The World Series of Poker Europe is heading to a new home in 2026, and the changes go well beyond geography. If you are planning your tournament calendar for the year, this is a notable shift in the WSOPE's history — a new city, a new venue, a new time of year, and a Main Event buy-in cut in half.

This guide focuses on the decisions that actually shape your trip: what to play, where to stay, how to get in and out efficiently, how to handle registration and money movement, and what to expect from a first-time WSOPE stop in Prague.

WSOP Europe 2026 at a Glance

The 2026 WSOP Europe runs March 31 through April 12 at King's Casino Prague, located inside the Hilton Prague (also known as Hilton Prague Atrium) in the Karlín district of Prague, Czech Republic.

This is a clear break from recent editions. WSOP Europe was held at King's Resort in Rozvadov, a small border town in western Czechia, from 2017 through 2025. The move to Prague makes the festival materially easier to reach than Rozvadov, with far better flight access and a real city around the venue once play ends.

Key facts:

Dates: March 31 – April 12, 2026
Venue: King's Casino Prague at the Hilton Prague, Pobřežní 311/1, Prague 8-Karlín
Bracelet events: 15
Buy-in range: €500–€20,000 (€565–€20,800 including entry fees)
Main Event buy-in: €5,300 (reduced from €10,350 in 2025)
Main Event guarantee: €10,000,000
Main Event dates: April 3–9, with three starting flights
Official website: wsop.com

Brief history: WSOP Europe launched in 2007 in London with three bracelet events. Past host cities include London, Cannes, Berlin, Paris, and most recently Rozvadov. Over the years the schedule expanded to 15 bracelet events, which has been the standard for the past several editions. The 2025 edition at Rozvadov — the final one at King's Resort — featured 15 bracelets and €20 million in guarantees. Daniel Pidun won the 2025 Main Event (€10,350 buy-in, 659 entries, €1,140,000 first prize).

The 2026 edition marks the first time WSOP Europe will be held in Prague and the first time the Main Event buy-in has been set at €5,300, making it the lowest buy-in WSOPE Main Event in the series' history.

2026 Schedule Overview: What to Play

The 2026 WSOP Europe features 15 gold bracelet events across 13 days, with formats spanning No-Limit Hold'em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and mixed games. The schedule offers something at every buy-in level, from the €500 Colossus (€565 total with entry fee) to the €20,000 Super High Roller (€20,800 total).

Highlighted Events

€5,300 Main Event (April 3–9): The flagship tournament. Three starting flights give you multiple entry options, and the €10,000,000 guarantee is the largest in WSOPE Main Event history — despite the buy-in being halved from the traditional €10,350. The lower buy-in and larger guarantee should widen the pool of interested players, but the actual field size will still depend on satellite conversion, travel demand, and how quickly the new Prague stop gains traction.

€1,500 European Circuit Championship (New for 2026): A brand-new addition to the WSOPE schedule with a €1,500,000 guarantee. This event is positioned as a mid-range bracelet opportunity aimed at the widest possible field. ClubGG members can also qualify for this event through a $9.99/month subscription pathway.

€500 Colossus NLH (€565 total): The most affordable bracelet event on the schedule. If you are looking for a shot at a WSOP gold bracelet without a four-figure buy-in, this is it.

The Opener — Mystery Bounty: The festival kicks off with a Mystery Bounty format. Each elimination earns a randomly drawn bounty from the prize pool, which adds variance and tends to attract larger fields.

€20,000 Super High Roller (€20,800 total): The premium event on the schedule, targeting professionals and high-stakes players.

Events by Buy-In Tier

Tier	Buy-In Range	Events	Notes
Budget-friendly	€500–€565 total	Colossus NLH	Best value for bracelet hunting
Mid-range	€1,100–€2,000	European Circuit Championship, PLO events, mixed games	Core of the schedule
Premium	€5,300	Main Event	Three starting flights, €10M GTD
High Roller	€10,000–€20,800 total	Super High Roller, premium events	Smaller fields, larger edges

The full schedule with exact dates, start times, and blind structures for every event is available on the official WSOP tournament page.

Tournament Structure Analysis

Main Event Structure

The 2026 WSOPE Main Event is a €5,300 buy-in No-Limit Hold'em event with three starting flights (Day 1A, 1B, and 1C) running April 3 through the final table on April 9.

At the time of writing, the detailed structure sheet for the 2026 Main Event — including starting stack, blind level duration, and ante introduction timing — has not been published. For reference, the 2025 WSOPE Main Event (€10,350 buy-in) featured a 100,000 starting stack with 90-minute levels, which provided an exceptionally deep structure by any standard.

Given the reduced buy-in, the 2026 structure may differ. Check the official WSOP website or the WSOP+ app for the confirmed structure sheet before the event.

What to expect based on WSOP standards: WSOP bracelet events are generally designed to give players meaningful play relative to buy-in, but until the official 2026 structure sheet is posted, any projection should be treated as a working expectation rather than a confirmed detail. The key point for planning purposes is that this is positioned as a full-featured championship event, not a fast-format side tournament.

For a deeper dive on how to evaluate tournament structures and what the numbers mean for your strategy, see our guide on how to read tournament structures like a pro. And if you are planning your buy-in budget across the festival, our bankroll management guide for live tournament players covers recommended buy-in multiples and how to approach a multi-event series.

Notable Side Event Structures

European Circuit Championship (€1,500): As a new event, the structure is unconfirmed at the time of writing. WSOP has attached a €1,500,000 guarantee to this event, which signals serious turnout expectations even though the final structure still needs to be confirmed.

Colossus (€500): Historically, the WSOP Colossus format offers a playable structure for its price point — typically turbo-adjacent with shorter levels than the Main Event, but still deep enough to reward skilled play in the early and middle stages. Confirmed starting stacks and level durations for the 2026 edition should be checked on the official WSOP site once published.

Getting to WSOP Europe in Prague

The most practical advantage of the move to Prague is accessibility. Rozvadov was a three-hour drive from the nearest major airport. Prague is dramatically easier to reach than Rozvadov, with direct service from major European cities and better long-haul connection options.

Flights

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the gateway. It handles direct flights from most major European cities (London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Vienna, and many others), as well as long-haul connections from North America, the Middle East, and Asia.

From North America: Direct flights operate from New York (JFK), Newark, Chicago, and Toronto on several carriers. Expect 8–10 hours of flight time. Connecting through a European hub (London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam) opens up more options.

Distance to venue: The Hilton Prague in Karlín is roughly 16–17 kilometers from the airport, or about 19–30 minutes by car depending on traffic.

Ground Transport from the Airport

Option	Approximate Cost	Travel Time	Notes
Taxi / rideshare (Bolt, Uber)	€15–€35	19–30 min	App-based rides tend to be cheaper than standard airport taxis (~€32 equivalent). Bolt is widely used in Prague.
Airport shuttle	~€17 per person	25–35 min	Shared transfer, book in advance
Bus/trolleybus + metro	~€1–€2	45–60 min	Bus 59 to Nádraží Veleslavín metro (Line A), then transfer to Florenc or Křižíkova
Private transfer	€25–€40	19–30 min	Pre-booked, meets you at arrivals

Transport cost estimates based on March 2026 data. Prices may vary.

International Travel Considerations

Visa: Czechia is in the Schengen Area. U.S. citizens are visa-free for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and similar short-stay visa-free rules generally apply to UK, Canadian, and Australian tourists. EU citizens have freedom of movement. Note that visa-free tourist entry does not automatically cover work or profitable-activity rules, which differ by nationality. Check the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your specific situation if you are unsure.

Currency: The Czech Republic uses the Czech koruna (CZK), not the euro. However, tournament buy-ins at WSOP Europe are denominated in euros. You will need CZK for daily expenses (meals, transport, shopping) outside the casino. Credit cards are widely accepted in Prague, and ATMs are plentiful. Avoid airport exchange counters — the rates are poor. Use your bank's ATM or a fair-rate exchange office in the city center.

Where to Stay

On-Site: Hilton Prague (Venue Hotel)

The Hilton Prague is a 5-star hotel with 791 rooms, and it is also where King's Casino Prague and the tournament area are located. Staying here puts you steps from the tables.

Nightly rate: Pricing is dynamic and date-specific — check live booking rates for your exact dates. Rates are likely to rise as festival dates approach and poker traffic concentrates around the venue. Book early for the best availability.
Amenities: Multiple on-site dining options (see the dining section below), Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge, fitness center / health club, indoor pool, sauna, and steam room
Advantage: Zero commute. Roll out of bed and be at the tables in minutes. Late-night sessions become much more manageable.
Book early. The Hilton will fill up fast once the poker community books in. Check for any player rate offers through WSOP or King's Casino communications.

Budget Options (€40–€90/night)

Prague remains affordable by European capital standards for accommodation. The Karlín district and surrounding areas have several solid budget options within walking distance or a short transit ride of the Hilton.

Hotel	Approximate Price	Distance to Venue	Notes
B&B Hotel Prague City	€45–€70/night	Very close (~5 min walk)	Clean, modern, no-frills chain hotel at Prvního pluku 29
Hotel Florenc	€50–€80/night	Walking distance	Near Florenc metro/bus hub, Křižíkova 275/11
McSleep Hostel Prague	€20–€40/night	Short walk	Hostel option for the budget-conscious

Mid-Range Options (€90–€180/night)

Hotel	Approximate Price	Distance to Venue	Notes
Botanique Hotel Prague	€100–€160/night	~5 min walk	Boutique hotel in Karlín, Sokolovská 11
Hotel Mucha	€80–€130/night	Near Florenc	Sokolovská 65/26 in Karlín
Residence Křižíkova	€90–€150/night	~0.5 km	Apartment-style, good for longer stays

Premium Options (€180+/night)

Hotel	Approximate Price	Distance to Venue	Notes
Hilton Prague Old Town	Check current rates	V Celnici 2079/7	Same brand, Old Town location
The Hotel Fitzgerald	€120–€200/night	~1 km	Boutique design hotel in Karlín

Alternative Accommodation

Airbnb/VRBO: Prague has a large short-term rental market. Apartments in Karlín and neighboring Žižkov typically run €50–€120/night and can make a long stay easier to manage, especially if you want kitchen access, groceries, or a little distance from the casino environment. Book well in advance; the best options go quickly.

Booking timing: Book as early as possible. Prague hotel prices climb during large events. Most hotels offer free cancellation up to a certain date, so lock in a rate now and adjust later if needed.

All hotel prices are directional estimates based on March 2026 data. Actual rates vary by date, occupancy, and booking platform.

Eating at and Around the Hilton Prague

At-Venue Dining

The Hilton Prague gives players more on-site dining flexibility than Rozvadov did, which matters more than it sounds over a long series.

Cloud 9 Sky Bar & Lounge: Rooftop bar with panoramic views of Prague. Good for drinks and lighter fare.
Café & Bistro: Quicker service, lighter options. Useful during tournament breaks.
Hop House: On-site bar option.
Atrium Restaurant: Dining within the hotel.
Beer Garden Karlín: Seasonal outdoor option (confirm availability during the late March / early April dates).

King's Casino Prague typically operates a buffet or quick-service food option during major festivals. Confirm details closer to the event.

Nearby in Karlín

Karlín is a legitimately useful neighborhood for a long poker stop because you can cover both quick break-time food and proper sit-down meals without turning every dinner into a cross-city trip.

Quick meals between levels: Karlín offers enough cafés, bakeries, and casual spots near the Hilton to make short meal breaks realistic.
Sit-down meals off the clock: The neighborhood has enough range that you can eat well without heading deep into the tourist core every time.
Late-night food: Prague is easier than Rozvadov for post-bag dining, but hours vary, so verify your fallback options in advance if you expect to finish late.

Dietary Accommodations

Prague has become increasingly accommodating to dietary needs:

Vegetarian/Vegan: Most restaurants in Karlín offer vegetarian options, and several fully vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants operate in Prague. Check Happy Cow for current listings.
Gluten-free: Increasingly available at Prague restaurants. The Hilton's restaurants typically accommodate gluten-free requests.
Kosher: Limited but available in Prague. King Solomon Restaurant at Široká 8 in Prague's Jewish Quarter (Josefov) is the most established option.
Halal: A small but growing number of halal options in Prague. Check Zabihah.com or HalalTrip for current listings.
Grocery/meal prep: If you are staying in an Airbnb, the Tesco Express and Albert supermarkets in Karlín are convenient for meal prep and snacks.

Hydration

Bring a water bottle. Czech tap water is safe to drink. Confirm with the venue whether you can bring drinks to the table — policies vary by event and are typically posted at registration.

Practical Info: Venue, Registration, and Amenities

Venue Layout

King's Casino Prague operates inside the Hilton Prague and offers live poker alongside casino gaming. For WSOP Europe, expect a dedicated tournament area with expanded table count, a separate cash game section, and on-site registration. The exact WSOPE floor plan will depend on how King's Casino configures the space for the festival — this is the first WSOP Europe at this venue, so the layout will be new for everyone.

Registration

Online qualification: Players can qualify for WSOP Europe 2026 through multiple channels — WSOP Online, GGPoker, and ClubGG all offer satellite pathways. GGPoker qualification paths start from as low as $0.50. WSOP Online runs $215 weekly satellites on Sundays at 5:30 PM PST for a $10,000 Main Event package (€5,300 entry + Hilton Prague hotel accommodations).

WSOP+ App: The WSOP+ app provides registration-related tools plus tournament details, structures, schedule information, and updates. Download it before you travel.

On-site: Registration is available at King's Casino Prague during the festival. Cash and other accepted payment methods are handled at the casino cage. Arrive early for headline events, especially Main Event starting flights, because registration lines can become a real time cost.

Phone and Device Policies

WSOP events generally allow phones at the table when you are not in a hand. Headphones are typically permitted. Policies can change between events and between stages of the same tournament, so confirm the current rules at registration or check the posted tournament rules.

Capture your key hands during the event with a hand logging app like LiveHands and review them between flights or after the day ends.

Wi-Fi

The Hilton Prague offers Wi-Fi. Tournament areas may have their own network. Do not rely on venue Wi-Fi for critical tasks — bring a mobile data plan or a European SIM card with data.

Other Amenities

Secure storage: Hotel rooms and hotel safe deposit boxes. The casino cage may hold chips between days — confirm at registration.
ATM: On-site at the Hilton and throughout Prague. Avoid "dynamic currency conversion" — always choose to pay in CZK when an ATM or card terminal offers a currency choice.
Fitness and relaxation: The Hilton's fitness center / health club, indoor pool, sauna, and steam room are available to hotel guests. Prague also has several public pools and gyms within a short distance.
Smoking: Smoking is banned indoors in Czech restaurants and bars. King's Casino Prague may have a designated smoking area — confirm at the venue.

Money Movement: Funding Buy-Ins and Cashing Out

Registration and Payment

Casino cage: Cash buy-ins (in euros) are accepted at the King's Casino Prague cage. Bring euros for tournament entries, even though the Czech Republic uses CZK for everyday transactions.
GGPoker satellites: Win your seat online and receive your entry directly. The most cost-effective path for many players.
WSOP+ app: Check whether the WSOP+ app supports direct tournament registration and payment for the Prague festival. Details should be confirmed closer to the event.
Credit/debit cards: Check whether King's Casino Prague accepts cards for buy-ins directly. Many European casinos are cash-only for tournament entries. Plan accordingly.

Cash Handling

How much cash to bring: Enough for your planned buy-ins plus a buffer for rebuys, travel expenses, and daily spending in CZK. Carrying large amounts of cash requires care — use your hotel safe.
Currency: Bring euros for tournament entries. Use a travel card or ATM withdrawals for CZK daily spending. Avoid carrying excessive CZK — you can always withdraw more.
Safety: Use the hotel safe for cash storage. Do not leave large amounts in your room unsecured. When moving to and from the casino (even if it is in the same building), be aware of your surroundings.

Cashing Out

How winners are paid: WSOP Europe typically pays out by casino check, bank transfer, or cash (for smaller amounts). Confirm the specific payout methods and timelines at the cage during the festival.
Tax implications: Tournament winnings at WSOP Europe may be subject to taxation depending on your country of residence. The Czech Republic does not withhold tax on poker tournament winnings for non-residents in most cases, but your home country's tax laws apply. Consult a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation — this is not tax advice.
Payout timeline: Cash payouts are typically same-day for smaller amounts. Larger payouts by bank transfer may take several business days.

International Money Movement

Currency exchange: You will be dealing with two currencies — EUR for tournament entries and CZK for daily expenses. Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, and similar multi-currency accounts are popular among traveling poker players for managing this.
ATM withdrawals: Use your bank's ATM partner network to minimize fees. Prague has ATMs everywhere, but watch for independent ATMs with high fees.

Tips from WSOP Europe Veterans

These tips combine recurring lessons from prior WSOP Europe trips with practical considerations specific to a first-time Prague edition.

Book the Hilton if you can afford it. The convenience of staying at the venue hotel during a multi-day festival is hard to overstate. No commute means more sleep, more flexibility, and less friction on long tournament days. Previous WSOPE regulars at Rozvadov almost universally recommend on-site accommodation.
Arrive a day early. Prague is a new venue for WSOP Europe, and the first day always involves figuring out the layout — registration, tournament area, cash games, food options, ATMs. Get oriented before your first event.
Download the WSOP+ app and GGPoker app before you travel. Registration, schedule changes, and updates will flow through these channels. You do not want to be setting up accounts on airport Wi-Fi.
Bring a mix of EUR and CZK, plus a multi-currency card. Tournament entries are in EUR. Everything else in Prague is in CZK. A Wise or Revolut card lets you switch between currencies without getting crushed on exchange rates.
Explore Prague between events. Unlike Rozvadov, Prague gives players real off-table options: Karlín is well connected to Old Town, Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the rest of central Prague, so downtime between events can actually feel restorative instead of dead time.
Plan for the weather. Late March and early April in Prague can be cold — expect daytime highs around 8–14°C (46–57°F) and overnight lows near 0–4°C (32–39°F), with a chance of rain. Pack layers and a rain jacket. This is not a summer poker trip.
Watch the exchange rate traps. Prague is known for tourist-unfriendly exchange offices and ATMs that default to "dynamic currency conversion." Always decline the conversion and pay in CZK. Use bank ATMs, not standalone machines in tourist areas.
Register your preferred starting flight early. The halved buy-in and €10 million guarantee should increase demand relative to recent editions, so it is smart to choose your preferred starting flight early rather than assume every option will stay equally convenient.

WSOP Europe 2026 FAQ

What are the dates for WSOP Europe 2026? WSOP Europe 2026 runs from March 31 through April 12, 2026, at King's Casino Prague inside the Hilton Prague in the Czech Republic.

What is the WSOP Europe 2026 Main Event buy-in? The Main Event buy-in is €5,300 — reduced from €10,350 in 2025. The guaranteed prize pool is €10,000,000.

How many bracelet events are at WSOP Europe 2026? There are 15 gold bracelet events on the schedule, with buy-ins ranging from €500 to €20,000 (€565 to €20,800 including entry fees).

Where is WSOP Europe 2026 being held? King's Casino Prague at the Hilton Prague, Pobřežní 311/1, Prague 8-Karlín, Czech Republic. This is a new venue — previous editions were held at King's Resort in Rozvadov.

How do I register for WSOP Europe 2026 events? You can register on-site at the King's Casino Prague cage during the festival. Online satellites are available through WSOP Online, GGPoker, and ClubGG, with buy-ins starting at $0.50. The WSOP+ app also provides registration information and schedule updates.

Can I qualify online for the WSOP Europe Main Event? Yes. WSOP Online runs $215 weekly satellites (Sundays, 5:30 PM PST) for a $10,000 package (Main Event entry plus hotel). GGPoker offers stepped qualifiers starting from $0.50. ClubGG subscribers (from $9.99/month) can compete for €1,500 European Circuit Championship seats.

Do I need a visa to travel to Prague for WSOP Europe? Czechia is in the Schengen Area. U.S. citizens are visa-free for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and similar rules generally apply to UK, Canadian, and Australian tourists. EU citizens have freedom of movement. Check requirements for your specific nationality if you are unsure.

What currency do I need for WSOP Europe? Tournament buy-ins are in euros (EUR). Daily expenses in Prague (meals, transport, shopping) use Czech koruna (CZK). Bring both or use a multi-currency card.

Can I use my phone at the table during WSOP Europe? WSOP events generally allow phone use when you are not in a hand. Headphones are typically permitted. Confirm the specific policy at registration, as rules can vary by event.

What is the best hotel for WSOP Europe 2026? The Hilton Prague is the venue hotel and the simplest option operationally, but you should check live rates for your exact dates because pricing can move quickly around major festival demand. Budget alternatives in the Karlín district start around €40–€70/night, and Prague's extensive hotel market offers options at every price point.

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WSOP Europe 2026 Complete Player's Guide: Schedule, Travel, Structures, and Tips