The World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit will never look the same.
It’s a popular tour for people who love to play poker. Why? It gives them a shot at gold rings and, for some, a chance to win serious cash.
But come 2026, the WSOP Circuit is shaking things up in a big way. There’s not only a big change to the calendar, but a new location has been added.
This news comes on the heels of another historic event for the WSOP last month.
For the first time, the WSOP Online Fall Series let players from Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan compete against each other. This new setup (multistate competition) made the games even more exciting and competitive.
So, what's on the horizon?
Traditionally, the WSOP Circuit ran a "wraparound" season that concluded in May, right before the summer WSOP events in Las Vegas. Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi won the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event in remarkable fashion. But starting in 2026, there’s going to be a switch to a calendar-year schedule. This means the WSOP Circuit will begin in January and end in December, more like a school year or a standard calendar year. This change is meant to make things simpler and more predictable for players. Now, each season will stand on its own, making it easier to plan trips and chase those prized rings. The first half of the WSOP Circuit’s 2026 schedule is already out, featuring 24 stops, with popular venues like Planet Hollywood, Choctaw, and Thunder Valley. Here are some key dates:A New WSOP Circuit Schedule: January to December
Key Dates on the WSOP Circuit Schedule
| Dates (2026) | Location & venue | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 – 12 | Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas | Opens the 2026 U.S. Circuit. |
| Jan 8 – 19 | Choctaw Casino, Durant | Early major Midwest/South stop. |
| Apr 23 – May 4 | Texas Card House, Austin | First-ever WSOPC stop in Texas. |
| May 7 – 18 | Harrah’s Cherokee, NC | Perennial high-traffic ring series. |
| May 14 – 25 | Caesars New Orleans, LA | Last announced first-half stop |
The second-half schedule (June to December) will be announced before the main WSOP event in the summer of 2026.
The WSOP Circuit Heads to Texas
One of the most noticeable changes to the schedule is the addition of a Texas stop.
For the first time ever, the WSOP Circuit will head to the Lone Star State, with Texas Card House in Austin hosting an event in the spring of 2026.
This is a big deal because, until recently, Texas had some legal hurdles when it came to poker clubs. But now, with those issues sorted, big tournaments are finally possible in Texas.
The Texas Card House uses a “membership club” model, meaning players pay seat or time fees instead of a traditional rake.
This setup was given the green light in a recent legal victory, allowing big names like WSOP to host events there. So, poker in Texas is about to get much bigger, and this could pave the way for more large tournaments in the state.
It makes sense since we just witnessed one of the most exciting WSOP tournaments to ever play out in Las Vegas. It was also the first time since 1995 that a woman reached the prestigious final table.
What Does The New WSOP Circuit Schedule Mean for Players?
For avid poker players and “ring chasers,” the changes to the WSOP Circuit calendar offer several benefits.
Having a season that matches the calendar year means players can track their results and leaderboard standings more easily. It also helps with travel planning and budgeting.
The Texas stop introduces the WSOP Circuit to one of the most vibrant live poker markets in the U.S., which could attract more players and increase event sizes.
Plus, we're likely to see more international players joining in, as there are six non-U.S. stops lined up, pushing the Circuit’s appeal globally.
The WSOP Circuit is poised for a significant transformation. With its new calendar-year format and the exciting addition of a Texas stop, the 2026 season is shaping up to be one for the books. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a poker enthusiast, the upcoming changes are sure to bring some thrilling poker action your way.
