Updated December 26, 2025
For over 50 years, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) has attracted the best players to Las Vegas.
The 57th edition runs from May 26 to July 15, 2026, at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas, the same iconic venues since 2022.
First time attending? It's a lot to take in, but the basics are simpler than you'd think.
This article shows you everything you need to know about registration, getting around, and what to expect.
Bring Your ID
A valid photo ID is essential. Accepted documents include a passport, government-issued ID, driver's licence or, for US residents, a permanent resident alien card.
You may be carded when entering the casino floor or ordering drinks, but you'll definitely need ID to obtain a Player's Card, which is required for all events.
Get a Player's Card
To register for any WSOP poker tournament, including non-bracelet events like daily deepstacks, you need a Caesars Rewards Loyalty card. These are free and take less than five minutes to obtain.
Visit any Caesars Entertainment property in the US or head to the information desk at Paris Las Vegas to get it. You can also create an account online at the Caesars Rewards website in certain jurisdictions.
Download the WSOP+ App
In addition to your Caesars Rewards card, the WSOP+ app, introduced in 2025, is now mandatory for all participants. Before your first event, you'll need to complete a one-time ID verification at the Champagne Ballroom in Paris, Las Vegas.
After that, you can register for any tournament directly through the app - no more queuing at the cage for every event. You’ll also receive real-time seat alerts, access structure sheets, and track results. All from your phone!
World Series of Poker Registration Guide
Did you take care of the poker player’s card and the WSOP+ app?
You’re ready to register for your first event! There are two ways to register for events: online through the WSOP+ app, or in person at the venue.
Both require a verified WSOP+ account:
#1 Registering Online
Once your WSOP+ account is verified, you can register and pay for events directly through the app. Accepted payment methods include credit card (up to $10,000 buy-ins), ACH, PayPal, and Luxon Pay. Credit cards incur a 3% fee.
After registering, head straight to your table. (Your digital ticket is in the app, or you can print it at the Main Cage).
#2 Registering in Person
If you prefer the traditional route, head to the Champagne Ballroom in the Paris Convention Centre. Bring your ID, Caesars Rewards card, and buy-in. Accepted payment methods include cash, casino chips, credit cards, cashier's cheques, and wire transfers.
In-person registration begins shortly before the series starts and runs daily until it ends.
For high-demand events, queues can stretch for over an hour. Pre-registering through the app days in advance saves time, or try visiting late at night when fewer players are about.
Finding Your Seat
After registering, you'll receive your table and seat assignment. If you registered through the app, your digital ticket shows everything you need. Just head to your table and show it to the dealer. If you registered in person, you'll receive two slips: one for you and one for the dealer.
The tournament area uses colour-coded sections:
Your ticket will show something like "Blue" for Table 88 Seat 8 - just look for the matching signs hanging above each section.
Running late? You can late register through the app. It adds you to a virtual queue and sends an alert when your seat is ready.
If you prefer, the late registration desk can also assign you a seat on the spot.
Plan Ahead
Tournaments include regular breaks, typically every two hours, and often a dinner break. Check the structure sheet in the WSOP+ app to plan your time.
- Bathrooms get packed during breaks, so heading there a couple of minutes early can save you valuable time.
- For dinner, decide in advance where you'll eat. Restaurants inside the Horseshoe and Paris fill up fast, and venturing off-property means dealing with traffic.
Parking and Accommodation
Two parking facilities serve the venue: the Paris Las Vegas Parking Garage and the Horseshoe Parking Lot, behind the Horseshoe off Koval Lane. Valet is available at both hotel entrances, and weekly passes can be purchased at the WSOP Main Cage.
Rooms at Horseshoe and Paris go fast during the series, so book accommodation early! The code "WSOP26" on the Caesars website gets you preferential rates at both properties.
Enjoy the Experience
Playing at the World Series of Poker is a dream for thousands of players, whether it's a preliminary event or the Main Event. The tournament floor attracts players from all walks of life, and you might be surprised who you end up chatting with.
Don't be intimidated if you're seated next to a familiar face – striking up a conversation is part of the atmosphere, even if it’s with one of the greatest poker players of all time.
And if you've been too focused on socialising, the final level of the night is your chance - often called "Beer Level".
It's when many players order a drink before bagging their chips. A tradition worth joining.
Winning a Bracelet
If you win an event, you'll stay at the table for an official photo with the bracelet and the winning poker hand. The media will want a few minutes to hear your story.
A staff member will coordinate a WSOP bracelet ceremony, usually the next day. If you accept, you'll be publicly recognised during the first break of play. Expect applause.
Afterwards, you'll collect your prize at the payout desk. You can receive it in cash or chips, but a cheque or wire transfer is the practical choice for larger amounts.
Tipping dealers is not mandatory but encouraged. Many winners tip between 3% and 5% of their prize, a gesture of appreciation for the staff who work hard throughout the summer.
Ready to Play
The WSOP can feel overwhelming at first, but the essentials are straightforward:
- A valid ID
- Your Caesars Rewards card
- The WSOP+ app
- And a bit of planning!
Once you're seated, the rest takes care of itself. See you at the tables!
