WSOP Circuit Enters a New Era: Plans for the First Half of the 2026 Season Unveiled

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In 2025, the WSOP announced plans to gradually shift the Circuit to a new model, and the 2026 season marks the first to strictly run from January to December. Previously, seasons often overlapped—starting after the summer WSOP in Las Vegas and wrapping up just before the next year’s edition. For grinders who plan their travels and bankroll months ahead, the new structure is a significant advantage. A clear framework means they know exactly where to go, how much time they have to chase rings, and when the next score reset will occur.

Ty Stewart, CEO of WSOP, referred to the Circuit sub-series as the “lifeblood of the brand”—and just a glance at the first five months of 2026 supports his statement. Both domestic and international circuits kick off on January 1st and continue at a pace that allows players to vie for rings almost nonstop.

Every Ring Comes with a $5,000 Bonus Package

The biggest news for the players themselves is directly financial. Every winner of a gold ring during the 2026 season will automatically receive an exclusive WSOP package valued at $5,000. This package can be used either for WSOP Europe or WSOP Paradise, covering both tournament buy-in and hotel accommodations.

This makes the Circuit even more of a gateway to the grand WSOP festivals worldwide. The ring is no longer just a trophy or a legacy entry; it’s the ideal bridge to the next big event. In combination with traditional guaranteed prize pools and massive Main Events, the value of each WSOPC final table continues to rise.

Domestic Circuit from Las Vegas to New Orleans

The domestic US WSOP Circuit schedule from January to May 2026 looks like a meticulously planned marathon for anyone wanting to grind for rings without leaving the USA. All stops maintain a base format with a $1,700 Main Event and standardized structures that grinders are used to.

The year 2026 starts right in Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood, then the Circuit moves through iconic destinations such as Choctaw Durant, Thunder Valley, and Horseshoe Tunica. Florida is represented by Harrah’s Pompano Beach, with two stops at Harrah’s Cherokee, and in April and May, big names like Commerce and Caesars New Orleans come into play.

Overview of US stops from January to May 2026:

Dates Location City, State
January 1 – January 12, 2026 Planet Hollywood Las Vegas, Nevada
January 8 – January 19, 2026 Choctaw Casino & Resort Durant, Oklahoma
January 15 – January 26, 2026 Thunder Valley Casino Lincoln, California
January 22 – February 2, 2026 Horseshoe Tunica Tunica, Mississippi
January 29 – February 9, 2026 Harrah's Pompano Beach Pompano Beach, Florida
February 12 – February 23, 2026 Harrah's Cherokee Cherokee, North Carolina
February 19 – March 2, 2026 Horseshoe Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland
February 26 – March 9, 2026 Horseshoe Hammond Hammond, Indiana
March 5 – March 16, 2026 Hard Rock Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma
March 12 – March 23, 2026 Turning Stone Resort Casino Verona, New York
March 19 – March 30, 2026 Horseshoe Las Vegas Las Vegas, Nevada
April 2 – April 13, 2026 Grand Victoria Casino Elgin, Illinois
April 16 – April 27, 2026 Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe Stateline, Nevada
April 16 – April 27, 2026 Horseshoe Tunica Tunica, Mississippi
April 23 – May 4, 2026 Texas Card House Austin, Texas
May 7 – May 18, 2026 Commerce Casino Commerce, California
May 7 – May 18, 2026 Harrah's Cherokee Cherokee, North Carolina
May 14 – May 25, 2026 Caesars New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana

International Circuit from Canada to Liechtenstein

Apart from the United States, the WSOP Circuit will also set its flag on six international stops. Traditional Canadian stops are joined by a new exotic location in Marrakesh, making it a thrilling offering for European players. King’s Resort in Rozvadov will open its doors from January 1 to 13, 2026, hosting the first international stop of the new season. For the first time, the WSOPC will head to Grand Casino Liechtenstein, offering a debut experience to Alpine players. The first half of the international circuit will conclude at Pasino Partouche in Aix-en-Provence, southern France.

Overview of international stops from January to April 2026:

Dates Casino City, Country
January 1 – January 13, 2026 King's Resort Rozvadov, Czech Republic
January 7 – January 19, 2026 Deerfoot Inn Calgary, Canada
January 16 – January 25, 2026 Es Saadi Casino Marrakech, Morocco
February 26 – March 10, 2026 Grand Casino Gamprin, Liechtenstein
March 23 – April 7, 2026 Playground Kahnawake, Canada
April 10 – April 21, 2026 Pasino Partouche Aix-en-Provence, France

The published schedule only covers January to May 2026. However, WSOP anticipates that additional domestic and international stops may be added, and the rest of the season from June to December 2026 will be announced in the summer, prior to the start of the main WSOP in Las Vegas. One thing is for certain: the 2026 season promises to be a packed one for gold ring hunters.