PokerStars WCOOP 2026 Guarantees $6.5M in Main Events on September 27-28
The 2026 World Championship of Online Poker from PokerStars reaches its final stretch with six Main Events and $6.5 million guaranteed; the festival features 121 events, highlights professional victories, and Brazil's leadership.

Key Takeaways
- The PokerStars WCOOP 2026 festival offers six Main Events with $6.5 million guaranteed on September 27 and 28.
- Patrick Leonard reaches 15 titles, just one shy of Benny Glaser's all-time record.
- Brazil leads the country ranking with 58 titles, followed by the United Kingdom and Austria.
- Vanessa Kade won the Women’s World Championship, with Marle Spragg on the podium.
- Qualifiers and promotions allow entry from $0.55 for the big tournaments.
The 2026 edition of the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) from PokerStars enters its final week with six Main Events scheduled between September 27 and 28, and a total of $6.5 million in guaranteed prizes just for these finals. The festival runs until September 30 and encompasses 121 events and 350 tournaments at High, Medium, and Low levels, with buy-ins ranging from $5.50 to $25,000 across multiple online poker formats.
Six Main Events and $6.5 Million at Stake in PokerStars WCOOP 2026
The structure of the Main Events in WCOOP 2026 includes:
- September 27:
- $109 NLHE Main Event L ($1.25M guaranteed)
- $1,050 NLHE Main Event M ($2M guaranteed)
- $10,300 NLHE Main Event H/NLHE Championship ($2.5M guaranteed)
- September 28:
- $109 PLO Main Event L ($100,000 guaranteed)
- $1,050 PLO Main Event M ($250,000 guaranteed)
- $10,300 PLO Main Event H/PLO Championship ($400,000 guaranteed)
The operator allows players to qualify for these tournaments through satellites from $0.55, special Spin & Go editions from $0.75, and the WCOOP Lucky Dip, which distributes $500,000 in WCOOP tickets.
Notable Results at the Start of the Festival
Several figures from the professional poker scene have already secured significant victories in this edition, as reported by PokerStars. Patrick “pads1161” Leonard claimed the $530 NLE Turbo for $15,428, reaching his fifteenth WCOOP title, just one shy of the all-time leader Benny “RunGodlike” Glaser. Joao “Naza114” Vieira obtained the world title in the $1,050 PLO8, earning $27,202 in prizes after 121 entries, thereby achieving his 14th WCOOP title. Niklas “Lena900” Astedt triumphed in two tournaments ($1,050 PLO and $5,200 Thursday Thrill HR PKO), amassing $103,281 in prizes and also achieving 14 WCOOP titles, tying with Denis “aDrENalin710” Strebkov for second place in PokerStars' all-time list.
Other notable results include Ole “wizowizo” Schemion's victory in the $10,300 PKO High Roller with a prize of $139,969, and the twelfth WCOOP title for Renan “Internett93o” Bruschi in the $1,050 NLHE Turbo, taking home $21,190 and marking his third triumph in the current series. Vanessa “Niffller” Kade won the $215 Women’s World Championship for $4,049 (75 entries), while PokerStars ambassador Marle “MarlzTV” Spragg finished third with $2,269.
"Patrick Leonard solidifies with 15 WCOOP titles, just one away from Benny Glaser’s record." — PokerStars Team
Brazilian Leadership in the WCOOP 2026 Medal Table
The competition by country highlights Brazil, which leads the WCOOP 2026 medal table with 58 titles to date. The United Kingdom follows in second place with 32 titles, and Austria ranks third with 16 victories. Representation from Latin America is strengthened by these figures, showcasing the development of online poker in the region.
Formats, Levels, and Qualification Alternatives
WCOOP 2026 comprises a total of 121 Main Events and 350 tournaments across High, Medium, and Low levels. Buy-ins vary widely, from $5.50 for entry-level tournaments to the premium level of $25,000. The range covers different formats of poker, allowing access for both recreational players and elite contenders. PokerStars maintains its open policy during the festival, offering qualifying satellites, promotions, and tickets through the WCOOP Lucky Dip. More information and results updates can be followed in the news section or upcoming specialized events.
Looking Ahead as the Festival Concludes
The World Championship of Online Poker 2026 solidifies its status as one of the premier series of the global season, with a schedule reiterating PokerStars' commitment to diversity and access to substantial prizes. The performances from both seasoned and emerging players bolster the series' prestige, culminating in the final stretch marked by six Main Events and the allure of $6.5 million in guarantees on September 27 and 28.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the Main Events of PokerStars WCOOP 2026 scheduled?
The six Main Events of WCOOP 2026 are set for September 27 (NLHE) and September 28 (PLO), with a total of $6.5 million in guaranteed prizes.
Which professional players have stood out in WCOOP 2026?
Patrick Leonard secured his 15th WCOOP title, while Joao Vieira and Niklas Astedt each achieved 14 titles during the series.
How can one qualify for the Main Events of WCOOP 2026?
Players can qualify for the Main Events through satellites starting at $0.55, special Spin & Go from $0.75, and tickets via WCOOP Lucky Dip, which distributes $500,000 in entries.
Which countries lead the WCOOP 2026 medal table?
Brazil occupies the top position with 58 titles, followed by the United Kingdom with 32 and Austria with 16, according to PokerStars data.
How many events does the PokerStars WCOOP 2026 encompass?
The festival consists of 121 Main Events and a total of 350 tournaments, covering High, Medium, and Low levels with buy-ins ranging from $5.50 to $25,000.
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About the author

Sofía Carrasco
Poker Correspondent
Sofía Carrasco covers live and online poker — tournament series from the WSOP and EPT to the daily room grind, promotions, and the industry moves behind them. The reports keep every score, pot, and player name exactly as the record shows, and follow the story past the final hand: who qualified, what the structure rewarded, and how the field is shifting. For player moves, software, and regulation across the poker economy, Sofía Carrasco is the first read.
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