The PokerGO Tour is poker's leading high-roller circuit, and the 2026 season already features a dense schedule of tough, expensive fields. Whether you are taking your first shot at a PGT stop or building a serious run at the season-ending Championship freeroll, this guide breaks down the 2026 schedule, buy-ins, structures, travel planning, and practical considerations that matter once you are actually in the field.

If five-figure live buy-ins are already part of your schedule, the PGT belongs on your 2026 tournament calendar. The tour runs year-round out of Las Vegas, with most events hosted at the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort & Casino, and the fields are stacked with top professionals.

PokerGO Tour 2026 at a Glance

The PokerGO Tour (PGT) launched in April 2021 as the official ranking system for professional poker players competing in high-roller tournaments worldwide. Now in its sixth season, the PGT tracks roughly 130–150 events per year with $5,000+ buy-ins, though some PGT-owned events now include $3,000–$5,000 tiers.

The 2025 season concluded with Alex Foxen earning PGT Player of the Year honors after accumulating 3,134 points from five wins, 27 cashes, and $6,277,148 in PGT earnings. Foxen became the first player to reach 100 career PGT cashes and surpass 10,000 career points. Chad Eveslage won the 2025 PGT $1,000,000 Championship, defeating Andrew Lichtenberger heads-up for the $500,000 first prize.

Key facts for 2026:

Detail	Info
Season	6th PGT season (2026 calendar year)
Primary venue	PokerGO Studio at ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Buy-in range	$3,300–$100,000+ (Super High Roller Bowl)
Events per season	~130–150 across all series
Season-ending event	PGT Championship freeroll (top 40 + Dream Seat winners; 2026 prize pool TBA)
Official website	pgt.com
Schedule	pgt.com/schedule

2026 Schedule Overview: What to Play

The PGT has released the first half of its 2026 schedule, with four major series confirmed and additional stops to be announced. All announced events take place in Las Vegas.

Confirmed 2026 Series (First Half)

PGT Kickoff (January 26–31) — Completed Six events at the PokerGO Studio with buy-ins from $5,300 to $10,500. Double points were awarded for all cashes, making this an especially valuable series for leaderboard positioning. Andrew Lichtenberger won the opening event and led the early 2026 leaderboard standings.

PGT Mixed Games & Super High Roller Bowl: Mixed Games (February) — Completed The mixed games festival featured multiple events, headlined by the $100,000 Super High Roller Bowl: Mixed Games. Yuri Dzivielevski was crowned 2026 PGT Mixed Games Champion after winning two events and finishing second in two more, earning over $2,000,000 across the series. He defeated defending champion Chad Eveslage heads-up to win the SHRB Mixed Games for $1,300,000 from a 38-entry field. Brian Rast won the $25,000 PGT Mixed Games Championship.

PokerGO Cup (March 1–15) — In Progress Ten No-Limit Hold'em events at the PokerGO Studio. Buy-ins range from $3,300 (the multi-flight Showcase opener) to $15,100 (the championship finale). Satellites are available from $360 at the ARIA poker room. This is one of the four PGT majors and consistently draws strong fields. For the first time in 2026, PokerNews is providing live reporting from the PokerGO Cup.

Event	Buy-In	Format
Event 1: Showcase	$3,300	Multi-flight NLHE
Events 2–4	$5,100	Single-day NLHE
Events 5–9	$10,100	Single-day NLHE
Event 10: Championship	$15,100	NLHE

PGT PLO Series at The Venetian (March 20–29) — Upcoming Eight Pot-Limit Omaha events at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas, with $1,000,000 in total guaranteed prize pools. Highlights include a $3,300 PLO Main Event and a $10,500 PLO Championship, each with $500,000 guarantees. Buy-ins range from $3,100 to $10,100 (approximately $3,300–$10,500 including fees), with two bounty events on the schedule.

Major Events Expected Later in 2026

The full second-half schedule has not yet been released, but the PGT calendar typically includes four majors:

PokerGO Cup (March — confirmed above)
U.S. Poker Open — Historically held in spring (April), featuring eight to ten events with buy-ins from $5,100 to $25,200
Super High Roller Bowl — The flagship single-event major, historically a $300,000 buy-in attracting 20–50 entries
Poker Masters — Typically held in November, featuring ten events with buy-ins from $5,100 to $25,200

Check pgt.com/schedule for the latest schedule updates as they are announced.

Tournament Structure Analysis

PGT structures are built for skilled, short-field play: deeper stacks, slower blind increases, and more room for postflop decision-making than you get on most lower buy-in live circuits.

Typical PGT Structure

Many 2026 PGT events use starting stacks of 125,000 chips, though the opening blind level varies — check the structure sheet for each event to know your exact starting depth in big blinds. Level durations also vary: single-day events move faster with shorter levels, while multi-day events like the Super High Roller Bowl use longer levels that reward deep postflop play.

Fields are small — 30–150 entries for most events, though the $3,300 Showcase and similar events can attract larger fields — which means the structures play deeper relative to the number of eliminations needed. Late registration and re-entry policies vary by event; check the specific event details on pgt.com.

For a deeper breakdown of how to evaluate tournament structures and what these numbers mean for your strategy, see our guide on how to read tournament structures like a pro.

How Structure Affects Strategy at PGT Events

Early levels in most PGT events reward patience, discipline, and postflop clarity far more than panic-driven chip accumulation. You will rarely feel short-stacked in the early stages. The small field sizes also mean that bubble dynamics arrive faster — in a 40-player event, you might be on the bubble within a few hours. Understanding how your approach should shift as the field narrows is critical at this level.

Getting to the PokerGO Studio

Primary Venue: PokerGO Studio at ARIA

The PokerGO Studio is located at 3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, Suite 270, Las Vegas, NV 89158 — within the CityCenter complex on the Las Vegas Strip, adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino.

Airport: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is approximately 4 miles (10–20 minutes) from the venue, depending on traffic.

Ground transport from the airport:

Option	Approx. Cost	Travel Time	Notes
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)	$15–$30	10–20 min	Pickup from Terminal 1 Level 2 or Terminal 3 Level 0
Taxi	$20–$35	10–20 min	Fixed-rate zones; fares to ARIA typically in the mid-$20s before tip and fees
Rental car	Varies	10–20 min	Self-park at ARIA available
RTC bus (Route 109)	$6 (2-hour pass)	30–45 min	Budget option, less convenient with luggage

Parking at ARIA: Self-parking is available in the ARIA garage. Valet is also available at the main entrance. Parking rates vary — check ARIA's website for current pricing.

Note for PGT PLO Series attendees: The Venetian Resort is approximately 2 miles north of ARIA on the Strip. A rideshare between the two properties takes approximately 5–10 minutes and costs $8–$15, or you can walk (approximately 25–30 minutes via the Strip pedestrian walkways).

Where to Stay

Since most PGT events are held at or near ARIA, staying on the central Strip gives you the best access. Prices fluctuate significantly based on the day of the week and what else is happening in Vegas.

On-Site: ARIA Resort & Casino

The most convenient option is staying at ARIA, which keeps you on property and removes most of the friction around early starts, late finishes, and quick turnarounds between events. Room rates typically start around $150–$300/night for standard rooms during weekdays, though rates can spike above $400/night on weekends and during major events. Note the mandatory resort fee of approximately $55/night plus tax. (Prices checked March 2026 — rates are directional estimates and vary by date.)

Budget Options ($80–$150/night)

Park MGM — Adjacent to ARIA within CityCenter, often slightly less expensive. Walking distance to the PokerGO Studio.
The LINQ Hotel + Experience — Mid-Strip location, approximately 1.5 miles north. Budget-friendly rates, especially midweek.
Flamingo Las Vegas — Mid-Strip, older property but frequently offers competitive rates. Approximately 1 mile from ARIA.

Mid-Range Options ($150–$300/night)

Vdara Hotel & Spa — Connected to ARIA by walkway within CityCenter. All-suite, non-gaming, non-smoking — a good fit if you want quiet proximity without the casino floor.
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas — Directly adjacent to ARIA. Strong dining options on-site. Often runs $200–$350/night.
Bellagio — Short walk south along the Strip. Reliable rooms, easy access.

Premium Options ($300+/night)

ARIA Sky Suites — The premium tower at ARIA with dedicated check-in and lounge access. Maximum convenience if budget is not a constraint.
Wynn Las Vegas — North Strip, approximately 2 miles from ARIA. Has its own poker room for cash games between PGT events.

Alternative Accommodation

For longer stays (PGT players who spend weeks or months in Vegas during tournament season), Airbnb and extended-stay hotels off-Strip can offer better value. Properties near the Strip in areas like the Hughes Center or Spring Valley typically run $80–$120/night for studio or one-bedroom apartments. Factor in rideshare costs to and from the venue.

Booking timing: Book at least 2–4 weeks in advance for peak tournament periods. Rates tend to rise as events approach, especially if the series overlaps with conventions or other Strip events.

(All lodging prices are directional estimates based on publicly available rates, checked March 2026. Rates vary by date, room type, and booking platform.)

Eating at and Around the PokerGO Studio

At the Venue

The PokerGO Studio has a full-service bar and lounge area. For meals, you will need to step out to the surrounding ARIA complex, which offers extensive dining options.

ARIA Dining

ARIA gives players plenty of food options within a short walk of the studio, which matters when your break windows are tight.

Proper Eats Food Hall — A dozen quick-service counters (pizza, Asian, burgers, and more). The fastest option during a 15–20 minute break.
Catch, Carbone, Jean Georges Steakhouse, Javier's — Sit-down options ranging from upscale seafood to Italian and Mexican. Better suited for post-session meals when you have time.

Quick-Service and Delivery

For longer breaks or after sessions, delivery apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats) service Strip hotels reliably.

Dietary Accommodations

Vegetarian/Vegan: Proper Eats has multiple options. Several ARIA restaurants offer vegetarian-friendly menus. Nearby options include Wynn's Lakeside and Crossroads Kitchen at Resorts World (vegan, approximately 2 miles north).
Gluten-free: Most ARIA restaurants accommodate gluten-free requests. Inform your server.
Kosher: Limited options on the Strip. The nearest dedicated kosher restaurant is typically off-Strip — check current listings.
Halal: Limited dedicated options on the Strip. Some Middle Eastern restaurants in the surrounding area offer halal menus.

Grocery and Meal Prep

For players staying in Airbnbs or extended-stay hotels, the nearest full grocery stores are off-Strip. A Walmart Supercenter is approximately 2 miles east of ARIA, and Whole Foods Market is approximately 3 miles south in the Town Square area. A rideshare takes 5–10 minutes.

Late-Night Dining

Late-night food is easy to find on and around the Strip, which matters when a tournament day runs long. ARIA's in-house options stay open late, and Strip restaurants like In-N-Out Burger (LINQ Promenade), Peppermill (open 24 hours, approximately 2 miles north), and various hotel restaurants serve into the early morning hours.

Practical Info: Venue, Registration, and Amenities

The PokerGO Studio

The PokerGO Studio is a compact, production-built venue with nine poker tables, spectator seating, a lounge area, and a featured stage table for streamed and televised finals. It feels more controlled and camera-aware than a standard casino tournament room, which is part of what makes the PGT environment distinct.

Registration

Registration for PGT events is handled on-site at the PokerGO Studio. For events at The Venetian (PLO Series), registration is at the casino cage or tournament desk. There is no unified online pre-registration system for PGT events, though some events offer satellites at the ARIA poker room.

Check the pgt.com schedule for specific event registration details.

Phone and Device Policies

Phone rules are usually standard for modern high-roller events: you can generally use your device when you are not in a hand, but streamed and televised stages may be tighter, so check the event rules before assuming anything. Headphones are typically permitted during play. Charging stations may be limited — bring a portable charger. Capture your key hands during the event with a hand logging app like LiveHands and review them between events or after the day ends.

Wi-Fi

ARIA has resort-wide Wi-Fi, but if you are reviewing hands, uploading files, or relying on apps between levels, do not assume it will always be fast. Keep mobile data as your fallback.

Other Amenities

ARIA Poker Room: If you want to play cash between PGT events, ARIA's poker room is in the same complex — no transit needed.
Fitness and Pool: ARIA guests have access to three pools and a full fitness center.
Secure Storage: ARIA hotel rooms include in-room safes. The PokerGO Studio does not offer dedicated chip storage between events (most PGT events are single-day).
ATM/Cashier: ARIA's casino cage and ATMs are a short walk from the PokerGO Studio.

Money Movement: Funding Buy-Ins and Cashing Out

How to Pay for PGT Events

Casino cage (cash): The primary method for most PGT events. Bring cash or withdraw from the cage. Buy-ins are in USD.
Wire transfer: For high-roller events (Super High Roller Bowl, $25,000+ events), players sometimes wire funds to the casino cage in advance. Contact the venue for details.
Satellite entries: Some events offer satellites at the ARIA poker room (e.g., $360 satellites into the $3,300 PokerGO Cup Showcase). These are paid at the ARIA poker room cage.
Credit/debit cards: Typically not accepted for direct tournament buy-ins. ATMs are available throughout ARIA but carry transaction fees (typically $5–$10 per withdrawal, plus your bank's fees).

Cash Handling

PGT buy-ins range from $3,300 to $300,000. If you are playing at the upper end, plan your cash handling carefully. Use the in-room safe at your hotel for amounts you are not carrying. Avoid carrying large sums of cash on foot — use rideshares or valet when moving between properties with significant cash.

Cashing Out

Winners are typically paid at the casino cage after the event concludes. For large payouts, options may include cash, casino check, or wire transfer — confirm the available methods with the cage before the event.

Tax Implications

For US-based events, casinos are required to issue a W-2G form for tournament winnings over $5,000 (or at a 300:1 payout ratio). International players may be subject to tax withholding on US-based winnings. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation — this guide does not provide tax advice.

The PGT Points Race and Championship Qualification

The PGT's season-long points race is central to the tour's identity. Every cash in a PGT event earns points toward the leaderboard, and the top 40 players at season's end qualify for the PGT Championship freeroll. In 2025, the Championship carried a $1,000,000 prize pool with $500,000 for first place; the 2026 prize pool and first-place prize had not yet been announced at time of writing.

How Points Work

Points are calculated from two inputs: the event buy-in and the amount cashed. Higher buy-in events award fewer points per dollar cashed, which prevents the biggest buy-in events from dominating the leaderboard. The PGT updates its points table periodically — refer to pgt.com/points for the exact formula and tier structure before planning your season.

Qualifying for the Championship

To be eligible for the PGT Championship, players need four cashes in PGT events during the current season (with at least one cash in a PGT-owned-and-operated event) and must opt in before the final series.

Dream Seat Paths

Players who do not finish in the top 40 can still earn a Championship seat through Dream Seat qualifications, including:

PGT Last Chance: The top five highest-ranked players outside the top 40 earn seats.
Partner tour qualifications: The RunGood Poker Series Dream Seat Invitational and Champions Club Texas Championship both offer paths into the PGT Championship.

Full details at pgt.com/dream-seat.

Tips from PGT Veterans

Start with the PokerGO Cup if you are new to the PGT. The $3,300 Showcase is the most accessible entry point on the tour, and the ascending buy-in structure lets you test the waters before committing to five-figure events.
Play the satellites. The $360 satellites at the ARIA poker room into the PokerGO Cup Showcase are the cheapest path into a PGT field. If you are in Vegas and want a shot without the full buy-in, start here.
Manage your schedule around field size. PGT events typically have small fields — 30 to 150 entries for most events. This means shorter days, faster bubble approaches, and higher variance per event. Plan to play multiple events across a series rather than putting everything into a single tournament. If you are mapping out your buy-in exposure across a full PGT series, our bankroll management guide for live tournament players covers the fundamentals.
The PokerGO Studio is small and focused. Unlike a massive cardroom with hundreds of tables, the studio has nine tables. The intimate setting means you will be playing with and watching many of the same players across multiple events. Pay attention to tendencies.
Stay close to ARIA. The CityCenter complex (ARIA, Vdara, Park MGM) gives you the shortest walk to the studio. Being able to step out to your room during longer breaks is a meaningful quality-of-life advantage during multi-day series.
Track the leaderboard early. If you are serious about a top-40 finish, the PGT Kickoff's double-points structure makes January critical. Monitor the leaderboard at pgt.com/leaderboard to understand where you stand relative to the field.
Bring a multi-currency card if playing mixed-venue events. Most PGT events are in USD at Las Vegas properties, but the tour occasionally includes international stops or partner events. A card with no foreign transaction fees saves hassle.
Watch the PokerGO streams. Many PGT events are livestreamed on PokerGO. Reviewing final table coverage from previous events gives you reads on how the regulars play under pressure — and the production quality makes for solid study material.

PokerGO Tour 2026 FAQ

What is the PokerGO Tour? The PGT is the official tour and ranking system for high-roller poker. Launched in 2021, it tracks roughly 130–150 events per year, most with $5,000+ buy-ins.

What is the minimum buy-in for PGT events? $5,000 is the standard floor for qualifying events, but PGT-owned series like the PokerGO Cup start at $3,300, and satellites run from $360.

Where are PGT events held? Primarily at the PokerGO Studio at ARIA in Las Vegas. The PLO Series runs at The Venetian, and the tour also tracks results from partner events at other venues.

How do I qualify for the PGT Championship? Top 40 on the leaderboard at season's end, with at least four PGT cashes (including one PGT-owned event), plus an opt-in. Dream Seat paths exist for players outside the top 40.

What is the PGT Championship prize pool? The 2025 PGT Championship was a $1,000,000 freeroll with $500,000 for first place. The 2026 prize pool had not yet been announced at time of writing. Starting chip stacks are weighted by leaderboard position — the #1 seed receives the most chips.

Who won the 2025 PGT Player of the Year? Alex Foxen won the 2025 PGT Player of the Year with 3,134 points, five wins, 27 cashes, and $6,277,148 in PGT earnings.

Can I register online for PGT events? No unified online pre-registration exists. Most events require on-site registration. Check pgt.com/schedule for event-specific details.

Is there a PokerGO subscription required to play PGT events? No. A PokerGO subscription ($19.99/month or $99.99/year) provides access to livestream coverage and archived content, but it is not required to enter PGT tournaments.

What formats are played on the PGT? The PGT includes No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and mixed games events. The PokerGO Cup is exclusively NLHE, the PGT PLO Series is exclusively PLO, and the PGT Mixed Games series features a variety of formats.

How do PGT points work? Points are based on buy-in tier and amount cashed. Higher buy-in events award fewer points per dollar, which levels the playing field across the schedule. See pgt.com/points for the current formula.

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PokerGO Tour 2026 Complete Player's Guide: Schedule, Travel, Structures, and Tips