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The 2026 WSOP Paradise series will feature a new twist on the “pros versus Joe’s” concept with a $250,000 buy-in Pro-Am event set to take place in the Bahamas this December. The three-day tournament will crown a gold bracelet winner, blending professional talent with recreational players in a single field.
This is not the first time poker has staged a pros-versus-amateurs concept. Back in 2015, Poker Central, now known as PokerGO, ran a shootout-style event pitting celebrities against professionals. That competition ended with actor Kevin Pollak and poker legend Vanessa Selbst facing off in a best-of-three finale, which Selbst won for a $1 million prize.
Triton Poker has also explored similar formats, most notably with the $250,000 Triton Invitational at last year’s WSOP Paradise. That invite-only event was won by Kayhan Mokri, who collected $7,725,000.
The WSOP Pro-Am, however, will differ in structure. Professionals will be able to register on their own without needing an invitation from an amateur partner. Amateur players, meanwhile, must submit an application for approval, which will be reviewed by a dedicated WSOP Pro-Am committee to determine eligibility.
Play will begin with pros and amateurs competing in separate fields. Once the tournament reaches the money, both groups will merge into a single field, continuing in standard format until a bracelet champion is determined.
WSOP Paradise will run from December 2-17 at the Baha Mar Hotel & Resort, featuring 21 bracelet events overall, including a Super Main Event with a $50 million guarantee.
