The Top Poker Tournaments to Watch in 2026
Poker in 2026 looks like it’s going to keep building on the momentum from previous years with bigger fields and higher stakes, especially as more countries open up their scenes and online qualifiers make it easier for anyone to jump in, but the real action is still in the live events where you can feel the tension at the tables and see the chips stack up in person. We’ve got the usual suspects like the WSOP dominating the summer, but there’s also a solid lineup in Europe and Asia that might draw in players who don’t want to fly across the world, and with guarantees climbing, it’s a good time to plan your calendar if you’re thinking about playing or just following along from home. This year, expect more hybrid formats maybe, but the core remains no-limit hold’em mains that can change lives overnight, so let’s break down the ones that stand out based on history, prize pools, and buzz.
World Series of Poker (WSOP) – The King of Them All
No list of top tournaments starts without the WSOP because it’s the one everyone measures everything else against, running from May 26 through July 15 at the Horseshoe and Paris in Las Vegas, and if you’ve never been, it’s this massive grind with over 100 events now, from low buy-ins to the nosebleed high rollers that attract pros like Daniel Negreanu or Phil Hellmuth chasing more bracelets. The Main Event is the highlight, that $10,000 buy-in freezeout where amateurs can satellite in for pennies and potentially walk away with eight figures, like how it hit record entries last year, and 2026 should see even more with the economy stabilizing and poker booming post-pandemic. Location-wise, Vegas in summer is hot as hell but the air-conditioned halls make it bearable, and the series includes side events for Omaha, stud, you name it, so whether you’re a cash game player dipping in or a full-time grinder, this is where legends get made or broken. For details on the full schedule, check out the official site here.
WSOP Europe – Bracelets Across the Pond
If Vegas feels too far or you prefer a European vibe, WSOP Europe hits Prague from March 31 to April 12 at King’s Casino, which is this huge spot attached to the Hilton, and it’s grown into a must-attend for international players since it offers bracelets without the transatlantic flight for many. The main event there is €10,350, usually drawing a mix of Euros and Americans, with side events that include high rollers up to €100,000, and last year’s prize pools topped €15 million combined, so expect similar or bigger in 2026 as poker keeps expanding in the region. It’s shorter than the Vegas version, just under two weeks, which makes it more manageable if you’re balancing work or family, but the competition is fierce with pros like Phil Ivey showing up occasionally, and the casino has that old-world charm mixed with modern setups. You can find the schedule and updates on the WSOP site here.
World Poker Tour (WPT) Championships – Global Stops with Big Guarantees
The WPT has a packed 2026 with several championship events, starting with the Venetian Las Vegas Spring Championship on February 19 at $5,000 buy-in, then Prime Cyprus March 5 for $1,100 which is more accessible, Rolling Thunder March 29 at $3,500 in California, and Seminole Hard Rock April 24 also $3,500, but the one everyone’s eyeing is the potential World Championship later in the year, though dates aren’t locked yet, probably at Wynn Las Vegas with a $10,400 entry and multi-million guarantees based on past runs. These stops are great because they travel, so if you’re in the US west coast, Thunder Valley is convenient, or if you’re in Europe, Cyprus offers a beachy break alongside the cards, and the formats include mystery bounties and deep stacks that reward skill over luck in the long run. WPT events often get televised too, so even if you bust early, you might end up on a highlight reel, and the prize pools regularly hit seven figures. Full schedule is available here.
European Poker Tour (EPT) – High-Class Action in Iconic Cities
EPT is PokerStars’ flagship for Europe, and while exact 2026 dates are trickling in, expect staples like Paris in February, Monte Carlo April-May, and Barcelona in August, with mains around €5,300 and high rollers pushing €25,000, drawing crowds from pros to recs because the venues are top-notch, like the glitzy Casino Barcelona or the historic Monte Carlo setup. Barcelona especially is a favorite, running two weeks with massive fields, over 2,000 entries last time, and the Spanish sun makes it feel like a vacation, but don’t sleep on the competition since it’s where a lot of online stars test their live game. Prize pools can exceed €10 million for the main, and side events cover everything from turbos to PLO, so it’s versatile. For the latest on EPT stops, look at PokerStars’ live page here, though confirm as announcements come.
Asian Poker Tour (APT) – Rising Star in the East
For players in Asia or those wanting to explore, the APT kicks off strong with Jeju Classic January 30 to February 8 in South Korea at LES A Casino, buy-ins from KRW 700,000 to mains at KRW 2,500,000 with guarantees like KRW 200 million for openers, then Taipei April 22-May 3 in Taiwan, Incheon August 7-16 back in Korea, and Jeju again September 25-October 4, wrapping with the Championship in Taipei November 13-29. These events are booming as poker grows in the region, with fields hitting thousands and pros from Australia mixing with locals, plus the venues like Jeju’s island resort add a holiday feel, but the play is serious with deep runs and big overlays sometimes. If you’re in Bangkok, flights to these are short and cheap, making it easier than Vegas. Schedules and results are on the APT site here.
Other Notables Worth Mentioning
Don’t overlook the L.A. Poker Classic January 7 to March 1 at Commerce Casino, a 65-event marathon with guarantees over $1 million for some, or the Lucky Hearts Poker Open in January at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, featuring a $3,500 WPT Championship with $3 million guaranteed, both US-based but drawing internationals. In Asia, check APPT Manila Megastack February 25-March 9 or Okada Millions April 29-May 10, both in the Philippines with affordable buy-ins starting at PHP 10,000. And for Europe, Irish Poker Open March 26-April 6 in Dublin offers a €1,150 main with historic prestige. These fill the gaps between the majors, keeping the circuit alive year-round.
In the end, 2026 shapes up as a banner year for tournament poker, whether you’re chasing bracelets, titles, or just a big score, and with satellites everywhere, entry barriers are lower than ever, so pick your spots based on bankroll and location, but always remember to study up because the fields are getting tougher.
