WSOP Circuit Debuts in Spain: Premiere at Casino Gran Vía Madrid

The World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP-C) is making headlines in 2026 with a consistent international growth strategy. After setting multiple records in North America over recent months, the next major milestone is now confirmed. For the first time in the history of the tour, a stop will be held in Spain. Casino Gran Vía in Madrid will host an 11-day poker festival running from October 23 through November 2, 2026. This decision reflects the massive popularity that live poker is currently enjoying globally and brings the prestigious brand directly into the heart of the Spanish capital.

The Madrid schedule includes eleven ring events designed to appeal to a wide range of player types and bankrolls. Entry fees start as low as €300 for the Mini Main Event and the Colossus tournament, reaching up to €2,500 for the High Roller event. The centerpiece of the series is the €1,500 Main Event, which kicks off on October 28. Organizers are relying on a mix of classic formats and modern variants like the Mystery Bounty to attract both professionals and ambitious amateurs. Anyone who wins one of the eleven gold rings in Madrid will not only secure a significant prize pool but also gain entry into an exclusive circle of international champions.

Numbers and facts

The lead-up to the Spanish debut was marked by impressive record numbers. At the Texas Card House in Austin, the Main Event in September drew 2,090 entries, breaking the previous record for a WSOP Circuit Main Event field. Eric Chang emerged victorious there, taking home $433,670. Almost simultaneously, the Super Circuit took place in Canada at the Playground Casino. The Main Event there attracted 2,844 players and generated a prize pool of CA$13,082,400. Mayukh Chakraborty won this tournament and took home CA$1.5 million. It was the largest live poker tournament ever held in Canada.

Expectations for the Madrid stop are correspondingly high. The Main Event (Ring #7) offers four starting flights, with Days 1A, 1B, and 1C played with 40-minute blind levels. The final flight, 1D, will be a turbo structure with 20-minute levels. Beyond the Main Event, other highlights include a €1,000 Deepstack event on October 31 and a special €550 Omaha tournament on the same day. The Colossus event provides the most opportunities to qualify for the final day on November 2, featuring six starting flights.

Background

The expansion into Spain is part of a larger strategy by the WSOP to solidify its presence in Europe and North America. In addition to Madrid, other locations on the October 2026 calendar include Casino Malta (September 25 to October 5), the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in California, and Harrah's Pompano Beach in Florida. Winning a ring this year is particularly lucrative due to an extra incentive: every ring winner of the 2026 season receives a $5,000 WSOP Paradise package. This includes the buy-in for the $2,750 Mystery Bounty event in the Bahamas as well as accommodations at the Baha Mar Resort.

"The World Series of Poker Circuit has spent much of 2026 breaking new ground, both at home and abroad, and players have been responding in huge numbers." - Calum Grant, Senior Editor at PokerNews

Why it matters for German players

For German poker players, the new stop in Madrid offers an attractive and easily accessible alternative to major events in Las Vegas. Since Spain is within the EU, travel is straightforward. However, those wishing to train online must adhere to the strict rules of the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). Providers licensed in Germany and listed on the GGL whitelist offer legal certainty but are bound by strict limits. This includes the cross-provider monthly deposit limit of €1,000, monitored via the LUGAS system. While live events like the one in Madrid often allow high buy-ins, online slots at German providers are limited to €1 per spin. Players should ensure they play on platforms that meet the player protection requirements of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) to avoid issues with prize payouts.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German casinos with a GGL license primarily focus on player protection and compliance with regulatory standards. While international series like the WSOP fuel the hype around poker, the offering in Germany remains highly regulated. GGL-licensed providers are not allowed to offer progressive jackpots for slots, which often shifts the focus more toward skill-based games like poker. The WSOP's presence in Europe could further increase interest in legal poker offerings in Germany. However, operators must ensure their marketing activities comply with restrictive advertising regulations that prohibit aggressive bonus promises. Those wishing to qualify for tournaments like Madrid should do so through official satellites at legal providers, as offers from MGA or Curacao casinos are considered illegal in Germany, providing no legal protection.