Philadelphia, January 23, 2026
The PokerStars Open Philadelphia is back, set to take place at Live! Casino & Hotel from March 16 to 23. This eight-day festival features seven events, including a $1,100 Main Event with a $500,000 guarantee, and aims to grow Philadelphia’s poker community. Last year’s inaugural event attracted over 1,100 players, highlighting the vibrant local atmosphere and commitment to fostering inclusivity in poker. With opportunities for online qualifications starting as low as $10, the festival encourages participation from players across multiple states and provinces.
PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026: A Local Poker Extravaganza
PokerStars Open returns with exciting events in March 2026
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – The eagerly anticipated PokerStars Open Philadelphia is set to light up Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia from March 16 to 23, 2026. This eight-day live poker festival promises to offer an array of enticing competitions, topped off by a remarkable $500,000 guaranteed for its Main Event.
Local organizers have displayed commendable resilience and initiative in bringing this event back following the success of its inaugural season in 2025, where more than 1,100 players participated. The positive impact of such events contributes not only to Philadelphia’s vibrant community atmosphere but also showcases how reduced bureaucratic hurdles can facilitate local event coordination and success.
Festival Highlights and Events
This year’s festival will feature a total of seven trophy events destined to captivate both seasoned poker aficionados and enthusiastic newcomers alike. Among the key attractions are:
- $1,100 Main Event (March 18–22) – $500,000 guarantee
- Women’s Event (March 20) – $10,000 guarantee
- PokerStars Cup (March 22) – $40,000 guarantee
Additionally, on March 23, a special satellite tournament will provide participation in the Live! Poker Classic Main Event in Maryland. Participants can enter the $220 buy-in satellite competition to win one of twenty available seats, valued at $22,000, offering players unique opportunities to elevate their game.
Access and Qualifying Opportunities
The PokerStars Open Philadelphia champions inclusivity and accessibility, as players can qualify online for the various competitions starting as low as $10. This opens doors for poker enthusiasts across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and Ontario. Such initiatives contribute to a thriving poker culture through individual choices, empowering players to take their shot at the significant prize pools available.
Recap of Last Year’s Success
The inaugural PokerStars Open Philadelphia in 2025 was nothing short of an overwhelming success, attracting 1,154 talented participants and generating a prize pool exceeding $1.1 million. Edward Leonard emerged victorious, taking home $147,806 after a strategic three-way deal, highlighting the competitive spirit and camaraderie prevalent within the local poker community.
A Community Event to Look Forward To
The PokerStars Open not only serves as an enthralling highlight for poker lovers but also activates economic growth and social engagement in Philadelphia. Such events bolster the city’s recreational activities, offering players and spectators alike the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.
Concluding Thoughts
The upcoming PokerStars Open Philadelphia in March 2026 is more than just a series of poker tournaments; it epitomizes how local initiative and community collaboration can yield impressive outcomes. As momentum builds towards this exciting festival, local residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate and immerse themselves in the dynamic world of poker.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the dates for the PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026?
The PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026 will take place from March 16 to 23, 2026.
Where is the event being held?
The event will be held at Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What are the key events during the festival?
The festival features seven trophy events, including the $1,100 Main Event with a $500,000 guarantee, the Women’s Event with a $10,000 guarantee, and the PokerStars Cup with a $40,000 guarantee.
How can I qualify for the Main Event?
Players can qualify online through PokerStars satellites starting at $10. These satellites are available to players in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and Ontario.
Is there a satellite event for the Live! Poker Classic Main Event?
Yes, a special satellite tournament will be held on March 23, sending players to the Live! Poker Classic Main Event in Maryland. PokerStars is adding twenty seats to the $220 buy-in satellite, valued at $22,000.
Key Features of the PokerStars Open Philadelphia 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | March 16–23, 2026 |
| Venue | Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Main Event Buy-In | $1,100 |
| Main Event Guarantee | $500,000 |
| Number of Trophy Events | 7 |
| Online Satellite Buy-In | Starting at $10 |
| Satellite Availability | Players in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and Ontario |
| Special Satellite Event | March 23, 2026, sending players to Live! Poker Classic Main Event in Maryland |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
