BetMGM Poker Championship Returns to Las Vegas with Bigger Stakes and a $4 Million Guarantee

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BetMGM Poker Championship Returns to Las Vegas with Bigger Stakes and a $4 Million Guarantee

Summer in Las Vegas always means one thing for poker players, big tournaments, big fields, and even bigger prize pools. In 2026, BetMGM is raising the stakes once again as the BetMGM Poker Championship returns to ARIA Resort & Casino as part of the highly anticipated ARIA Poker Classic.

Running from June 29 through July 4, this marquee No-Limit Hold’em event features a $3,500 buy-in and a massive $4 million guaranteed prize pool, a $1 million increase from last year. It’s quickly becoming one of the must-play events of the summer poker calendar.



A Centerpiece Event in the Summer Poker Scene

The BetMGM Poker Championship headlines the broader ARIA Poker Classic, which runs from May 29 to July 13 inside ARIA’s world-class poker room. With Las Vegas packed during the summer months, this event continues to grow into a major destination for both recreational players and seasoned pros.

According to BetMGM’s Director of Poker, David Mileaf, the event represents the evolution of modern poker—bridging online qualifiers with live, high-end tournament experiences on the Las Vegas Strip.

Online Qualifiers Start at Just $10

One of the biggest draws to this championship is accessibility. Players in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan can qualify online through BetMGM Poker for a fraction of the $3,500 buy-in.

Qualification Paths:

  • Championship Satellites
    • Start at $10 or $25
    • Advance to $100 or $250 finals
    • Weekly qualifiers (Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays)
    • Win direct seats into the Championship
  • ARIA Package Route
    • Step satellites starting at $5 and $50
    • Win a $7,200 prize package including:
      • Championship entry
      • Hotel stay
      • $500 cash

A final push of qualifiers takes place June 21–23, giving players one last shot to secure their seat before the action begins in Las Vegas.



A Growing Legacy at ARIA

Sean McCormack of MGM Resorts International emphasized how the event has rapidly become a cornerstone of the summer poker schedule. By combining BetMGM’s online reach with ARIA’s luxury poker environment, the championship continues to attract larger fields and bigger prize pools year after year.

Coverage, Rankings, and Rewards

For fans and players who can’t make it to Vegas, live updates and tournament coverage will be available via Poker.org.

All tournament results will also be tracked on major poker ranking platforms, including:

  • Global Poker Index
  • The Hendon Mob

Players competing in the event can also earn rewards through BetMGM’s loyalty system, redeemable for bonus play, hotel perks, and travel rewards.

For more information on BetMGM, follow @BetMGM on X.

Want More Poker Content?

If you’re looking for even more poker insight, stories, and strategy, make sure to tune into the monthly Nerdthusiast Poker Podcast hosted by Brian Keane and Anthony HOAGIE Cicali III. From tournament breakdowns to behind-the-scenes stories in the poker world, it’s a must-listen for any fan of the game. Check it out now at NerdthusiastPoker.com and stream on Spotify.



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