ATMs in the venue, but expect fees in the range of $8–$10 per transaction at most casino ATMs, plus daily withdrawal limits. Plan your cash needs in advance.

Cash Handling

Pre-load your WSOP+ account with enough for your planned events, then bring enough cash for 2–3 additional buy-ins plus expenses. Use the hotel safe for any cash you're not carrying to the venue. Basic safety practices apply — don't display large amounts, vary your route, and don't discuss your cash position with strangers.

Cashing Out

If you make the money, here's what to expect:

Small payouts (under $5,000): Typically paid in cash or chips at the cage during the event.
Larger payouts: Paid via check, wire transfer, or WSOP+ credit. Processing times vary — expect larger payouts to take 1–3 business days.
Tax withholding: For poker tournaments, winners generally receive IRS Form W-2G for more than $5,000 in net winnings after subtracting the buy-in. Regular gambling withholding may not apply if the W-2G is filed and provided to the winner, though backup withholding can apply if the winner does not provide a Taxpayer Identification Number. International players may be subject to different withholding rates depending on their country's tax treaty with the United States. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation — this guide does not provide tax advice.

International Money Movement

For international players, plan your currency exchange before arriving — U.S. dollars are the only currency accepted at the WSOP. Airport exchanges typically offer poor rates; your bank or a service like Wise will usually offer better conversion rates for larger amounts.

Tips from WSOP Veterans

These tips come from published player trip reports, forum discussions, and poker community advice shared by experienced WSOP attendees.

1. Don't play every day. The schedule is dense — multiple events start every day, and it's tempting to fire every tournament that fits your bankroll. Players who've ground through multi-week WSOP stretches consistently recommend building in 1–2 rest days per week. Burnout affects your decision-making before you realize it.

2. The first few days are the most crowded. Opening weekend at the WSOP is chaotic — long registration lines, packed hallways, limited seating. If your schedule is flexible, consider starting with a Day 1B or 1C flight of the opening events rather than fighting the Day 1A crowd.

3. Bring layers. The tournament area is aggressively air-conditioned. A hoodie or light jacket is essential for comfort during 10+ hour sessions, even though it's 100°F+ outside in Las Vegas during June and July.

4. Comfortable shoes matter. You'll walk more than you expect — the venue complex is large, and the distance between your room, the tournament area, and restaurants adds up over weeks.

5. Set a daily stop-loss. Before each day, decide the maximum number of buy-ins you're willing to fire. "One more bullet" adds up quickly across a multi-week festival. For more on managing your tournament bankroll across a series, see Bankroll Management for Live Tournament Players.

6. The evening events are underrated. Daily deepstacks and satellites running in the evenings tend to have softer fields and lower buy-ins than the marquee daytime events.

7. Build your review routine early. With multiple events per week, hand details blur together fast — ~25–30 hands per hour across 8–10 hours of play produces a lot of data that's easy to lose. Players who review their key hands the same night (or the next morning) retain significantly more than those who wait until after the series.

8. Stay hydrated and eat real food. This sounds obvious, but it's the advice veteran players repeat the most. The combination of long sessions, casino air, and the temptation to survive on coffee and fast food takes a measurable toll by Week 2. Bring water to the table, eat actual meals during breaks, and you'll make better decisions at the table late in sessions.

WSOP 2026 FAQ

What is the WSOP 2026 Main Event buy-in? The Main Event buy-in is $10,000. The Main Event is Event #82 and features four starting flights (A–D) beginning July 2, 2026.

How many bracelet events are on the WSOP 2026 schedule? The 2026 schedule includes 109 unique bracelet events, with buy-ins ranging from $150 to $250,000.

When does the 2026 WSOP start and end? The series begins May 26, 2026. The final bracelet events run into late July 2026, with the Main Event Final Table date to be determined.

How do I register for WSOP 2026 tournaments? The primary method is the WSOP+ app, which allows pre-registration and payment. You can also register in person at the venue's registration desk or through wsop.com for select events. Some events may have payment-method restrictions for online registration.

Can I use my phone at the table at the WSOP? WSOP allows phones at the table for texting and email while not in a hand, but phone calls must be taken away from the table. Headphones are typically permitted. Check the official 2026 rules for specific policies.

What is the best hotel near the WSOP venue? The venue is at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas, so staying on-site provides the most convenience. LINQ and Harrah's (both within about 3,800 ft in the same Caesars complex) offer good proximity at competitive rates. Planet Hollywood, directly across the street, is another convenient choice.

Do I need a WSOP+ account for the WSOP? While not strictly required (you can register at the cage with cash), having a WSOP+ account is strongly recommended. It saves time, avoids lines, and is the preferred registration method for most events.

What food is available at the WSOP venue? The Paris/Horseshoe complex has a food court with quick-service options (Bobby's Burgers, Sekushi, Café Americano), sit-down restaurants (Gordon Ramsay Steak, Mon Ami Gabi), and grab-and-go counters. The Las Vegas Strip offers extensive additional dining options within walking distance.

How are WSOP winnings paid out? Small payouts are typically handled in cash at the cage. Larger payouts may be issued via check, wire transfer, or WSOP+ credit. Poker tournament winners generally receive IRS Form W-2G for more than $5,000 in net winnings after subtracting the buy-in. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

What is the cheapest bracelet event at the WSOP 2026? The lowest buy-in for a bracelet event in 2026 is $150. Budget-friendly bracelet events include the Gladiators of Poker at $300, the Colossus at $500, and the Mini Mystery Millions at $550.

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WSOP 2026 Complete Player's Guide: Schedule, Travel, Structures, and Tips