WSOP Paradise Super Main Event: 2025 Results & $50M Guarantee

The WSOP Paradise Super Main Event is set to be one of the biggest tournaments of the winter poker calendar, with a $25,000 buy-in and a $50 million guarantee for 2026. Here is a look at last year's results, the new schedule and what the larger guarantee means for players deciding whether to take a shot.

Quick answer: The 2026 WSOP Paradise runs December 2 to 17 at the Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas. Its Super Main Event costs $25,000 and carries a $50 million guarantee, up from a 2025 edition that drew 2,891 entries and a $72,275,000 prize pool.

2026 WSOP Paradise at a Glance

According to the schedule published by PokerNews, the 2026 series features 20 bracelet events, every one with a guaranteed prize pool, and $120 million in total guarantees. That is $50 million more than last year. The series has a new home, the Baha Mar Hotel and Resort in the Bahamas, and the Super Main Event begins on December 10.

• Dates: December 2 to 17, 2026
• Venue: Baha Mar Hotel and Resort, Bahamas
• Bracelet events: 20
• Total guarantees: $120 million
• Super Main Event: $25,000 buy-in, $50 million guarantee, starting December 10

Last Year's Super Main Event Results

The 2025 edition set a useful benchmark. The tournament attracted 2,891 entries and built a prize pool of $72,275,000. Bernhard Binder won the title and $10 million, beating Jean-Noel Thorel heads-up.

That pool was already far above the guarantee for this year's event, which tells us two things. First, the guarantee is conservative: it is set well below what last year's field produced, so it works more like insurance than a prediction. Second, if entries come in at a similar level, the final pool should clear $50 million with a wide margin, which means there is limited "overlay" value for players hoping the guarantee will be unmet.

Reading the Numbers

A $72.275 million pool across 2,891 entries works out to $25,000 per entry, so the full buy-in went to the prize pool in 2025. A $50 million guarantee at the same buy-in equals 2,000 entries. Last year's field was about 45% larger than that threshold. For anyone estimating the chance of overlay, that gap is the key figure.

Other Key Events on the Schedule

The Super Main Event is the headline, but the schedule covers a range of buy-ins. From the PokerNews listing:

• Event 1, Circuit Championship Mystery Bounty: $2,500 buy-in, $5 million guarantee, December 2. It is the cheapest event on the schedule, and last year's version drew 2,396 entries.
• Event 2, High Roller PLO/NLHE Mixed: $25,000, $1 million guarantee, December 3.
• Event 3, High Roller NLHE Single Day: $50,000, $2.5 million guarantee, December 4.
• Event 6, WSOP Invitational: $250,000, $10 million guarantee, December 5.
• Event 9, Super High Roller PLO: $100,000, $5 million guarantee, December 8.
• Event 11, Super High Roller NLHE: $100,000, $10 million guarantee, December 9.

The GGMillion$ NLHE Championship carries a $10,000 buy-in. PokerNews' own schedule table and article text differ on its date and guarantee, so check the official WSOP listing before booking travel around it.

Crypto Payments and Early-Bird Packages

Solana is the official crypto partner for the series, and players can pay for entries in cryptocurrency on Solana with no processing fees. PokerNews reports that Solana handled around $23 million in payments at the 2026 WSOP in Las Vegas, roughly 6% of buy-ins.

Two early-bird packages require a deposit by October 31, and both include a 16-night stay from December 2 to 18. The first covers $100,000 in buy-ins plus a $5,000 deposit and includes a Deluxe Room with resort fees. The second covers $300,000 in buy-ins plus a $10,000 deposit and adds a VIP fast-track meet and greet, return transfers and buffet access. These packages are aimed at high-volume players rather than casual travelers.

Should You Play the Super Main Event?

A $25,000 buy-in is a large commitment for most players, and the decision should rest on bankroll rather than excitement. A common guideline for high-variance tournaments is to carry many buy-ins for the format so a long losing run does not force you to stop playing. Our bankroll management lessons cover how to size your risk, and the same principles apply even if a sponsor, backer or satellite win covers your seat.

Consider Satellites and Staking

Many players reach events like this through online satellites, live qualifiers or backing deals instead of paying the full price. Satellites can turn a small buy-in into a seat, but they are tournaments with their own variance. If you plan to take a stake from backers, agree on terms in writing before the event and be clear about makeup and markup.

Prepare for Deep-Stack Structure

Big-buy-in events usually offer deeper stacks and longer levels than smaller fields, which rewards post-flop skill. Brush up on stack-depth fundamentals and late-stage decisions, including ICM strategy, since pay jumps in a field of nearly 3,000 entries are large. You can also review hands with our poker training videos before you travel.

What the Bigger Guarantee Signals

A $120 million total across 20 events shows how much the WSOP is leaning on winter destination festivals. The Bahamas move adds a resort setting to a calendar already crowded with PokerStars, partypoker and WPT stops. For players, more big guarantees mean more chances at overlay and more soft spots in the field, but they also mean tougher competition from professionals who chase value across the calendar.

If you prefer to play from home, browse our list of the best online poker sites for satellite schedules and ongoing tournament series.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 WSOP Paradise Super Main Event?

The Super Main Event starts on December 10, 2026, as part of a series running December 2 to 17 at Baha Mar in the Bahamas.

What is the buy-in and guarantee?

The buy-in is $25,000 and the guarantee is $50 million.

Who won the 2025 Super Main Event?

Bernhard Binder won $10 million after beating Jean-Noel Thorel heads-up. The event drew 2,891 entries and a $72,275,000 prize pool.

How many bracelet events are there?

There are 20 bracelet events in 2026, all with guaranteed prize pools totaling $120 million.

Conclusion

The WSOP Paradise Super Main Event combines a large guarantee with last year's record-style numbers, so the real question for most players is bankroll fit rather than field size. Check the official schedule for final dates, plan your travel early and sharpen your tournament game before you go. Ready to build your skills? Start with our beginner poker guide and work up to deep-stack tournament strategy.