PokerStars Open Philadelphia: The Ultimate Player Guide
Win your seat to the PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 — running March 16–23 at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia with $550,000 in total guarantees and online qualifiers from just $10
Last updated: January 12, 2026
The PokerStars Open Philadelphia is back — bigger and better for 2026. From March 16–23, players will once again pack into Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia to compete for their share of $550,000 in total guaranteed prize pools and the chance to lift the coveted Spade Trophy.
Following a record‑breaking debut in 2025 — where the Main Event drew 1,154 entries and smashed its guarantee with a $1.1 million prize pool — this year’s festival promises even more excitement, bigger fields, and a premium poker experience that only PokerStars can deliver.
Whether you’re chasing a major title, a deep run in a side event, or just soaking up the electric atmosphere, the 2026 stop is set to be one of the highlights of the PokerStars Live calendar.
Players can qualify online through PokerStars US and PokerStars PA — the official platform for Pennsylvania online poker players and the exclusive home of online satellites to this event.
| PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Venue | Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia |
| 📅 Dates | March 16 – 23 |
| 🤑 Main Event Guarantee | $500,000 |
| 💪Other Highlight Events | $50,000 Guaranteed PokerStars Cup, $10,000 Guaranteed Women’s Event |
| 💳Minimum Age to Play | 21+ |
PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 Schedule & Highlights
The PokerStars Open Philadelphia returns to Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia from March 16 – 23, 2026, bringing eight days of world‑class live poker and over $550,000 in total guarantees across multiple events.
While the full schedule is yet to be released, PokerStars has confirmed the headline tournaments and main prize pools that players can look forward to:
Key Events
| Event | Dates | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|
| 🏆 PokerStars Open Main Event | Dates TBA | $500,000 GTD |
| 🌟 PokerStars Cup | Dates TBA | $50,000 GTD |
| ♠️ Women’s Event | Dates TBA | $10,000 GTD |
Event Highlights
- Play with PokerStars Ambassadors — Meet and take your shot against members of Team PokerStars Pro.
- Exclusive giveaways — Claim limited‑edition PokerStars merchandise and on‑site prizes.
- Record‑breaking precedent — The 2025 Main Event attracted 1,154 entries and generated over $1.1 million in prizes.
- Online qualifiers — Satellites start **January 20 on PokerStars** from just $10, offering affordable routes into the festival.
The complete tournament schedule—including flight structures, side events, and satellite details—will be published as soon as PokerStars finalizes the lineup. Check back here for official updates ahead of the March 2026 festival.
PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 Satellites
Online satellites for the PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 run from January 20 on PokerStars PA, PokerStars MI, and PokerStars NJ, giving Pennsylvania online poker players — along with those in Michigan and New Jersey — an affordable way to win seats to the live festival at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, March 16–23, 2026.
Buy-ins start from just $10, and players can qualify for seats to the PokerStars Open Philadelphia Main Event — with an expected buy-in of around $1,100 — as well as side tournaments such as the PokerStars Cup and Women’s Event.
These online qualifiers are expected to feature a mix of Step ladders, direct-entry qualifiers, and Power Path routes offering multiple ways to claim a live seat in Philadelphia.
Satellite Formats
| Format | Typical Buy-Ins | Frequency | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎯 Step Qualifiers | From $1 to $100 | Running Daily | Entry to Main Event Qualifier |
| 💻 Direct Qualifiers | Around $100 (+$10 fee) | Several times per week (expected) | 1 × Main Event Seat |
| 🌟 Power Path | Free to $11 Steps (estimated) | Ongoing | Bronze / Silver Pass usable for Philadelphia events |
Players can also earn Power Path Silver Passes, valued at roughly $2,500 in live event entries and travel credits, redeemable for PokerStars Open Philadelphia or other PokerStars Live stops throughout the season.
How to Qualify
- Play on approved PokerStars clients — Available to players in PA, MI, and NJ.
- Climb through Step and Direct qualifiers — Start from as little as $1 for a chance to move up to a live event seat.
- Use the Power Path — Collect Bronze, Silver, or Gold Passes and apply them toward live entry packages.
New satellite tournaments and promotions will be added regularly. Check the PokerStars client for the most up-to-date schedule, prizes, and ticket offers leading up to the festival.
PokerStars Open Philadelphia Venue
The PokerStars Open Philadelphia takes place at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, the city’s premier gaming and entertainment destination. Located in the heart of Philadelphia’s Stadium District, the property combines a full‑service casino floor, upscale hotel accommodations, and modern event facilities — making it an ideal home for major poker tournaments.
Since its debut as a PokerStars Live venue, Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia has hosted thousands of players from across the region and delivered one of PokerStars’ most successful U.S. live events to date. The venue offers convenient on‑site parking, a wide range of dining options, and easy access to Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and the Wells Fargo Center.
For 2026, PokerStars returns to this world‑class setting for another unforgettable week of live poker, featuring the PokerStars Open Philadelphia festival from March 16 – 23, 2026.
PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 FAQ
When does the PokerStars Open Philadelphia take place?
The 2026 PokerStars Open Philadelphia runs from March 16–23, 2026 at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia. The eight‑day festival will feature a full schedule of tournaments, including the $500,000‑Guaranteed Main Event.
Where is the event being held?
All events take place at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, located in the city’s Stadium District. The venue hosts PokerStars Live events and offers casino gaming, hotel accommodations, dining, and entertainment all under one roof.
How can I qualify for the PokerStars Open Philadelphia?
Online satellites on PokerStars PA, MI, and NJ run from January 20, starting from as little as $10. These give players the opportunity to win entries to the Main Event (expected $1,100 buy‑in) and other tournaments, plus additional routes through Power Path Bronze and Silver Passes.
What is the Main Event guarantee?
The PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 Main Event carries a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool, part of a total $550,000 in series guarantees.
Has PokerStars scheduled any other live events in the United States for 2026?
No additional U.S. festivals have been confirmed yet. However, based on 2025’s success in Philadelphia, Maryland, and the a href=”/live-poker/pokerstars/napt/”>North American Poker Tour in Las Vegas, further 2026 announcements are expected later in the year.
Has PokerStars scheduled any live events in Canada for 2026?
As of now, PokerStars has not announced any Canadian live events for 2026. Players in Ontario can still qualify for international events through the PokerStars Ontario platform.
Can players win Power Path Passes for PokerStars Open Philadelphia?
Yes. PokerStars’ Power Path program continues through 2026, offering Bronze, Silver, and Gold Passes that can be redeemed for entries and travel packages to PokerStars Live events, including the Philadelphia stop.
Where can I find the full tournament schedule?
The detailed tournament schedule, including event structures and start times, will be released closer to the festival start date. Keep checking Pokerfuse and PokerStars Live updates for the latest information.