WSOP 2026 Opens with Full Schedule Across Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas Venues

The 57th annual World Series of Poker began on May 26, 2026, at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, with dozens of bracelet events already in motion during the opening week, according to official updates from the series organizers. Multiple tournaments ran simultaneously across the two connected properties, drawing players into cash games, preliminary flights, and high-stakes contests that continued without interruption into early June. Observers noted steady foot traffic between the venues, where registration desks processed entries for events ranging from $1,000 buy-ins to mid-stakes no-limit hold'em and mixed-game formats.

Opening Week Developments and Active Fields

Action from the first seven days included several ongoing tournaments that reached their later stages while new events kicked off daily, creating a rolling schedule that kept both floors active around the clock. Participants advanced through initial day-one sessions in events such as the $3,000 no-limit hold'em and various mixed-game championships, with survivors returning for subsequent days under the same roof. Data from the series showed consistent registration numbers across the preliminary events, and staff managed overflow seating by directing players to adjacent areas within Paris Las Vegas for satellite and side games. Those following the action tracked live updates that listed chip counts and table draws for each flight, allowing spectators to monitor progress without entering the playing areas.

Player of the Year Race Takes Early Shape

Marius Kudzmanas sits atop the Player of the Year leaderboard after the opening week, having accumulated points from multiple cashes and deep runs that placed him ahead of the rest of the field according to the official WSOP scoring system. The standings reflect performances across bracelet events completed so far, with Kudzmanas earning the top spot through consistent finishes rather than a single large victory. Other players trail closely behind, and the race remains fluid because additional events scheduled throughout the summer will award further points to anyone who reaches the money or final tables. Updates posted on the series site list the current top ten, along with total points earned and events played, giving everyone a clear picture of where they stand midway through the early portion of the schedule.

Circuit Stops Scheduled Later in the Year

While the main WSOP series continues at the Las Vegas properties, the WSOP Circuit calendar moves forward with planned stops at regional casinos that will award Circuit rings and feed additional points into the overall Player of the Year race. Organizers have confirmed multiple upcoming Circuit events that begin after the conclusion of the Las Vegas portion, allowing players who remain in town for the summer to travel or stay local depending on their schedules. These stops operate under the same rules and structures as the main series yet take place at different venues across North America, providing opportunities for qualifiers and regulars alike to compete closer to home. Information released by the series indicates that ring events will follow standard payout structures, and live reporting will accompany each stop in the same manner used during the opening week in Las Vegas.

Registration for Circuit events opens several weeks in advance, and past data shows that many participants combine travel between the main series and these satellite-style stops to maximize their point totals. The Circuit calendar lists specific dates and host properties, giving players ample time to plan entries around their existing commitments in Las Vegas. Those tracking the overall season note that points earned at Circuit stops count toward the same Player of the Year leaderboard that Kudzmanas currently leads, creating a direct link between the two portions of the schedule.

Live Reporting and Spectator Access

Comprehensive live coverage of every bracelet event remains available through the official WSOP platform, which posts real-time hand histories, chip counts, and payout information for anyone following from outside the venue. The system updates automatically as play progresses, and reporters stationed at featured tables provide additional context on key hands and player movements. Access to the tournament areas stays open to registered players and credentialed media, while the general public can view selected streams that focus on final tables and marquee matchups. Figures released by the series indicate that viewership numbers for the opening week streams aligned with patterns seen in prior years, and the same production setup continues for events still in progress.

Conclusion

The 57th WSOP maintains its established rhythm at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas with the first week of events now complete and the Player of the Year race already underway under Marius Kudzmanas. Ongoing tournaments continue daily while preparations advance for the remaining bracelet schedule and the separate Circuit stops that will run later in the year. All details, including current standings and upcoming dates, appear on the official site at wsop.com, and additional context on regional gaming operations can be found through the Nevada Gaming Control Board at gaming.nv.gov. The series operates on its published timeline with no announced changes to the calendar.