The World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE), Europe’s premier poker tournament, is set to make its debut in Prague in 2026. Scheduled to run from March 31 to April 12, this marks the first occasion the esteemed series will unfold within the Czech capital, introducing a strategic shift to a springtime schedule. Organizers aim to avoid overlaps with other major poker events, providing players with enhanced flexibility in curating their tournament itineraries.
This year’s venue will be the Hilton Prague Hotel, a familiar locale for poker aficionados as it also hosts the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Prague. The 2026 WSOPE will continue its partnership with King’s Casino Prague, a collaboration that began in Rozvadov, reinforcing Prague’s status as a central hub in the international poker scene.
Poker’s Growing Presence in Prague
Despite PokerStars not yet confirming an EPT Prague stop for 2026, the December 2025 festival remains on their website. While the upcoming year currently lists only the spring EPT Paris from February 18 to March 1, PokerStars is anticipated to update its event details by the year’s end.
WSOP CEO Ty Stewart expressed enthusiasm about the Prague venue, describing it as an exciting new chapter for the series. His vision to elevate the festival into one of the world’s finest poker events underscores the city’s exceptional appeal for poker enthusiasts.
A Rich Legacy of Poker Excellence
Since its inception in 2007, WSOPE has traveled through cities like London, Cannes, Paris, Berlin, and Rozvadov, creating a storied tradition graced by champions such as Annette Obrestad, John Juanda, Elio Fox, Phil Hellmuth, Adrian Mateos, Kevin McPhee, and Jack Sinclair.
The recent WSOPE 2025 concluded at King’s Resort Casino in Rozvadov, featuring 15 gold bracelet events and a prize pool guarantee of €20 million. Spanning from September 17 to October 8, the main event saw 659 entries with a €10,350 buy-in, culminating in a €6.14 million prize pool. Germany’s Daniel Pidun emerged as the champion, securing €1.14 million, while Austria’s Gerald Karlich claimed the runner-up position with €757,000.
For the 2026 edition, organizers have confirmed the continuation of 15 bracelet events. The complete schedule, including buy-ins, will be revealed in due course. Innovatively, the 2026 festival will introduce the WSOP+ app, designed to enrich the digital engagement of players and fans alike.
Looking towards the future, qualifications for WSOPE 2026 will exclusively occur through GGPoker, with WSOP Express satellite tournaments already open for registration.
Transition Under New Ownership
This upcoming WSOPE marks the first significant series under new ownership. In October 2024, Caesars Entertainment divested the WSOP brand to NSUS Group, GGPoker’s parent company, in a notable $500 million transaction. This deal allows Caesars to retain hosting rights for the WSOP Main Event in Las Vegas for the next 20 years and to continue using the WSOP brand for select poker rooms and Circuit events. Caesars indicated that the sale aligns with their focus on core gaming and hospitality operations, while GGPoker aims to broaden WSOP’s influence across both live and digital platforms.
The poker community is abuzz with anticipation for what this new era will bring. The shift from Caesars to GGPoker promises an invigorated direction, with expectations of expanded opportunities and innovative experiences for players worldwide. Yet, some traditionalists question whether the essence of WSOP will remain intact under new stewardship. While change often heralds progress, it also brings the challenge of preserving legacy amidst innovation.
As Prague prepares to host this iconic tournament, the countdown begins with fervor and excitement. Players and fans alike eagerly await what many predict will be a transformative chapter in the illustrious saga of the World Series of Poker Europe.
Sarah Thompson is a seasoned writer specializing in casino gaming and online gambling. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Sarah brings in-depth knowledge and a keen eye for detail to her work at CasinoNoDeposits.com. Her expertise lies in uncovering the latest no deposit bonuses and providing comprehensive reviews of online casinos. Passionate about helping players maximize their gaming experience, Sarah combines her analytical skills with a flair for engaging storytelling.
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