The wait is finally over as the 2026 World Series of Poker schedule has officially been revealed, giving poker players and fans a complete look at the opening week of the world’s biggest poker festival. Beginning May 26 in Las Vegas, the WSOP promises another summer packed with huge prize pools, elite competition, high-stakes drama, and unforgettable poker moments.
Hosted once again at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas, the 2026 WSOP opening week features a wide variety of tournaments designed for everyone from recreational players to elite poker professionals.
At pokerclubgames, we break down the major events, high rollers, mystery bounty tournaments, and key storylines from the opening week schedule.
2026 WSOP Opening Week Schedule Table
| Date | Event | Buy-In | Game Format | Location |
| May 26, 2026 | Mystery Millions Opening Event | $1,000 | No-Limit Hold’em | Horseshoe Las Vegas |
| May 26, 2026 | Employees Event | $500 | No-Limit Hold’em | Paris Las Vegas |
| May 27, 2026 | High Roller Kickoff | $25,000 | NL Hold’em High Roller | Horseshoe Las Vegas |
| May 27, 2026 | Deepstack Championship | $600 | No-Limit Hold’em | Paris Las Vegas |
| May 28, 2026 | Pot-Limit Omaha Event | $1,500 | Pot-Limit Omaha | Horseshoe Las Vegas |
| May 28, 2026 | Seniors Championship | $1,000 | No-Limit Hold’em | Paris Las Vegas |
| May 29, 2026 | Mystery Bounty Event | $2,000 | NL Hold’em Mystery Bounty | Horseshoe Las Vegas |
| May 30, 2026 | Millionaire Maker Begins | $1,500 | No-Limit Hold’em | Horseshoe Las Vegas |
| May 31, 2026 | Mixed Games Championship | $10,000 | H.O.R.S.E. | Paris Las Vegas |
| June 1, 2026 | Super High Roller | $100,000 | No-Limit Hold’em | Horseshoe Las Vegas |
WSOP 2026 Returns With Massive Expectations
Every year, the World Series of Poker attracts thousands of players from around the world hoping to win gold bracelets and life-changing prize money.
The 2026 series is expected to continue that tradition with:
- Huge guaranteed prize pools
- Record tournament fields
- Elite poker professionals
- Online poker qualifiers
- Livestream poker coverage
- Major international participation
Opening week alone features several headline tournaments that are expected to generate enormous attendance and media attention.
May 26 Opening Day Highlights
Mystery Millions Opening Event – $1,000 Buy-In
One of the most popular tournament formats in modern poker returns immediately on Day 1.
The Mystery Millions event combines traditional No-Limit Hold’em action with mystery bounty prizes, creating dramatic all-in moments and huge payout opportunities throughout the tournament.
Players love mystery bounty events because massive cash prizes can be randomly awarded after eliminations, adding excitement beyond the regular prize pool.
Employees Event – $500 Buy-In
The annual casino employees event also begins on May 26 at Paris Las Vegas.
This tournament celebrates the workers and staff members who help operate casinos and poker rooms throughout the year.
High Roller Action Begins May 27
High Roller Kickoff – $25,000 Buy-In
Elite players expected to compete include:
- Phil Ivey
- Daniel Negreanu
- Phil Hellmuth
- Isaac Haxton
High roller tournaments consistently produce some of the most aggressive poker action due to the elite skill level of the field.
Deepstack Championship – $600 Buy-In
The Deepstack Championship gives recreational players a slower structure and deeper starting stacks, making it one of the most accessible strategy-focused events of opening week.
Pot-Limit Omaha and Seniors Events on May 28
Pot-Limit Omaha Event – $1,500 Buy-In
Pot-Limit Omaha continues growing rapidly worldwide due to its action-heavy gameplay and massive pot potential.
Seniors Championship – $1,000 Buy-In
The Seniors Championship traditionally attracts huge attendance and remains one of the most respected community events during the WSOP.
Mystery Bounty Event Headlines May 29
Mystery bounty tournaments remain one of the hottest trends in poker.
The $2,000 Mystery Bounty event is expected to deliver massive excitement as players chase random bounty prizes alongside regular tournament payouts.
Millionaire Maker Returns May 30
The Millionaire Maker remains one of the most popular WSOP events every year thanks to affordable buy-ins and potential seven-figure payouts.
Thousands of players are expected to enter once again in 2026.
Mixed Games Championship Begins May 31
The $10,000 H.O.R.S.E. championship tests players across multiple poker variants and is considered one of the most prestigious mixed game tournaments in poker.
Super High Roller Closes Opening Week
Super High Roller – $100,000 Buy-In
The opening week concludes with elite-level poker action in the $100,000 Super High Roller.
These tournaments attract some of the toughest poker professionals in the world and regularly produce enormous prize pools.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 World Series of Poker opening week schedule promises nonstop poker excitement from the very first day. From mystery bounty events and deepstack tournaments to high rollers and mixed game championships, poker fans can expect another unforgettable summer in Las Vegas.
For the latest WSOP news, poker tournament updates, poker strategy guides, and live poker coverage, visit Poker Club Games.
FAQs
1. When does the 2026 WSOP officially begin?
The 2026 World Series of Poker officially begins on May 26, 2026, in Las Vegas.
2. Where will the 2026 WSOP tournaments take place?
The tournament series will be hosted at Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas.
3. What is the biggest tournament during WSOP opening week?
The $100,000 Super High Roller is the highest buy-in event during the opening week schedule.
4. What are mystery bounty poker tournaments?
Mystery bounty tournaments award random bounty prizes to players after eliminating opponents, creating additional excitement and huge payout opportunities.
5. Where can I follow WSOP 2026 news and tournament updates?
You can follow the latest WSOP news, poker strategy articles, and tournament coverage at Poker Club Games.