WSOP 2026 Venue and Travel Guide: Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas

The 57th World Series of Poker runs May 26 to July 15, 2026 across two connected properties on the Las Vegas Strip: Horseshoe Las Vegas and Paris Las Vegas. The series features 100 bracelet events spread across 749 tables and over 68,000 square feet of tournament space. Buy-ins range from $300 to $250,000.

This guide covers everything you need to plan, survive and profit from a WSOP trip: app registration, hotels, food, the payout process, packing, budgets and practical tips drawn from years of playing the summer series. For the full event schedule and bracelet results, visit our WSOP 2026 schedule and coverage hub.

WSOP 2026 is split between two Caesars Entertainment properties connected by a climate-controlled indoor walkway and a 253-foot Skybridge. You never need to step outside in the desert heat to move between tournament rooms, cash games, registration and the payout desk.

Horseshoe Las Vegas

Address: 3645 S Las Vegas Blvd. Horseshoe is the primary tournament venue, rebranded from Bally’s in 2022. The Horseshoe Event Center hosts all televised final tables, $10,000+ bracelet event restarts and overflow Day 1 flights.

The Hall of Fame Poker Room sits near the front entrance next to Nosh Deli, running $1/$3 no-limit hold’em around the clock. During the series, the entire convention level expands into a tournament arena with over 68,000 square feet of gaming space and 2,056 hotel rooms upstairs.

Paris Las Vegas

Address: 3655 S Las Vegas Blvd. Paris handles the bulk of Day 1 starting flights, the WSOP Main Cage, player registration and the daily free-stream studio. The Paris Ballroom hosts Main Event Day 1 flights and featured table streams.

Cash games run on the Paris side in King’s Lounge and the convention floor, starting from $1/$3 no-limit hold’em with higher stakes ($2/$5, $5/$10 and above) running nightly. King’s Lounge is the high-stakes room during the series, hosting games up to $50/$100 PLO. The property has 3,672 rooms including the newly integrated Versailles Tower.

Getting Around the Complex

The climate-controlled promenade through Paris’s Le Boulevard shopping arcade connects directly to the Horseshoe casino floor. A separate Skybridge (opened September 2024) links the Paris main tower to the Versailles Tower.

Total walking time from the Paris front desk to the Horseshoe Event Center is roughly five minutes indoors. Locate these key spots on your first visit:

The WSOP+ app was rebranded to WSOP LIVE in early 2026. It is mandatory for every participant at the Las Vegas summer series, WSOP Europe and all Circuit stops. Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) before you fly.

What the App Does

WSOP LIVE replaces the old cage-only registration system. Everything runs through your phone now.

Identity Verification

First-time users must complete a one-time in-person identity check at the Versailles Ballroom in the Paris Convention Center. Bring a valid photo ID and your Caesars Rewards card, which is free at the rewards desk near the convention entrance.

The process takes 10 to 15 minutes outside of peak times but can stretch to 30 to 60 minutes on busy opening days. Players who verified in 2025 do not need to re-verify. Do this the day before your first event, not the morning of.

Payment Methods

You can buy into events directly through the app with no surcharge on most methods. Luxon Pay expanded to US customers for 2026 as the official WSOP global payment partner.

Full registration details including supported currencies are on the official WSOP registration page.

Pre-Registration Strategy

On-site registration at the WSOP Main Cage operates 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily from May 26 through July 15. With WSOP LIVE now mandatory, pre-registered players bypass the cage entirely.

Expect the longest in-person waits on the morning of Main Event Day 1A, the Millionaire Maker and any $300 to $600 weekend opener. Pre-registering through the app the night before is the single biggest time-saver at the modern WSOP.

Three other 2026 rule changes to know before you sit down:

For the full breakdown of every rule change, read our coverage of the confirmed rule changes for 2026.

Chip Bagging at End of Day

For multi-day events, the dealer counts down your stack at the end of the night. You write your name, seat and chip count on the bag tag, sign it and hand it to the floor. The process takes about 30 seconds.

Bagged chips travel to a secured storage area inside the Horseshoe Event Center for the next day’s restart. Restarts typically begin at noon.

Use promo code WSOP26 at caesars.com for player rates on stays during WSOP 2026, between May 26 and July 25. The code works at all Caesars Strip properties. Book early: WSOP-rate rooms sell out by mid-May.

On-Property: Horseshoe and Paris

Staying at either property puts you within a five-minute indoor walk of the tournament floor. The two resorts offer a combined 5,700+ rooms between them, including the newly integrated Versailles Tower at Paris.

Horseshoe rooms have been listed from around $65 to $430 per night before the $54.95 nightly resort fee (plus 13.38% Clark County tax). Paris rooms tend to run slightly higher but offer direct access to the Main Cage. Caesars Rewards Diamond and Seven Stars members get the resort fee waived.

Apply the WSOP26 code at checkout on caesars.com to save 20 to 40% off rack rates. If your dates show sold out, check back weekly as cancellations free up inventory closer to the series.

Nearby Strip Hotels

Several Caesars properties within walking distance also accept the WSOP26 promo code. Non-Caesars options across Las Vegas Boulevard are also listed below.

Off-Strip and Long-Stay Options

For extended stays of four to eight weeks, many grinders rent Airbnb apartments east of the Strip for $2,500 to $6,000 per month. Confirm city and county short-term-rental compliance before paying a deposit. Some listings are unlicensed and can be cancelled without notice.

Downtown options like Circa ($100+ per night) and Golden Nugget ($60 to $150 weekday) are a 10 to 15 minute Uber or Lyft ride from the venue. Off-Strip hotels with kitchenettes (Westin, Residence Inn) typically run $120 to $220 per night and are popular with players who want to cook and avoid restaurant costs over a multi-week schedule.

From the Airport

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is a 15 to 20 minute Uber or Lyft ride from mid-Strip hotels. Standard UberX fares run $20 to $35 plus a $4.50 airport rideshare surcharge. No car rental is needed if you are staying on or near the Strip.

The rideshare pickup is at Level 2 of the parking garage at Terminal 1 and the Valet level at Terminal 3. Follow the “Rideshare” signs from baggage claim. Surge pricing can double fares on convention weekends and fight nights, but standard WSOP weeks are rarely affected.

Las Vegas Monorail

The Las Vegas Monorail has a dedicated Horseshoe and Paris station below the Horseshoe casino floor. Single rides cost $6 ($5.50 with an online eTicket) with trains every 4 to 8 minutes.

All monorail stations sit at the back of casinos, not the Strip-facing entrance. Budget an extra 5 to 10 minutes of walking from the station platform to wherever you actually need to be inside the property. Nevada residents get $1 single-ride tickets with ID at customer service booths (maximum 2 per day).

Driving and Parking

If you are driving from Southern California, the trip is about four to five hours on I-15. Self-parking at Horseshoe and Paris costs $20 per day for hotel guests and $25 per day Thursday through Sunday for non-guests ($20 Monday through Wednesday).

Weekly $100 parking passes are available at the WSOP Main Cage in the Versailles Ballroom. Caesars Rewards Platinum, Diamond and Seven Stars members get free self-parking at all Caesars properties.

International Travel

Players from Visa Waiver Program countries (UK, most EU nations, Australia, Japan and 30+ others) can enter the US for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA. The application fee is $40.27 and approval is valid for two years. Apply at least 72 hours before travel at esta.cbp.dhs.gov.

Players from non-VWP countries need a B1/B2 visitor visa. Book the consular interview months in advance as summer slots fill quickly in many countries.

International player checklist:

For online satellite routes into the WSOP starting from $0.50, see our guide to WSOP qualification routes and satellite paths.

Outside temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) through June and July. Inside the venue, tournament rooms are air-conditioned to compensate for body heat and broadcast lighting. The gap between the Strip and your seat can be 25°C, so layers are essential.

Leave valuables you do not need at the tables in the hotel safe. For large amounts of cash, use the casino cage at Horseshoe or Paris. Do not carry more on your person than you need for the day’s buy-ins and expenses.

Knowing what to expect on Day 1 removes most of the stress. This is the step-by-step walkthrough from hotel room to tournament table.

Before You Leave the Hotel

Open the WSOP LIVE app and confirm your table assignment and seat number. Your event, table and seat are listed under “My Tournaments” once you have pre-registered. If you registered at the cage instead, your assignment appears after check-in.

Eat a full meal before you leave. The first break is typically two hours into the event, and tournament room food options are limited during peak play. Dress in layers: hoodie or fleece for the table, lighter clothing underneath for the walk through the casino.

Arriving at the Venue

Enter via the Paris Las Vegas front entrance (Eiffel Tower side) if you need to visit the WSOP Main Cage or complete first-time identity verification in the Versailles Ballroom. Enter via Horseshoe’s front entrance if you are heading straight to a tournament room on that side.

If this is your first WSOP event, allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes before the scheduled start time. You may need to collect your Caesars Rewards card, verify your WSOP LIVE account, or find your way through the convention floor for the first time. Returning players who are pre-registered can arrive 5 to 10 minutes before cards are in the air.

Finding Your Table

The WSOP LIVE app displays your table number and general section. Inside the venue, tables are grouped by number and floor staff are positioned at key junctions to direct players. If you cannot find your table, ask any floor person or dealer, as they handle this hundreds of times per day.

Tournament rooms can be loud and crowded during the first few levels of a large-field event. The Millionaire Maker, Mystery Millions and Gladiators of Poker will have thousands of players on the floor simultaneously. Follow the table number signs posted on pillars and at row ends.

Sitting Down

The dealer will verify your identity against the WSOP LIVE system when you take your seat. Your chip stack is already in front of you if you pre-registered (and has been blinding off since Level 1 under the 2026 rules). If you registered at the cage, the dealer will count out your starting stack.

Keep your phone below the table rail during hands. You can use it between hands and during breaks, but visible phone use during active play will draw a warning from the dealer or floor. Headphones are allowed until your event reaches the final three tables.

First-timer nerves are normal. Dealers are trained to help new players with everything from posting blinds to understanding bet sizing. If you are unsure about anything, ask the dealer or call the floor. The WSOP runs thousands of first-timers every summer and nobody will judge you for asking a question.

Tournament poker is a physical endurance sport disguised as a card game. What you eat and drink during the series directly affects how well you play at hour six, eight, or twelve. Plan your meals around break schedules, not around when you feel hungry.

Inside the Venue

Two food options operate inside the WSOP complex during the series. Both are quick-service and designed for speed during tournament breaks.

Free cocktail service runs at the tables throughout the day. Tip $1 to $2 per drink. Tipping $5 on the first round virtually guarantees attentive service for the rest of the session.

Budget Meals Within Walking Distance

These options are all within a 10-minute walk of the tournament floor. The CVS stop is a pro-level move for multi-week trips.

Sit-Down Dining

For a proper meal on rest days or after busting, two Paris restaurants are walkable from the tournament floor in under three minutes. Mon Ami Gabi has a patio overlooking the Strip and the Bellagio fountains (walk-in only, no reservations for the patio). Gordon Ramsay Steak is the premium option, now serving weekend lunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Hydration

Las Vegas runs 37 to 41°C (99 to 106°F) through June and July with minimal humidity. Sealed water bottles are allowed at the tables and cocktail service is free.

Bring a refillable bottle and drink consistently throughout the day. Dehydration affects concentration and decision-making well before you notice physical symptoms. If you are playing a 12-hour Day 2, you should be drinking water every level, not just during breaks.

The WSOP is a seven-week endurance test. How you manage your time away from the table matters as much as how you play at it. This section covers the daily rhythm of the series: breaks, cash games, rest and recovery.

Tournament Break Schedule

Standard bracelet events run a 10-minute break every two hours of play. Dinner breaks are typically 60 minutes, usually starting between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. Late-stage play on Day 2 and beyond may compress breaks or extend levels depending on the number of remaining players.

Check the structure sheet for your specific event in the WSOP LIVE app. Break times, level lengths and dinner break timing vary by format. Turbo and hyper-turbo events have shorter or fewer breaks.

Cash Games Around the Clock

The Hall of Fame Poker Room at Horseshoe runs $1/$3 no-limit hold’em 24 hours a day during the series. King’s Lounge at Paris spreads higher-stakes games from $2/$5 up to $50/$100 PLO, with mixed games forming most evenings.

The best cash game action runs 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. when tournament players bust out and switch to cash. If you are a cash game grinder who does not plan to play many tournaments, the WSOP summer is still the most profitable seven weeks of the year in Las Vegas.

Following the Action

Free daily streams run on the WSOP YouTube channel from May 29 through the end of the series. ESPN covers the Main Event from July 2 with a live three-night finale on ESPN2 from August 3 to 5. For the full platform breakdown, see our where to watch the WSOP guide.

On the floor, rail access is open for most events. You can watch friends, scout opponents, or follow a featured table between your own sessions.

Rest Days and Recovery

Build at least one full day off per week into a multi-week schedule. Rest outperforms every other edge during a long series. Decision quality degrades measurably after consecutive days of 10+ hour sessions.

On rest days, resist the temptation to jump into a cash game or fire a satellite. Use the time to sleep, eat a proper meal, walk the Strip, or sit by the pool at Horseshoe or Paris. The players who last deepest into Week 6 and Week 7 are almost always the ones who rested the most in Weeks 1 through 3.

Fitness and Wellness

Both Horseshoe and Paris have fitness centers accessible to hotel guests. The closest full gym is LVAC (Las Vegas Athletic Club), about a 10-minute Uber ride from the venue. Walking the Strip counts as cardio and takes roughly 30 minutes end to end at a steady pace.

Sleep 7 to 8 hours minimum during the series. Poker decisions degrade significantly after six hours of continuous play, and that degradation compounds over multiple days of poor sleep. Set a hard stop time for late sessions and stick to it, especially during Week 1 when the temptation to play every event is strongest.

ATMs and Cards

Strip ATMs are expensive. Caesars property machines charge $11.99 per withdrawal. Convenience store ATMs at CVS and Walgreens run $3 to $7.

A Charles Schwab Investor Checking debit card reimburses 100% of ATM fees worldwide and is the default tool among travelling US pros. For non-US players, Revolut and Wise multi-currency cards minimise FX markup on daily spending.

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is expected in Las Vegas. These are the standard amounts at the WSOP and in the casinos.

Tax Withholding

Tax rules for WSOP winnings depend on your residency and whether you have the right paperwork on file. The table below covers the main scenarios.

Kondler & Associates is the WSOP’s official on-site tax partner with a desk at the venue. They handle W-8BEN forms, ITIN applications and withholding questions. International players should apply for an ITIN well before the series, as processing can take several weeks.

The Payout Process (When You Cash)

When you bust in the money, you receive a tournament receipt at the table. Take this to the payout desk in the Versailles Ballroom area (same location as the Main Cage). Bring your photo ID.

The payout desk verifies your identity, processes tax paperwork, and issues your funds. US players who win $5,000 or more receive a Form W-2G. Non-US players have withholding applied before funds are released unless treaty exemptions are on file.

You can receive your payout in cash for smaller amounts or request a cashier’s cheque for larger sums. Any single cash payout above $10,000 triggers a federal Currency Transaction Report filed by the casino. This is routine paperwork, not an investigation.

Bankroll Safety

Use the in-room safe or the casino cage for cash storage. Both the Horseshoe and Paris cages handle chip-to-cash conversion, cashier’s cheques and outgoing wire transfers during the series.

Do not carry your full trip bankroll on your person. Bring only what you need for the day’s buy-ins and expenses. The WSOP LIVE app’s digital payment options mean you rarely need large amounts of physical cash at the venue.

How much a WSOP trip costs depends on how long you stay and what you play. The table below covers three common profiles. All figures exclude flights and cash game bankroll.

Here is the full breakdown by expense category:

A budget grinder firing two $1,500 events and a few satellites can complete a two-week trip under $8,000. A player targeting the $10,000 Main Event plus a handful of side events easily passes $20,000 for a four-week stay.

The WSOP26 promo code at caesars.com saves 20 to 40% on rack rates at all Caesars Strip properties. Booking early and stocking your hotel fridge from CVS are the two biggest cost-saving moves for a multi-week stay.

The 2026 Main Event final table does not play out immediately. The final nine players are set on July 13, then play pauses for 20 days. The three-night live finale runs August 3 to 5 on ESPN2 from 9 p.m. to midnight Eastern Time each night.

This means making the final table requires two separate trips to Las Vegas if you do not live locally. Budget for flights, accommodation from August 2 to 6 at minimum, and the mental preparation of returning to the biggest stage in poker three weeks after you left it.

During the break, ESPN airs specially produced primetime episodes profiling each finalist’s path through the tournament. The format echoes the November Nine era (2008 to 2016) but compresses the gap from four months to 20 days.

For amateurs who make the final nine: you will fly home, process what happened, field media requests, and potentially negotiate last-minute sponsorship deals before returning to Las Vegas for the most intense three nights of your poker career on live television.