Will prediction markets change the landscape of live poker?

Paul Seaton at Pokerati wonders if the recent partnership between prediction market operator Kalshi and big poker names is just the start of a new era for the WSOP Main Event.

For over fifty years, the Main Event has been a $10,000 freezeout, almost untouched by the evolving world of betting.

Now, with Kalshi posting odds on whether there will be 10,000 entrants, the line between poker and sportsbetting is starting to blur. As Seaton puts it, this could be 'the first move in a series of changes to the way live poker and sportsbetting merge.’

I personally don’t see the rise in prediction marks changing the landscape of the WSOP — but never say never.

If you are eyeing a seat at the Irish Poker Open 2026, PokerStars has you covered.

Their online satellite program is running strong, with qualifier tournaments for every bankroll and a new Emerald Pass package that rolls travel, entries, and perks into one.

The festival itself promises a packed schedule along with a really comprehensive off felt selection of activities, like stand-up comedy and game nights. I have never been to the IPO, but everyone raves about it! So if you get a chance, definitely go!

Andrew Lichtenberger started the 2026 PokerGO Tour just as he finished 2025—winning.

He took down the $5,100 No-Limit Hold’em opener, besting 135 entries and earning $162,000.

This event was the second-largest $5,100 tournament in PGT’s history and, thanks to double leaderboard points, Lichtenberger soared to the top of the standings with 324 points. He’s now tied for fourth all-time in PGT wins.

Last year, he won this very event for $117,000.

Toronto fans hoping for an early WSOP Circuit stop in 2026 will have to be patient.

The anticipated WSOP-c Toronto leg was missing from the first half of the schedule.

However, sources told us over on pokerfuse that the WSOP Circuit is likely to return to Toronto between June and December. Nothing has been officially confirmed, but the expectation remains.

Last year’s event exceeded all expectations, with over 7.5 million Canadian dollars paid out and a Main Event prize pool that surpassed projections.

PokerStars is bringing the European Poker Tour back to Paris after an unexpected break last year.

The festival, which runs from February 18 to March 1, will host 52 events at the Le Palais des Congres. Highlights include the €1,650 PokerStars Open Main Event, the €5,300 EPT Main Event, and a high-roller lineup that climbs up to €100,000.

After regulatory concerns led to a cancellation in 2025, the EPT is hoping for a smoother ride this time.

PokerNews takes a stroll down memory lane, celebrating the bluffs that helped shaped the game.

The centerpiece is Chris Moneymaker’s iconic 2003 WSOP Main Event moment, now forever known as the 'bluff of the century.’ As the article recounts, Moneymaker went heads-up against seasoned pro Sammy Farha with nothing but K7 and a dream, making what many call the most important bluff in poker history.

We’re always a sucker for a Chris Moneymaker story, and this one doesn’t disappoint.

Prediction markets and poker are colliding, with Kalshi opening a market on whether this year’s WSOP Main Event will attract over 10,000 runners.

The odds, according to Kalshi, sit at 52 percent that the field will be bigger than last year. Only $762 has exchanged hands so far, so it’s anyone’s guess how accurate these odds really are.

The full WSOP schedule isn’t even out yet, but apparently that hasn’t stopped the market from dreaming big.

Suddenly, everyone’s a poker room owner.

Melbourne’s poker scene just got a makeover, with Alex and Kristen Foxen, Jeremy Ausmus, Eric Baldwin, and Abby Merk now part-owners of the PlayLive poker room.

The new venue is already smashing guarantees at its inaugural Melbourne Millions series, making January a busy month for poker in the city.

Question, where is the investment from Australian poker pros? How much did these guys have to front? How does it work logistically with most of them being American? What’s the catch?

MSPT: Just incase you want another poker tour to follow.

The MSPT has had more names than most poker players have had screen names: it started as the Minnesota Poker Tour, became the Mid-States Poker Tour, and since 2025, we get the Major Series of Poker: The Tour.

Ivan lays out the 2026 schedule, which is packed with over two dozen stops across the US. Buy-ins hover between $300 and $700, but the Main Events keep things spicy at $1,110 a pop.

After 8 years at PokerGO, Jeff Platt joins WSOP team full time.

As well as working on player engagement, I guess it means we can expect more Platt at this year’s WSOP — be it in the commentary booth and in front of the camera — which hopefully won’t be a bad omen for players looking to make a deep run.

If you know, you know.

Ren Lin is back in the winner’s circle, and apparently, controversy is his lucky charm.

The public backlash against Lin has not hindered the high stakes pro performance.

Lin recently picked up two titles at the King Poker Cup in Korea, all while sporting a fresh WPT Global patch.

Sometimes, the only thing quicker than a poker comeback is the drama that comes with it.

A masterclass in how to lose $50,000 without trying.

PokerStars reloads its Live League.

PokerStars is rolling out its Live League for another spin in 2026, starting with the Open Campione, Italy, in January.

The new season boasts over €250,000 in prizes and some tweaks to reward more players throughout the year. The festival at Casino di Campione will feature a range of events, from a €400 Mystery Bounty Cup up to a €5,500 Super High Roller.

Last year’s season broke records and marked PokerStars’ much-anticipated return to Italy. The company says they’re focusing on “community engagement” and making the circuit more rewarding for players who stick around all year.

“Players can earn points across every major festival, chase leaderboards throughout the year, and turn consistent results into meaningful rewards on the live stage.”

Whether you’re a seasoned grinder or just looking for an excuse to visit Lake Lugano, PokerStars thinks they’ve got something for everyone this season.

Two bits of WSOP news to share.

But no, there’s still no more info on 2026 WSOP. We’re still waiting for schedule highlights—we expect those in the next week or two. (The only info we have right now is the festival start and end dates and the PoY changes.)

Still, they’re not asleep over at World Series HQ. Two little drops from them in the last few hours. First, they’ve opened up media accreditation for WSOP Europe. And two, for those not in poker media but who want to be, here’s your chance: they’re looking for a video/graphic design specialist to join their team.

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is seeking a Video & Graphic Design Specialist to join our creative team in Las Vegas. This role is responsible for producing high-impact video and graphic content that brings the WSOP brand to life across social, digital, and marketing platforms.
You will support both short-form and long-form storytelling, working closely with Content, Community, Marketing, and Production teams to deliver polished, engaging assets that meet WSOP’s global brand standards. This is a hands-on, fast-paced role suited for a creative who thrives in live-event environments and understands how to create compelling content for a passionate, global audience.

Are you still mulling whether to sign up to the Onyx Club high roller series?

Time to get off the fence. There’s $29 million guaranteed in this high roller series, with event buy-ins starting at $10k and going up to the $100k. Microstakes stuff. Why prevaricate? Already 110 players have signed up, says organizer Rob Yong. There might even be a fish or two in there!

Sure, there’s no schedule on the website, the PDF of the event is blank, and it starts in barely a week. Minor quibbles. Early birds who reg for the Opener and the Main Event get to stay in the hotel and transfer from the airport free! Bargain!

And I’m sure the hotel renovations will be minor construction noise at best.

That’s a wrap on 888poker Madrid.

Stars reliving the Kassouf controversies from the WSOP.

What do you think? Should Kassouf’s hand be called dead or not?

To be honest, I think it all became a bit of a witch hunt by the end of the summer series for Will, but on this occasion I think the TD is correct.

Weee! Last woman standing in GCP Tour mystery bounty tournament at 88 years of age!

From short stack to tequila shot.

Blake Vogdes turned the Borgata Winter Poker Open final table on its head, arriving as one of the shortest stacks and leaving with nearly half a million dollars. The key, according to PokerOrg, was a series of double-ups once play got four-handed. Vogdes took the lead, cut a deal with Jack Kwon heads-up, and claimed the trophy.

Vogdes has only been cashing tournaments since 2021, but his focus seems to be shifting. He told PokerOrg, “I’ve just been playing more live tournaments, just having fun with it. I used to play a lot online, but now I’m transitioning out of poker into doing some other things.”

The big win? Vogdes summed up his plans in five words: “I need a shot of Tequila.”

If it’s March, it must be PokerStars in Philly.

PokerNews reports that PokerStars Open will return to Live! Casino Philadelphia this March.

The series is scheduled from March 16 to 23, with a slate of events that includes a $10,000 Women’s Event, a $50,000 PokerStars Cup, and a $500,000 guaranteed Main Event. Details on the full schedule are still under wraps, but the Main Event will look to match last year’s 1,154 entrants and $1.1 million prize pool.

It’s go time over in Madrid for 888poker.

Oooh the WSOP Europe is headed to Prague.

The 2026 WSOP Europe will feature 15 gold bracelet events and kicks off at the end of March. Looks like it’s going to be a rather special affair.

“It’s an exciting rebirth of the World Series of Poker Europe in Prague. We have a big ambition to elevate this festival to one of the very best in the world and look forward to welcoming players to a great poker city next April.”