2026 World Series of Poker Sets Record with 251,899 Entries and $470 Million Prize Pool

The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) recorded a historic 251,899 entries across its live bracelet events, generating roughly $470 million in prize money and representing 149 countries, the highest international participation to date. The Main Event attracted 9,208 players, the fourth‑largest in WSOP history, while the Ladies Championship saw a record 1,475 entries.

The accompanying 30‑event online bracelet series saw a decline, drawing 43,263 entries and $24.5 million in prize money—about an 18% drop in prize pools from the previous year. Only eight online events produced prize pools over $1 million, with the $400 Mystery Bounty event topping the list at $1.63 million.

Overall, the 2026 WSOP marked both a peak in live‑event participation and a contraction in the online component of the festival.