Poker fans, get ready for a massive showdown. The Borgata Winter Poker Open is back in Atlantic City from January 2 to 18, 2026, promising $8 million in guaranteed prizes and non-stop action. With big buy-ins and events for every player level, this festival could crown new champions and create unforgettable moments. But what makes this year’s lineup a must-play?
The Borgata Winter Poker Open, powered by BetMGM, will take over the Event Center at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. This 17-day festival packs in 37 numbered events, drawing players from across the East Coast and beyond.
At the heart of it all is the $3,500 buy-in Championship event, boasting a whopping $3 million guarantee. It starts on January 10 with the first of three starting flights, each kicking off at 11:15 a.m. ET. Flights continue on January 11 and 12, leading to Day 2 on January 13 at noon. The action builds to a live-streamed final table on January 15, where one player will claim the top prize.
Variety defines the schedule. Buy-ins range from affordable to high-stakes, ensuring beginners and pros alike find their spot. Online qualifiers are already running on BetMGM Poker, giving players a shot at seats without the full cost up front.
This setup builds on past successes. Last year’s events saw huge turnouts, and organizers expect even more this time with the added guarantees.
Behind the Scenes: What Players Can Expect
Kellie DeCelis, Director of Poker Operations at Borgata, shared her excitement about the event.
She highlighted how the festival caters to all levels. “Our 2026 schedule shows how committed we are to giving players at all levels something to get excited about,” DeCelis said. That includes room discounts, free parking codes, and dinner vouchers for participants.
The venue itself adds to the appeal. With 100 tables in the Event Center, cash games will run alongside tournaments, keeping the energy high all day.
Safety and fairness remain top priorities. Borgata follows strict gaming rules, ensuring a level playing field. Players must be 21 or older, and real-time registration happens only through BetMGM Poker.
One standout feature? Seven live streams planned for key events, letting fans watch from home.
Schedule Breakdown and Key Dates
Diving into the details, the festival starts strong on January 2 and runs through January 18.
Here’s a quick look at some major events:
- Kickoff Event: Begins January 2, with a guarantee that sets the tone for big pots.
- Championship Flights: January 10-12, building to the final on January 15.
- Closing Tournaments: High-roller options toward the end, wrapping up on January 18.
For a fuller picture, check out this simple table of highlighted dates and guarantees:
| Date | Event Type | Buy-In | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2-3 | Opening Multi-Flight | Varies | $500,000+ |
| Jan 10-15 | Championship | $3,500 | $3,000,000 |
| Jan 16-18 | High Roller and Closers | $5,000+ | $1,000,000+ |
These are just samples; the full lineup offers 75 total events, blending no-limit hold’em with other formats.
Players love the mix. Recent feedback from similar Borgata series shows turnout spikes when guarantees hit eight figures, like this one.
The economic boost to Atlantic City can’t be ignored. Casinos reported strong November growth last year, partly from poker crowds.
Impact on Poker Community and Beyond
This event isn’t just about cards; it shapes the poker world.
East Coast players see it as a premier stop, rivaling Vegas festivals. With $8 million on the line, it draws pros like past winners who turned small buys into life-changing wins.
For locals, it means jobs and tourism. Atlantic City thrives on these gatherings, with hotels filling up and restaurants buzzing.
One thing’s clear: BWPO could spark the next big poker story, from underdog victories to record-breaking pots.
Newcomers get a fair shot too. Satellites online make entry easier, leveling the field.
As poker grows in popularity, events like this keep the game fresh and accessible.
The Borgata Winter Poker Open 2026 stands as a beacon of excitement in the poker calendar, blending high stakes with inclusive play and delivering $8 million in guarantees that promise thrills for thousands. From the championship’s massive prize pool to the everyday perks like free parking and vouchers, it captures what makes live poker special, creating bonds and memories that last beyond the final hand.
