PokerStars has confirmed the 2026 World Championship of Online Poker will run September 6–30, offering 121 events across multiple buy-in levels and a combined $6.5 million guaranteed in Main Event prize pools
PokerStars has officially announced the 2026 World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) will take place from September 6 through September 30, continuing its long-standing position as a major fixture in the global online poker calendar. The series will feature 121 scheduled tournaments, each available at High, Medium, and Low buy-in tiers, providing a broad range of entry points for players with different bankrolls.
Key Dates and Tournament Structure
The 2026 WCOOP schedule includes a diverse mix of poker formats, such as No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, 8-Game, HORSE, Progressive Knockout, Mystery Bounty, and Triple Draw. The highlight of the series is a set of six Main Events, which will be held on September 27 and 28. These Main Events collectively guarantee over $6.5 million in prize money, according to the official PokerStars schedule. Buy-ins for the full festival range from $5.50 to $25,000, making the series accessible to both recreational and high-stakes players.
Qualification and Promotion Options
Players can qualify for WCOOP events through several satellite paths, with entry points starting as low as $0.55. Qualification options include traditional satellites, WCOOP-themed Spin & Go tournaments, the WCOOP Lucky Dip promotion, and Power Path Express. These multiple routes are designed to increase accessibility and allow a wider pool of players to compete for WCOOP titles. The operator has not specified any state or country restrictions in the announcement, but players should review PokerStars' terms for eligibility in their jurisdiction.
Historical Context and Notable Champions
WCOOP has been a central part of the online poker landscape for 25 years, with hundreds of players earning championship titles each year. The series recognizes standout performers, including Benny "RunGodLike" Glaser, who holds a record 16 WCOOP titles. PokerStars has emphasized the prestige associated with winning a WCOOP event, positioning the series as a benchmark for online tournament achievement. The 2026 schedule continues this tradition, offering a wide variety of formats and buy-in levels to attract both established professionals and new entrants.
In tournament poker, a "guaranteed prize pool" refers to the minimum amount of money that will be awarded in a given event, regardless of the number of entries. If player buy-ins do not reach the guarantee, the operator covers the shortfall. This structure is designed to attract participation and provide certainty for players considering entry, but actual prize pools may exceed the guarantee if enough players register.
