The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has announced a major partnership with the Solana Foundation, bringing cryptocurrency payments to one of the world's most prestigious poker tournaments. Through the collaboration, players will be able to buy into WSOP events using Solana (SOL) and Solana-based stablecoins, while stablecoin prize payouts are also set to become available later this year.
The initiative marks one of the largest integrations of blockchain payments into professional poker and reflects the growing adoption of crypto across the global gaming and entertainment industries.
We are proud to announce Solana as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 World Series of Poker!
— WSOP - World Series of Poker (@WSOP) June 10, 2026
Playing poker and investing both require discipline, emotional control, and the ability to make the best decision with incomplete information.
This partnership marks a major step… pic.twitter.com/esfqV1TdtR
We are proud to announce Solana as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 World Series of Poker!
— WSOP - World Series of Poker (@WSOP) June 10, 2026
Playing poker and investing both require discipline, emotional control, and the ability to make the best decision with incomplete information.
This partnership marks a major step… pic.twitter.com/esfqV1TdtR
Crypto Buy-Ins Arrive at the World's Biggest Poker Tournament
The partnership will utilize MoonPay's payment infrastructure, allowing participants to register for tournaments using SOL or supported stablecoins without paying processing fees.
Tournament payouts in stablecoins are expected to debut at WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas this December, giving players faster access to their winnings while reducing the delays and costs often associated with traditional banking transfers.
According to Solana Foundation Chief Product Officer Vibhu Norby, blockchain technology offers significant advantages for poker players who regularly move funds across borders.
The system is designed to provide instant settlements, lower costs, and greater accessibility, particularly for international competitors traveling to major poker events.
Global Players Could Benefit From Faster Payments
For many professional poker players, transferring prize money internationally can involve lengthy banking procedures and expensive fees.
The new crypto payment system aims to simplify that process by allowing winnings to be distributed almost instantly through Solana's high-speed blockchain network.
MoonPay Commerce President Jim Walker described crypto as a natural solution for the poker industry, highlighting its ability to support borderless payments and seamless global transactions.
The organizations expect strong adoption as players increasingly seek faster and more efficient financial tools for tournament participation.
Solana Expands Its Presence in Mainstream Sports
Beyond payment processing, the agreement also makes the Solana Foundation the official presenting sponsor of the 2026 World Series of Poker and WSOP Paradise.
Solana branding will appear throughout tournament broadcasts, live event venues, and even on the poker tables themselves, significantly increasing the blockchain's visibility among millions of viewers worldwide.
The partnership also includes plans to develop on-chain poker products, although additional details about those blockchain-based experiences have yet to be revealed.
Blockchain Continues Moving Into Entertainment
The World Series of Poker hosts approximately 50 tournaments around the world each year and has awarded more than $4 billion in prize money since its inception.
Its iconic Main Event, featuring a $10,000 buy-in, remains one of the largest poker competitions globally and attracts thousands of players from dozens of countries every year.
By integrating crypto payments and stablecoin settlements, WSOP joins a growing list of major entertainment brands exploring blockchain technology to modernize financial operations and improve the overall experience for participants worldwide.
