How to Use Solana at WSOP Paradise 2026

During the 2026 World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, there was a major development that both surprised and delighted players. The WSOP struck a partnership with Solana, making it possible for the first time in the Series’ history to buy into tournaments using crypto.

The new payment option was introduced midway through the summer series and quickly found an audience. By the end of the WSOP, one in 40 entries had been made using Solana.

Crypto could be even more useful at the 2026 WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas. International players traveling for a major poker festival can face additional challenges when moving large amounts of money, particularly for high-roller tournaments with five- and six-figure buy-ins. Using crypto provides another way to fund tournament entries without carrying large amounts of cash or relying entirely on international bank transfers.

There is another major development planned for Paradise: players should also be able to receive tournament winnings via crypto. That would make it possible to use cryptocurrency on both sides of the transaction — buying into a tournament and receiving prize money after cashing.

This guide explains how to use Solana at the 2026 WSOP Paradise, including setting up a wallet, acquiring crypto, registering for tournaments, and what we currently know about crypto payouts. We’ll continue updating the guide as additional details are confirmed.

Using Solana at WSOP Paradise 2026: Quick Facts

Solana, SOL & Stablecoins: What Poker Players Need to Know

If you’re a poker player who has never used cryptocurrency, some of the terminology can be confusing. The most important thing to understand is that Solana and SOL are not exactly the same thing.

Solana is a blockchain — the underlying network used to process transactions.

SOL is the native cryptocurrency of the Solana blockchain. SOL can be bought, sold, transferred between wallets, and used to make payments over the Solana network.

A crypto wallet is the software or hardware that allows you to hold and transfer crypto assets. To send cryptocurrency over Solana, you’ll need access to a wallet that supports the network.

You’ll also hear about stablecoins. Unlike SOL, whose market value can rise or fall, stablecoins are designed to maintain a value tied to another asset, usually the US dollar. Stablecoins may be particularly useful for tournament payouts because players can receive value over a blockchain without taking on the same price volatility associated with SOL.

You do not need to become a cryptocurrency investor to use Solana at WSOP Paradise. For poker players, the technology can simply function as another way to move money into and potentially out of the tournament ecosystem.

Why Use Solana at WSOP Paradise?

Crypto payments have some obvious advantages at any major poker tournament, but they could be particularly useful at WSOP Paradise.

The festival takes place in the Bahamas and attracts players from around the world. Many participants are therefore traveling internationally while also needing access to potentially substantial amounts of money.

That can become especially important for high rollers. Instead of traveling with large amounts of cash or arranging international transfers for every tournament, players with crypto can use their wallets to fund eligible buy-ins through the WSOP Live app.

Solana transactions are also fast. Payments can generally be processed within seconds rather than requiring players to wait for a traditional bank transfer to clear.

Another benefit is that WSOP does not charge a transaction fee for using Solana to buy into an event. Players should keep in mind, however, that acquiring or transferring cryptocurrency through a third-party provider may involve separate fees.

Crypto isn’t necessary for playing at WSOP Paradise, and traditional payment options remain available. It simply provides another option that may be particularly attractive to international players and those entering expensive events.

Setting Up Your Solana Payments

For those new to Solana or crypto in general, there are a few things you’ll need before using it at the 2026 WSOP Paradise.

Step 1: Preparing a Wallet

You don’t need to register for a “Solana account.” Solana is a decentralized blockchain network rather than a conventional financial institution.

What you do need is a crypto wallet that supports the Solana blockchain. There are many compatible wallets, but options recommended by MoonPay include:

• Trust Wallet
• Ledger
• Phantom

Players already familiar with crypto may have a compatible wallet they prefer to use.

Alternatively, players who are new to crypto can use the wallet setup available through MoonPay. Using MoonPay’s wallet setup can simplify the process if your primary reason for acquiring crypto is to use it at WSOP Paradise.

Whichever option you choose, take wallet security seriously. Never share a wallet recovery phrase, seed phrase, password, or private key with another person.

Step 2: Acquiring SOL

If you don’t already own crypto, you’ll need to acquire the assets required to complete your transaction.

For this process, Solana has partnered with MoonPay, a platform that allows users to purchase cryptocurrency using familiar payment methods.

To get started:

• Visit the MoonPay website
• Set up your account
• Verify your identity
• Select SOL
• Choose the amount you want to purchase
• Select an available payment method
• Complete the purchase
• Transfer the SOL to your compatible wallet if necessary

Available payment methods can vary by country and user. MoonPay supports options including payment cards and certain digital payment methods, making it possible for someone who doesn’t currently own cryptocurrency to acquire it before the festival.

How to Buy Into a WSOP Paradise Tournament Using Solana

Once your wallet and crypto are ready, registering for a tournament is relatively straightforward.

The process works through the WSOP Live app:

• Open the WSOP Live app.
• Select the WSOP Paradise tournament you want to enter.
• Tap the registration option.
• Choose the available cryptocurrency payment option.
• Review the buy-in amount and transaction details.
• Scan the provided QR code or select the appropriate payment option.
• Confirm the transaction through your crypto wallet.
• Wait for the transaction and tournament registration to be confirmed.

Solana transactions are designed to process quickly, so the blockchain portion of the transaction can generally be completed within seconds.

Before confirming any crypto transaction, check the amount, wallet information, network, and other transaction details carefully. Blockchain transactions generally cannot simply be reversed in the same way as a credit-card transaction.

Using Crypto for High-Roller WSOP Paradise Events

One of the most compelling applications of crypto at WSOP Paradise is paying for high-stakes tournament entries.

The festival includes events with buy-ins reaching five and six figures. Moving that much money through conventional banking channels while traveling internationally can require advance planning.

Crypto gives players another option. Instead of carrying a large amount of physical currency or waiting for an international transfer, a player with sufficient funds in a compatible wallet can initiate an eligible tournament payment digitally.

This doesn’t mean crypto will always be the best payment method. Players should consider their familiarity with cryptocurrency, the cost of acquiring or transferring crypto, price volatility, and the other payment methods available to them.

For players who already use crypto, however, the ability to move substantial amounts quickly is one of the clearest advantages of the WSOP-Solana partnership.

Getting Paid via Crypto at WSOP Paradise

The next stage of the WSOP’s crypto rollout is expected to arrive at the 2026 WSOP Paradise, where players are set to have the option of receiving tournament winnings via cryptocurrency.

This functionality was not available when crypto buy-ins debuted during the summer WSOP in Las Vegas.

The plan is for players to be able to receive prize money using stablecoins over the Solana network. Unlike SOL, a stablecoin is designed to maintain a stable value relative to an asset such as the US dollar, making it more practical for receiving a fixed amount of tournament prize money.

Some important details of the Paradise payout process have yet to be announced, including the complete list of supported tokens and the exact procedure players will follow when requesting a crypto payout.

If implemented as planned, crypto payouts could address one of the more complicated aspects of playing high-stakes poker internationally. Instead of leaving the Bahamas carrying substantial cash or arranging a bank transfer, an eligible player could receive funds digitally into a compatible wallet.

Once WSOP confirms the final payout process, supported assets, limits, and fees, we’ll update this guide with complete instructions.

Solana Fees, Transaction Times & Limits at WSOP Paradise

Speed and cost are two of the main reasons blockchain payments can be attractive for poker tournament transactions.

Solana transactions typically settle within seconds, making the network well suited to situations where players want to register for a tournament without waiting for a lengthy bank transfer.

WSOP does not charge players a transaction fee for using its Solana payment option for tournament buy-ins.

That does not necessarily mean every part of the process is completely free. MoonPay or another service used to acquire crypto may charge fees, and blockchain transactions can involve small network costs. Players should review any applicable charges before purchasing or transferring crypto.

Players entering particularly expensive tournaments should confirm any applicable transaction, account, wallet, or payment-provider limits in advance, rather than waiting until registration is about to close.

Solana vs Traditional WSOP Paradise Payment Methods

Crypto is an additional WSOP Paradise payment option rather than a replacement for conventional banking.

The best method will depend on the player. Someone who already holds crypto may find Solana significantly more convenient, while a player who has never used cryptocurrency may prefer a familiar banking method.

Crypto can be particularly useful for:

• Players who already hold cryptocurrency.
• International players concerned about moving money across borders.
• High rollers who need access to substantial funds.
• Players who value fast transaction processing.
• Players who want the planned option of receiving winnings digitally.

Traditional payment methods may be preferable for players who don’t want to set up and secure a crypto wallet or deal with cryptocurrency at all.

There is no requirement to use Solana simply because it is available at WSOP Paradise.

Using Solana Safely at WSOP Paradise

Crypto transactions give users significant control over their money, but that also means players need to take responsibility for basic wallet security.

Before sending funds, always verify that you’re using the correct blockchain, wallet address, QR code, and transaction amount.

Never give anyone your private key or wallet recovery phrase. Legitimate payment services should not require you to provide this information to another person.

Players should also use official WSOP, Solana, and MoonPay channels when accessing payment instructions rather than following unsolicited links received through email, social media, or messaging apps.

For large transactions, it can also be sensible to become familiar with your wallet and payment process before attempting a five- or six-figure tournament registration.

Crypto transactions generally cannot be reversed once they are confirmed, so checking the transaction carefully before approving it is particularly important.

WSOP Paradise Solana FAQ

Will I be able to buy into 2026 WSOP Paradise events using crypto?

Yes. Cryptocurrency is an approved payment option for 2026 WSOP Paradise tournament registration.

Is using Solana mandatory at WSOP Paradise?

No. Crypto is an additional payment option. Players can still use other approved WSOP Paradise payment methods.

What is Solana?

Solana is a blockchain network designed to process digital transactions quickly and at relatively low cost. Its native cryptocurrency is SOL.

Is Solana the same thing as SOL?

No. Solana is the blockchain network, while SOL is its native cryptocurrency.

Do I need to own crypto before going to WSOP Paradise?

No. Players who don’t already own crypto can purchase it using a service such as MoonPay.

If you plan to use crypto for tournament registration, however, it makes sense to set everything up before you need to buy into an event.

Do I need a crypto wallet?

Yes. You’ll need access to a compatible wallet to hold and transfer crypto over the Solana network.

Options include wallets such as Phantom, Trust Wallet, and Ledger, while MoonPay can also help simplify wallet setup.

Can I use Phantom at WSOP Paradise?

Phantom supports the Solana blockchain and is one of the wallet options available to players who want to hold and transfer Solana-based assets.

Do I need to have the WSOP Live app to use cryptocurrency?

The WSOP Live app is used for WSOP Paradise tournament registration and cryptocurrency payments, so players planning to use the crypto buy-in option should have the app set up before registering.

What if I don’t have any SOL?

You can acquire SOL through MoonPay or another compatible crypto service before completing a transaction.

Available purchase methods depend on your location and payment provider.

Can I buy SOL with a debit card?

MoonPay supports debit and credit card purchases in eligible jurisdictions, although availability and limits can vary.

Can I use Apple Pay to buy SOL?

MoonPay supports Apple Pay for eligible users and transactions. Availability can depend on your country, device, and account.

Are there fees for using Solana to buy into WSOP tournaments?

WSOP does not charge a transaction fee for Solana tournament buy-ins.

Separate fees may apply when buying or transferring cryptocurrency through MoonPay or another service, and small blockchain network fees may also apply.

How long does a Solana WSOP buy-in take?

Solana blockchain transactions typically process within seconds, making crypto one of the fastest ways to move funds for tournament registration.

Players should still allow enough time to complete the entire WSOP registration process before an event begins.

Will I be able to receive my WSOP Paradise winnings via crypto?

Crypto prize payouts are planned for the 2026 WSOP Paradise, expanding the partnership beyond the crypto buy-ins introduced during the summer WSOP.

Complete instructions covering the payout process and supported assets have not yet been announced.

Will WSOP pay my winnings in SOL?

Not necessarily. The payout system is expected to use stablecoins over the Solana network rather than requiring tournament winnings to be paid in SOL.

Final details on supported assets should be confirmed before the series.

What is a stablecoin?

A stablecoin is a cryptocurrency designed to maintain a relatively stable value, usually by tracking an asset such as the US dollar.

This makes stablecoins potentially useful for tournament payouts because a player receiving a $100,000 prize does not necessarily want that amount immediately exposed to the price movements of a cryptocurrency such as SOL.

Can the value of SOL change while I’m holding it?

Yes. SOL is a cryptocurrency whose market price can rise or fall.

Players who acquire SOL or other non-stable crypto assets should understand that their value can change between the time they purchase them and the time they use them.

Can I still buy into WSOP Paradise without using crypto?

Yes. Using crypto is optional. WSOP Paradise supports other approved payment methods for players who prefer conventional payment options.