The WSOP 2026 schedule has officially been released, and the buzz surrounding this year’s competition is high thanks to a number of big changes.
While many have great significance, perhaps nothing is more impactful than improved live-stream access to the event itself. Previous years have frustrated players and fans alike, with many games being paywalled.
This year, there will be free daily live stream coverage, which sets up the World Series of Poker 2026 to likely be the most-watched WSOP circuit of all time. Read on to learn about other changes, and what WSOP players and fans are saying about them!
What WSOP Players Are Saying
X was ablaze with players and fans alike weighing in on all the recent WSOP news. Naturally, several high-profile World Series of Poker players have enthusiastically lauded the switch to free daily live stream coverage.
Most notably, 2x WSOP.com Player of the Year Mike Holtz, who co-hosts the Poker News podcast alongside Ben Ludlow. Holtz called it a “game changer”, while Ludlow was complimentary of the way it will allow more people to tune in and follow along, whether interested in the results concerning specific players, events, or in general.
There’s also been a lot of hype surrounding the prize money increases of select mid-stakes events. Ludlow commended WSOP for its continued efforts to make mid-stakes a priority, while David Baker (aka “ODB”) complimented the range of $2K-$5K NL price points, citing the $5K SRs as one of his top-three WSOP circuit events.
This is high praise from one of the most influential World Series of Poker players of the last two decades. His career is highlighted by a LAPC WPT championship, four WSOP bracelets, and 156 all-time in the money finishes at World Series of Poker events.
What WSOP Fans Are Saying
Some WSOP fans don’t seem to be as jazzed about the changes as the players themselves. One Reddit user who goes by “Dbzoutpost” expressed his dismay regarding the elimination of the shootout event in the r/poker subreddit, which was a sentiment largely echoed by multiple users on X as well.
On a more positive note, other fans on Reddit went as far as creating and sharing comprehensive WSOP circuit resources. A Reddit user known as “Immediate_Walrus_609” built a free WSOP 2026 schedule planner, which is designed to generate a tournament plan based on multiple factors, including budget, date, and game preferences.
There’s also been some hotly contested debates surrounding whether or not 51-year-old Daniel Negreanu will manage to grab another bracelet based on the volume of events he’s entered. The Canadian vet is set to play in 40 different WSOP 2026 events, notably breaking an 11-year bracelet drought after winning the $50K Players Championship in 2024.
Overall, fans expressed excitement about the schedule's layout, with many booking flights around their favorite WSOP circuit events.
Even Jennifer Tilly (an American actress who doubles as a professional poker player) expressed her excitement surrounding the schedule, noting that there’s a $5K eight-max on the first day, whereas the previous year saw WSOP front-load smaller tournaments and employee events.
WSOP 2026 Schedule Highlights
The World Series of Poker 2026 marks the 57th year this prestigious tournament will be held, with a revamped schedule to be broadcast around the globe.
Kicking off on May 26th, there will be 100 bracelet events running through to July 25th, highlighted by the $10,000 No-Limit Hold’em World Championship (aka the ‘Main Event’) beginning on July 2nd.
The Main Event’s final table will be played on July 13th, with specific table play dates to be announced. Look to the table below for a breakdown of some of the best events, and good luck if you're planning to enter!
| WSOP Circuit Event (Name & Number) | Date | Buy-In |
|---|---|---|
| Event #7: Heads Up No-Limit Hold'em Championship (3-day event) | May 29th | $25,000 |
| Event #18: Monster Stack No-Limit Hold'em (5-day event) | June 3rd | $1,500 |
| Event #34: Colossus No-Limit Hold'em (3-day event) | June 10th | $500 |
| Event #41: Super High Roller No-Limit Hold'em (3-day event) | June 13th | $250,000 |
| Event #47: High Roller Pot-Limit Omaha (4-day event) | June 15th | $25,000 |
| Event #50: Millionaire Maker No-Limit Hold'em (5-day event) | June 17th | $1,500 |
| Event #60: Poker Players Championship (5-day event) | June 21st | $50,000 |
| Event #63: Mystery Millions – No-Limit Hold'em (3-day event) | June 23rd | $1,000 |
Best Places To Play Poker Online
We know not every poker fan can afford to fly down and enter high roller WSOP events, but fortunately, there are plenty of online casinos offering virtual and live dealer poker games, including WSOPOnline.com, BetMGM Casino, and Stake.us Casino.
Look below for our top-5 online poker casino sites.
