Matt Higgins Claims 10th WSOP Circuit Ring With Tunica Main Event Win
Matt Higgins secures his third WSOP Circuit Main Event title and 10th ring in Tunica, following a $1,000,000 Mystery Millions bracelet win earlier this summer.
Key Takeaways
- Matt Higgins won the WSOP Circuit Tunica Main Event for his 10th WSOP Circuit ring.
- Higgins previously captured his first WSOP bracelet in the Mystery Millions event for $1,000,000 this summer.
- Daniel Garner finished as runner-up in Tunica, earning $74,824.
- Higgins rebounded from a $300,000 downswing before his major summer victories.
- Higgins plans to expand beyond domestic circuits with new international appearances.
Matt Higgins has added another notable achievement to his poker résumé by winning the WSOP Circuit Tunica Main Event, capturing his tenth WSOP Circuit ring. This win marks Higgins's third Circuit Main Event title and comes on the heels of his $1,000,000 victory at the Mystery Millions, making 2026 a standout year for the Tennessee player.
A Landmark Year for Matt Higgins
The highlight of Higgins's 2026 campaign began this summer when he claimed his first WSOP bracelet in the Mystery Millions event, earning a $1,000,000 payday. The Tunica Main Event victory not only delivered his tenth Circuit ring but also marked the second time he has taken the Main Event crown at this stop. These achievements underscore Higgins's persistent presence at the top levels of the US tournament circuit outposts.
WSOP Circuit Tunica Main Event: Higgins Secures 10th Ring
Higgins topped a final table featuring a blend of seasoned Circuit regulars and rising contenders. Heads-up, he faced Daniel Garner, a newer name who proved formidable throughout the tournament. Garner ultimately finished as runner-up, collecting $74,824. Higgins, reflecting on his continuous drive, stated,
"You gotta keep grinding, man... I gotta try to leave something for my kids when I pass. Hopefully, it's not anytime soon, but I'm gonna try to build something for them." — Matt Higgins
Three Circuit Main Event titles, ten rings, and a bracelet are evidence of that grind. Yet, Higgins indicated his poker goals remain ambitious, with eyes set on international travel now that he has obtained a passport.
Regional Strengths: WSOPC Tunica and the Southern Poker Community
Tunica has been a reliable host for the WSOP Circuit, and Higgins is no stranger to these fields. His latest triumph resumes his local dominance, making it clear these smaller fields present stiff competition. Higgins remarked,
"This field's a lot tougher than people give it credit for." — Matt Higgins
Higgins credited much of the difficulty to the familiarity and camaraderie present among Southern players, which, as the tournament deepened, meant playing against friends and long-time rivals, all familiar faces from years of circuit play.
Overcoming Downswings and Maintaining Momentum
Poker is rarely a linear path. Higgins revealed that prior to his June bracelet victory, he experienced a tournament downswing amounting to around $300,000. The subsequent Mystery Millions win reversed his course, followed by his latest six-figure triumph in Tunica. Even entering the Tunica Main Event, Higgins had motivation stemming from a rough cash-game session just before the tournament—he quipped that after such a setback, the only answer was to win the Main Event. And win he did in a tough regional setting.
Eyes on the Future: International Plans and Sustained Focus
Despite years spent primarily within domestic tournaments, Higgins now plans to take his game abroad. Having finally secured a passport, he anticipates travel either later this year or next. For the Southern Circuit, however, Higgins remains an enduring fixture—his results in 2026 alone reinforce his place among the region's most accomplished tournament professionals.
The combination of persistence through variance, repeated Circuit success, and aspirations beyond US events makes Higgins one to watch as he eyes even broader horizons.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many WSOP Circuit rings has Matt Higgins won?
Matt Higgins has now won ten WSOP Circuit rings, with his most recent coming from the 2026 Tunica Main Event.
What notable win did Higgins achieve earlier in 2026?
Earlier in 2026, Matt Higgins won the Mystery Millions at the World Series of Poker, claiming his first bracelet and a $1,000,000 prize.
Who finished second in the WSOP Circuit Tunica Main Event?
Daniel Garner placed as the runner-up in the Tunica Main Event, taking home $74,824 after a strong performance at the final table.
What motivated Higgins at the Tunica stop?
A difficult cash-game stretch prior to the event motivated Higgins to chase victory at the Tunica Main Event, which he subsequently won.
Is Matt Higgins planning to play poker internationally?
Higgins plans to travel and compete internationally in late 2026 or early 2027, now that he has acquired his passport.
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About the author
Daniel Reyes
Poker Correspondent
Daniel Reyes covers live and online poker — tournament series from the WSOP and EPT down to the daily online grind, room news, promotions, and the industry moves behind them. The reports keep every score, prize pool, and player name exactly as the record shows, and follow the story past the final hand: who qualified, what the payout structure rewarded, and how the field is shifting. For roster changes, software updates, and regulatory knocks on the poker economy, Daniel Reyes is the desk's first read.
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