The World Series of Poker Circuit: Tulsa's Premier Poker Event

TULSA, Okla. (Aug. 18, 2026) — Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa is raising the stakes as the World Series of Poker storms into town Aug. 26 - Sept. 7 for 12 days of action and the crowning of Tulsa’s next WSOP champion.

The tournament consists of 45 events over 13 days, including the Main Event Championship event beginning on Friday, Sept. 4, and concluding on Monday, Sept. 7. The stop features 18 official WSOP Circuit Ring events, including two Seniors No Limit Hold’em events, a ladies’ event and the return of the popular 40-40-40 event that features 40-minute levels and a $40,000 starting stack for players 40 years old or older.

Event buy-ins range from $140 to $1,700.

WSOP Circuit Events are a series of poker tournaments held across the United States and around the world. The Aug. 26 launch of the Hard Rock Tulsa circuit marks its second run in the season. The Main Event Championship winner will go on to represent the circuit at the 2026 WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas.

The Main Event winner will also join Coweta-native Robert Shuptrine in December. Shuptrine, coming off a poker hiatus, beat out a Circuit Main Event field of 478 national players in March to earn $142,758, his first WSOP Circuit ring and a seat at the 2026 WSOP Paradise. He previously placed 44th at the Hard Rock Tulsa Main Event in 2019.

Former Hard Rock Tulsa Circuit champions have also parlayed their success to achieve professional glory at the World Series of Poker Main Event tournament in Las Vegas. The 2024 circuit champion Han Feng placed fifth at the 2026 Main Event table earlier this month, landing $2.25 million for his finish. In 2024, the Houston, Texas, native achieved his then-career-best of $144,413 to earn the Hard Rock Tulsa hardware.

Players can qualify for 2026 WSOP Paradise in several ways: a) win a Circuit Main Event at any domestic or international stop; b) win a Casino Championship, which is defined as the player at each stop who accumulates the most points throughout the 12-event gold ring schedule at any domestic or international stop; or c) be one of the top 50 cumulative point-earners over the entire season who hasn’t otherwise qualified (domestic tour only).

Guests must be at least 21 years old to play.

For more information on the WSOP Circuit, visit here.

About Cherokee Nation Entertainment

Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the gaming and hospitality company of the Cherokee Nation. What began as a small bingo hall in Roland, Oklahoma, has evolved into one of the region’s largest and most dynamic gaming and hospitality enterprises, generating more than $1 billion in annual revenue, employing over 4,000 people, and welcoming more than 10 million visitors each year. With more than three decades of experience delivering world-class entertainment, CNE owns and operates the renowned Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa and nine Cherokee Casinos throughout Oklahoma, including a racino, three resort hotels, a championship golf course, and a variety of dining, retail and entertainment venues. CNE also operates Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi, one of the most recognized gaming destinations in the Mid-South. As a key economic engine for the Cherokee Nation, CNE is deeply committed to improving the lives of Cherokee citizens and strengthening communities through job creation, cultural preservation and reinvestment in vital services. For more information, visit HardRockCasinoTulsa.com, CherokeeCasino.com and GoldStrike.com.

About Hard Rock® 

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in nearly 75 countries spanning more than 300 locations including owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia with more than 88,000 pieces displayed at locations around the globe. The Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties. In addition, Hard Rock Digital spotlights the sports betting and iGaming experience with products remixed in the spirit of Hard Rock for players worldwide. HRI has received numerous industry and destination awards across the travel, hospitality, gaming, entertainment and food & beverage sectors. HRI currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB-) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.