May 2026 Poker Tournament Preview: EPT Monte Carlo Opens, WSOP Starts at End of Month

According to industry media Pokeritaliaweb, May 2026 will be a month packed with poker tournaments. The European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo stop will kick off in early May, followed by the World Series of Poker (WSOP) starting in late May and running through July in Las Vegas.

EPT Monte Carlo

The EPT Monte Carlo stop is a classic leg of the European Poker Tour, typically held in the spring. Monte Carlo, as Europe's gambling and entertainment hub, attracts top poker players from around the world with its luxurious venue and massive prize pools. The EPT Monte Carlo Main Event is usually a No-Limit Hold'em tournament with a buy-in of around €10,000, along with numerous side events. Although the specific schedule has not been released, following past conventions, the event will last approximately 10 days.

WSOP Series

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is the largest and most historic poker tournament series globally. The 2026 WSOP is expected to begin in late May at the Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas. The entire series includes over 100 gold bracelet events covering various poker variants, with the Main Event buy-in set at $10,000. The WSOP typically runs from late May to mid-July, with the Main Event final table taking place in July.

The 2026 WSOP coincides with a historic milestone—since its inception in 1970, the WSOP has spanned 56 years. Each year, the WSOP attracts tens of thousands of participants, with total prize pools exceeding hundreds of millions of dollars. The May kickoff will signal the start of another bracelet chase.

Significance for Poker Enthusiasts

For poker players and fans, May is a critical period for following tournament updates. The EPT Monte Carlo stop offers an opportunity to compete at a top European casino venue, while the WSOP is the annual highlight of the global poker community. Whether online or live, players can secure seats via satellites. It is recommended that players keep an eye on the official schedules early to plan their participation or viewing trips.

Please note that the above event information is based on typical arrangements; specific dates and formats are subject to official announcements.