WSOP Circuit Council Bluffs presents 18 events and Paradise prizes in September
The WSOP Circuit returns to Horseshoe Council Bluffs with 18 events, a $5,000 Paradise package, and highlighted opportunities for regional and professional players.
Key Takeaways
- WSOP Circuit Council Bluffs offers 18 events with rings and a $5,000 Paradise package.
- The $1,700 Main Event will be played from September 25-28 with two days of starting flights.
- Ryan Brown won the 2025 Main Event, defeating a field of 265 players to take home $85,239.
- Ari Engel achieved his 20th Circuit ring in the previous Council Bluffs series.
- Monster Stack and Mini Main Event kick off the schedule, both with unlimited reentries.
The upcoming stop of the WSOP Circuit at Horseshoe Council Bluffs, Iowa, offers 18 tournaments to compete for rings and a $5,000 WSOP Paradise package. This annual series attracts local Midwestern players and seasoned professionals looking to enhance their records ahead of the Main Event in Austin, Texas. Council Bluffs, situated along the Missouri River and near Omaha, Nebraska, has traditionally been a favorable venue for those seeking Circuit rings in a competitive yet accessible environment.
Featured names and previous results in Council Bluffs
In the previous edition, experienced figures and new talents shared the rings. Ari Engel achieved his 20th Circuit title by winning the $1,100 No-Limit Hold'em event just hours after arriving in town. Kasey Mills triumphed in the $400 Pot-Limit Omaha 8 or Better tournament, and Liam Gannon — a reporter for PokerOrg — celebrated his first ring in the $400 Mini Main Event. Steven Gnatovich claimed victory in the $400 Pot-Limit Omaha after participating at multiple tables simultaneously. Jared Ward emerged victorious in the $400 Black Chip Bounty, while Andre Allen was a double winner, capturing both the Monster Stack and the Double Stack.
"Council Bluffs continues to be a cornerstone of the circuit due to its community and competitive schedule," emphasized PokerOrg while reviewing the archive of last year's stories.
Schedule and key tournaments in WSOP Circuit Council Bluffs 2026
The series kicks off on Wednesday, September 16, and spans twelve days, featuring:
- Event #1: $400 Monster Stack (September 16-18), with three starting flights
- Event #2: $400 Mini Main Event (September 17-20), four starting flights
- Event #4: $400 40/40/40 (September 20-21)
- Event #6: $400 Seniors (September 21)
- Event #12: $1,100 NLH (September 24)
- Event #14: $1,700 Main Event (September 25-28)
Both the Monster Stack and the Mini Main Event allow unlimited reentries, generating significant participation volumes and driving attractive prize pools. Variants such as $400 Pot-Limit Omaha, $400 Big O, and tournaments aimed specifically at seniors are also highlighted.
The opportunity to win a WSOP Circuit ring: focus on the Main Event
The main event comes after the distribution of 13 rings: the $1,700 Main Event, which will start on Friday, September 25, with flights on Friday and Saturday and two reentries allowed per session. Qualifiers will advance to Day 2 on Sunday, September 27; the conclusion is scheduled for Monday, September 28. In 2025, Ryan Brown outlasted 265 entrants to take home $85,239 and his first ring after an intense final day lasting 13 hours, defeating Christopher Rodriguez in the heads-up. Kasey Mills and Jared Ward, champions of side events, were also among the notable finalists in that historic edition.
WSOPC Council Bluffs Main Event Structure
- Friday 25/9 (11:00): Day 1A
- Saturday 26/9 (11:00): Day 1B
- Sunday 27/9 (12:00): Day 2
- Monday 28/9 (12:00): Day 3
The competitive backdrop and reentry options favor player flow and prize pool generation, a key incentive within the B2B poker circuit.
Coverage and expectations for the WSOP Circuit in Iowa
The PokerOrg team will provide special coverage of the Main Event through its Instant Live channel, bringing daily results and developments from the Horseshoe Council Bluffs room. All details of the schedule and participation information are available on the official WSOP website and the WSOP Live app. With 18 events, additional prizes, and a regional competitive atmosphere, the stop in Council Bluffs remains one of the best opportunities to secure a ring and compete for a WSOP Paradise package.
Horseshoe Council Bluffs is ready to welcome players from across the region and solidify another edition of the prestigious circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the WSOP Circuit Council Bluffs 2026 held?
The series runs from September 16 to 28, 2026, at Horseshoe Council Bluffs, Iowa, featuring 18 tournaments and multiple variants.
What are the main highlighted tournaments in the schedule?
The $1,700 Main Event, $400 Monster Stack, and $400 Mini Main Event are key events, all with starting flights and reentries available.
Who were the players who won rings in the previous edition in Council Bluffs?
Ari Engel, Kasey Mills, Liam Gannon, Steven Gnatovich, Jared Ward, and Andre Allen all secured WSOP Circuit rings in the last Council Bluffs series.
What was the prize for the 2025 Main Event champion?
Ryan Brown won $85,239 and his first ring after overcoming a field of 265 players in the 2025 Main Event.
How can I access live coverage of the series?
PokerOrg will provide comprehensive coverage of the Main Event through its Instant Live feed, offering results and updates from Council Bluffs.
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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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