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Get Ready for Winter’s Hottest Poker Action: The 2026 Potomac Winter Poker Open

Every February, poker players from across the region and beyond make a beeline for Maryland’s premier gambling destination — and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest years yet. The Potomac Winter Poker Open is returning to MGM National Harbor from February 11–23, 2026, delivering more competitive action, bigger prize pools, and a fresh tournament format designed to appeal to recreational players and seasoned pros alike. 

🎲 What’s New in 2026

This year’s series brings a refreshed format crafted to elevate the experience for everyone involved. For the first time, tournaments will be held directly on the casino floor in The Poker Room — putting the action front and center amid the buzz of the MGM’s gaming atmosphere. 

Highlights include:

23 trophied events over 13 action-packed days.  A strong mix of multi-day tournaments and mixed-game formats that test a range of poker skills.  A Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) designed to give back to the community while keeping competition fierce. 

Whether you’re chasing the glory of a hard-fought tournament win or just looking to enjoy some low-stress tables with friends, the series has something for every type of player.

🏆 Featured Events

While the full schedule is packed with intriguing stops, a few key events promise to be particularly big draws:

💰 Opener with a Major Guarantee

The series kicks off with a big Opener event featuring a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool and multiple starting flights — perfect for players who want plenty of chances to make deep runs. 

⭐ Main Event

The $3,000 buy-in Main Event is always the marquee headliner. This year it comes with a $750,000 guaranteed prize pool and multiple starting flights designed to build excitement and attract a competitive field. 

🎯 Mixed Games & Specialty Events

In addition to No-Limit Hold’em staples, the schedule features:

Tag Team poker — partner up and take on the field.  Seniors and Super Seniors events — celebrating experienced players with age-specific buy-ins.  Women’s event — promoting inclusion and community competition.  Mixed game formats like Big O, PLO, and 8-Game Mix for players who like variety. 

These additions make the tournament more than just a typical No-Limit Hold’em grind — they bring diversity, strategy, and new ways to enjoy the game.

📍 Why It Matters

The Potomac Winter Poker Open is more than just a tournament — it’s become one of the East Coast’s signature winter poker festivals. Held against the stunning backdrop of the Potomac River and just a short ride from Washington, D.C., the event draws a wide mix of seasoned pros, regional regulars, and ambitious newcomers, creating an electric atmosphere that’s as social as it is competitive. 

In past years, the series has drawn hundreds of players and featured memorable stories — like deep runs and big chops in the Main Event — and 2026 is expected to continue that tradition with an even broader slate of events. 

🧳 Planning Your Trip

If you’re thinking of heading down, here are a few tips:

Book early — MGM National Harbor hotels and nearby accommodations tend to fill fast during poker festivals. Study the schedule — with so many events on the calendar, planning which tournaments you want to enter can save money and energy. Play smart — these festivals are marathons, not sprints. Know your buy-in budget and pace yourself.

Whether you’re chasing glory in the Main Event, trying your hand at mixed games, or just soaking in the poker community vibe, this year’s Potomac Winter Poker Open promises something for everyone.

🃏 Final Thoughts

From its expanded schedule to its fresh new competitive formats, the 2026 Potomac Winter Poker Open is shaping up to be one of the must-play poker series of the winter season. Mark your calendars for February 11–23, sharpen your strategy, and get ready to shuffle up and deal in Maryland this February! 

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