The WSOP Circuit is the largest year-round tournament poker series in the world — and the 2026 season marks a significant shift. For the first time, the Circuit is running on a full calendar-year format, January through December, giving players a more predictable schedule for planning your tournament calendar.

Whether you are chasing your first gold ring, grinding the circuit full-time, or picking a single stop near home, this guide covers everything you need: the 2026 schedule, how to evaluate the structures, travel logistics for a multi-stop series, and practical tips from experienced circuit players.

WSOP Circuit 2026 at a Glance

The WSOP Circuit launched in 2005 as an extension of the World Series of Poker brand, bringing WSOP-quality tournament poker to casinos across the United States and, since 2015, internationally. Winners receive a WSOP gold ring — the Circuit's equivalent of the bracelet — and the series has grown into one of the highest-volume tournament circuits in the world.

The numbers back that up. The 2024/2025 WSOP Circuit season produced more than $168 million in total prize money across 45 stops, 729 individual tournaments, and over 291,000 entries (Source: WSOP, June 2025).

2026 Season — Key Facts:

Format: First-ever full calendar-year season (January–December 2026)
Confirmed stops (first half): 18 domestic (U.S.) + 6 international (January–May)
Second-half schedule: Additional domestic and international stops to be announced summer 2026
Main Event buy-in: $1,700 (standardized across domestic stops)
Ring events per stop: U.S. stops often feature around 12–18 gold ring events, with buy-ins ranging from approximately $250 to $5,000 — though totals vary by stop, especially internationally
Ring winner perk: Every 2026 ring winner receives a $5,000 WSOP Paradise 2026 package, including entry to the 2026 WSOP Circuit Championship and hotel accommodations
Registration: All 2026 stops use the WSOP+ app for tournament registration, payout information, and real-time event data
Official schedule: wsop.com/schedule

2026 Schedule Overview: What to Play

The 2026 season opens on New Year's Day with simultaneous stops at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas and King's Resort in Rozvadov, Czech Republic. From there, the first half of the season rolls through 24 confirmed stops spanning six countries.

Confirmed Domestic Stops (January–May 2026)

Dates	Venue	Location
Jan 1–12	Planet Hollywood	Las Vegas, NV
Jan 8–19	Choctaw Casino & Resort	Durant, OK
Jan 15–26	Thunder Valley Casino	Lincoln, CA
Jan 22–Feb 2	Horseshoe Tunica	Robinsonville, MS
Feb 12–23	Harrah's Cherokee	Cherokee, NC
Feb 19–Mar 2	Horseshoe Baltimore	Baltimore, MD
Feb 26–Mar 9	Horseshoe Hammond	Hammond, IN
Mar 4–16	Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tulsa	Catoosa, OK
Mar 12–23	Turning Stone Resort Casino	Verona, NY
Mar 19–30	Horseshoe Las Vegas	Las Vegas, NV
Apr 2–13	Grand Victoria Casino	Elgin, IL
Apr 16–27	Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe	Stateline, NV
Apr 16–27	Horseshoe Tunica	Robinsonville, MS
Apr 23–May 4	Texas Card House	Austin, TX
May 7–18	Harrah's Cherokee	Cherokee, NC
May 7–18	Commerce Casino	Commerce, CA

Notable: Texas Card House in Austin marks the state's first WSOP-branded stop. Horseshoe Tunica and Harrah's Cherokee each host two stops in the first half.

Confirmed International Stops (January–May 2026)

Dates	Venue	Location
Jan 1–13	King's Resort	Rozvadov, Czech Republic
Jan 7–19	Deerfoot Inn & Casino	Calgary, Canada
Jan 16–25	Es Saadi Casino	Marrakesh, Morocco
Feb 26–Mar 10	Grand Casino	Gamprin, Liechtenstein
Mar 13–21	Holland Casino	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Mar 23–Apr 7	Playground	Kahnawake, Quebec, Canada
Mar 31–Apr 12	King's Casino / Hilton Prague (WSOP Europe)	Prague, Czech Republic
Apr 10–21	Pasino Grand Partouche	Aix-en-Provence, France
Apr 25–May 11	WSOP Super Circuit Cyprus	Merit Royal Diamond, Karavas, Cyprus

Known Second-Half Stops

The full June–December schedule has not been released as of March 2026, but several stops have been confirmed:

Horseshoe Las Vegas — Jul 14–25 (runs alongside the main WSOP series)
Olympic Park Casino — Jul 24–Aug 2, Tallinn, Estonia
Harrah's Atlantic City — Aug 13–24
Playground (WSOP Super Circuit Canada) — Aug 24–Sep 9, Kahnawake, Quebec

The complete second-half schedule will be announced in summer 2026. Check wsop.com/schedule for updates.

Events by Buy-In Tier

Most circuit stops follow a standardized event lineup. Here is a general breakdown of what to expect at a typical domestic stop:

Tier	Buy-In Range	What to Expect
Budget-friendly	$250–$400	Opening events, turbos, and specialty formats. Good for first-timers testing the circuit.
Mid-range	$400–$800	The bulk of ring events. NLHE, PLO, mixed games, and bounty formats.
Flagship	$1,700	The Main Event — the marquee ring event at every stop.
Premium	$2,500–$5,000	High rollers and select specialty events. Available at larger stops (Las Vegas, Playground, Cyprus).

Buy-in ranges are approximate and vary by stop. Check the official schedule for exact event listings at your target stop.

Tournament Structure Analysis

One of the Circuit's strengths is structural consistency. WSOP Circuit events use standardized structures across stops, so a $1,700 Main Event at Horseshoe Baltimore plays the same as one at Thunder Valley.

Main Event ($1,700)

Domestic WSOP Circuit Main Events typically start with 30,000 chips using a Big Blind Ante format, though players should check each stop's structure sheet because international stops can differ. At domestic stops, this gives you a deep-stacked start — approximately 150 big blinds at the opening level — which rewards patient, post-flop play in the early stages.

Note: Specific blind level durations and the full structure sheet for the 2026 season have not been publicly confirmed as of March 2026. Structure sheets are released by each venue upon approval from their local regulatory body. Check the WSOP+ app or wsop.com for the structure sheet at your specific stop before registering.

What the Structure Means for Your Preparation

At domestic stops, a 30,000-chip starting stack with Big Blind Ante gives you a solid runway. At the opening blind level, you are looking at roughly 150 big blinds — deep enough that you are playing real poker, not just waiting for premium hands. As the structure progresses, expect the effective stack to compress through the middle stages. Most circuit Main Events play through to a final table over two or three days.

For a deeper look at how to evaluate tournament structures and what they mean for your strategy, see our guide to how to read tournament structures like a pro.

Side Event Structures

Lower buy-in ring events ($250–$600) typically feature smaller starting stacks and shorter blind levels, creating faster-paced tournaments that often play down to a winner in a single day. Higher buy-in events ($2,500+) generally mirror the Main Event's deeper structure.

Getting to the Circuit: Travel for a Multi-Stop Series

Unlike a single-venue event like the WSOP, the Circuit is a touring series. If you are playing multiple stops, your travel planning looks different — more like a sports season than a single trip.

Domestic Stops

Most U.S. circuit venues are at major casino properties with well-established travel infrastructure. A few logistics tips:

Flights: Many circuit stops are near regional airports, not just major hubs. Thunder Valley is about 35 minutes from Sacramento International (SMF) by car. Choctaw is about 90 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). Turning Stone is about 35–40 minutes from Syracuse Hancock International (SYR) by car. Check secondary airports — they are often cheaper and closer.
Rental cars: For stops outside of Las Vegas, a rental car is often the most practical option. Casinos like Choctaw, Thunder Valley, and Turning Stone are in areas where rideshare availability can be limited, especially late at night when tournaments end.
Las Vegas stops: Planet Hollywood and Horseshoe Las Vegas are both on the Strip. If you are flying into Las Vegas, a rideshare from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to the Strip averages about 15 minutes and roughly $25, though prices vary with demand.

International Stops

International circuit stops add an extra layer of planning:

Passports and visas: U.S. citizens need a valid passport for all international stops. EU stops (Czech Republic, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, France, Cyprus) generally do not require a visa for U.S. citizens staying under 90 days. Canada does not require a visa for U.S. citizens but does require valid ID. Morocco requires a passport but no visa for stays under 90 days. Always verify current entry requirements before booking.
Currency: EU stops use the Euro (except Czech Republic, which uses the Czech Koruna — though Euros are widely accepted at King's Resort). Cyprus uses the Euro. Morocco uses the Dirham. Canada uses the Canadian Dollar. Buy-ins at international stops are typically in the local currency.
Time zones: Factor in jet lag, especially for Eastern European or North African stops. Arriving a day early helps.

Where to Stay

Because the Circuit visits different venues each stop, there is no single lodging recommendation. Here is how to approach it:

On-Site or Adjacent Hotels

Many circuit venues are part of casino resort complexes with attached hotels. This is the most convenient option — walk to the tournament room, go back to your room during breaks. Expect to pay approximately $80–$200/night at mid-tier casino properties (Horseshoe, Harrah's Cherokee, Choctaw) and $150–$350/night at Las Vegas Strip properties, though rates spike during popular stops. Check whether the casino offers a player rate — some properties discount rooms for tournament entrants.

Budget Options ($50–$120/night)

Look for chain hotels within 10–15 minutes of the venue. Properties like Hampton Inn, La Quinta, or Holiday Inn Express near regional casino stops typically run $70–$110/night. In Las Vegas, off-Strip options south of the airport or in Henderson offer better value.

Extended Stays for Multi-Stop Grinders

If you are playing multiple consecutive stops, consider extended-stay hotels (Residence Inn, Home2 Suites, Extended Stay America) which offer weekly rates, kitchenettes, and laundry — essentials for a month on the road. Airbnb and VRBO are also worth checking in smaller markets where hotel options are limited.

Hotel pricing is inherently volatile — rates vary by date, demand, and booking window. These are directional estimates based on March 2026 research. Book early for popular stops and check directly with the venue for player rates.

Eating at and Around the Circuit

At the Venue

Most casino properties have multiple dining options on-site — buffets, fast-casual restaurants, coffee shops, and at least one sit-down restaurant. During breaks (typically 15–20 minutes), you will want something fast. Casino food courts and grab-and-go options are your friend.

Dietary Accommodations

Circuit stops are at major casino properties, which generally offer more dining variety than standalone poker rooms. That said, options vary significantly by location:

Vegetarian/Vegan: Larger properties (Las Vegas, Turning Stone, Playground) usually have dedicated options. At smaller regional casinos, salad bars and customizable dishes may be your best bet.
Gluten-free: Most casino restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, but dedicated menus are more common at larger venues.
Kosher/Halal: Limited at most domestic casino properties. If this is a priority, research the specific venue's dining options before traveling and consider nearby restaurants or meal prep.
Healthy eating: For longer stops, having a grocery store nearby matters. Check whether your hotel has a mini-fridge or kitchenette. Walmart, Trader Joe's, or a local grocery within driving distance can save you from a week of casino food.

Late-Night Options

Poker tournaments end late. In Las Vegas, late-night dining is everywhere. At regional stops, your options narrow after midnight. Check what is open late near your specific venue — Uber Eats and DoorDash coverage varies in casino towns.

Practical Info: WSOP+ App, Registration, and Amenities

WSOP+ App (Required for 2026)

The WSOP+ app is the single most important piece of pre-trip preparation for the 2026 season. All confirmed 2026 Circuit stops use WSOP+ for:

Tournament registration: Register and pay for events from your phone. Skip the cage lines. Payment options include PayPal, credit cards, Luxon Pay, ACH, and tournament tickets.
Real-time tournament data: Blind levels, clock, payouts, late registration cutoffs, and table draws — all in the app.
Alternate notifications: For events with alternates, register in the app, turn on notifications, and leave. The app pings you when your seat is ready.

Set up before you travel. Download the app, complete identity verification, and load a payment method while you are still at home. First-time users need to verify their account in person at a WSOP event before they can register — arrive early at your first stop to get this done.

Phone and Device Policies

WSOP Circuit events generally allow phone use at the table, consistent with most major tournament series in the U.S. You can check your phone between hands, review tournament information on the WSOP+ app, and use it during breaks. Headphones are typically permitted.

Capture your key hands during the event with a hand logging app like LiveHands and review them between flights or after the day ends.

Policies may vary at international stops. Check the specific venue's rules before the event.

Registration and Event Floor

At most stops, the tournament area is a dedicated section of the casino's poker room, with separate tables for ring events and cash games. Registration is handled through the WSOP+ app — on-site cage registration may be available as a backup, but the app is the primary method for 2026.

Amenities to Check Per Stop

Since each venue is different, here is a quick checklist of things to verify for your specific stop:

Wi-Fi: Most casino properties offer free Wi-Fi, but reliability varies. Bring a mobile hotspot if connectivity matters to you.
Charging stations: Not guaranteed. Bring a portable charger.
Secure storage: Ask the cage about chip storage between days. Personal item storage varies by venue.
Nearby gym/pool: Available at resort-style properties (Turning Stone, Choctaw, Las Vegas Strip casinos). Not available at smaller standalone casinos.

Money Movement: Funding Buy-Ins and Cashing Out

Paying for Tournaments

The WSOP+ app is the primary registration and payment method for 2026. Accepted payment options through the app include:

PayPal
Credit/debit cards
Luxon Pay
ACH bank transfer
Tournament tickets (won online)

Cage buy-ins with cash are available at most stops as a backup. ATMs are on-site at every casino property, though fees vary widely — many casino ATMs charge roughly $8–$12, while some lower-fee options off-Strip or at smaller properties are closer to $3.

Cash Handling

If you prefer cash, bring what you need for your planned buy-ins plus a reserve for food and incidentals. Use your hotel safe for cash you are not carrying. Avoid carrying large amounts in casino common areas — it is a poker event, so everyone knows there is cash around.

Cashing Out

Ring event payouts at domestic stops are typically handled through the cage — either in cash, check, or via your WSOP+ account. For larger cashes, expect a short processing period.

Tax note: At U.S. stops, tournament winnings over $5,000 (or with a 300:1 payout ratio) trigger a W-2G reporting requirement. International stops have different tax reporting rules depending on the jurisdiction. Consult a tax professional for guidance on reporting tournament winnings, especially if you play stops in multiple states or countries. This guide does not provide tax advice.

International Money Movement

For international stops, confirm the local currency for buy-ins and plan accordingly. Luxon Pay is widely used at European circuit stops. Currency exchange at casino cages is sometimes available but rates are unfavorable. Your bank or a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fee is usually the better option.

Tips from Circuit Regulars

These tips come from the common experiences of WSOP Circuit regulars and published trip reports:

Set up WSOP+ early. Do not wait until you arrive. Identity verification can take time, and you do not want to miss Day 1 of a Main Event because your account is not verified. Complete this at home if possible.
Pick your stops strategically. Not every stop fits every bankroll or schedule. The Circuit's calendar-year format makes it easier to plan ahead. Target 3–5 stops that work geographically and financially rather than chasing every ring. For guidance on managing your bankroll across a circuit season, see our bankroll management guide for live tournament players.
Arrive the day before the Main Event. Use the first day to get oriented — find the tournament room, check in at the hotel, scope out food options, and play a smaller ring event to get comfortable with the venue and the WSOP+ app flow.
Budget for the full stop, not just buy-ins. Hotel, food, travel, and incidentals add up. At a 10-day domestic stop, expect $1,000–$2,000 in non-poker expenses depending on the market, on top of your buy-ins.
Bring essentials for long sessions. Portable phone charger, headphones, a light jacket (casino floors run cold), and snacks for breaks. Comfortable shoes matter if the venue requires walking between the poker room and the hotel.
Check the schedule overlap. Some 2026 stops run on overlapping dates (e.g., Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe and Horseshoe Tunica both run April 16–27). Plan accordingly if you are considering both.
Use the ring winner perk. If you win a ring, the $5,000 WSOP Paradise 2026 package is real value — entry to the WSOP Circuit Championship plus hotel accommodations. Do not let it expire. Check redemption deadlines when you receive the package.
Keep notes on each venue. What you learn at one stop — where to eat, how the cage works, what the Wi-Fi is like — saves time at the same venue next year. The Circuit returns to many properties annually.

WSOP Circuit 2026 FAQ

What is the WSOP Circuit Main Event buy-in? The Main Event at domestic stops is $1,700. International stops feature a similar entry point in local currencies.

How many ring events are at each stop? U.S. stops often feature around 12–18 gold ring events, with buy-ins ranging from approximately $250 to $5,000. The total varies by stop, especially internationally.

What do ring winners receive in 2026? Every 2026 ring winner receives a $5,000 WSOP Paradise 2026 package, including entry to the 2026 WSOP Circuit Championship and hotel accommodations.

Do I need the WSOP+ app? Yes. All 2026 Circuit stops use the WSOP+ app for registration, tournament information, and payouts. Download and verify your account before traveling.

Can I use my phone at the table? Generally yes at U.S. stops. You can check your phone between hands, use the WSOP+ app, and wear headphones. Policies may vary at international stops — check with the venue.

When will the second-half schedule be announced? The full June–December 2026 schedule will be released in summer 2026, prior to the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas.

How is the WSOP Circuit different from the WSOP? The WSOP is a single summer series held in Las Vegas with bracelet events. The Circuit is a year-round touring series visiting casinos across the U.S. and internationally, with gold ring events. The Circuit features lower buy-ins and brings WSOP-branded poker to regional markets.

Is there a Tournament of Champions in 2026? The Tournament of Champions, which featured 485 entrants from 1,169 eligible qualifiers in the 2024/2025 season, was not held for the shortened 2025 transition season. Whether it returns for the 2026 calendar-year season has not been confirmed as of March 2026.

What formats are offered besides No-Limit Hold'em? Most stops include Pot-Limit Omaha, mixed games, and specialty formats (bounty events, turbos) alongside the NLHE ring events. The exact mix varies by stop.

How do I find the schedule for a specific stop? Check wsop.com/schedule or the WSOP+ app. Individual event schedules and structure sheets are released as each stop approaches.

Sources: WSOP.com (December 2025 schedule announcement, June 2025 season statistics), PokerNews, Pokerfuse. Schedule data reflects confirmed stops as of March 2026. The second-half 2026 schedule is pending release. All travel costs and hotel pricing are directional estimates. This guide will be updated as additional stops and schedule details are announced.

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