The inaugural WSOPC event in Austin attracted 1,709 total entries
The Texas poker landscape reached a significant milestone as the Texas Card House Austin hosted the state’s first World Series of Poker Circuit event, shattering attendance expectations. This historic series culminated in a record-breaking Main Event that drew an unprecedented number of players to the venue.
Even more history has been made in the Lone Star State!
Drawing 1,709 total entries across three Day One flights, the $1,700 NLH Main Event at the @texascardhouse WSOP Circuit has amassed a $2,589,135 total prize pool, setting a new record for the largest prize pool in Texas… pic.twitter.com/KF594OBAwO
— WSOP – World Series of Poker (@WSOP) May 3, 2026
By attracting a massive field of competitors, the tournament solidified its place as the largest poker event in the history of the state. The overwhelming participation numbers underscore the rapid growth and enthusiasm for professional poker within the region, establishing a new benchmark for future competitions.
Central to this success was the $1,700 Main Event, which commenced at the end of April with a $1 million guarantee. Interest in the tournament was so substantial that the initial prize pool estimate was surpassed long before the final registration window closed. By the time the third starting flight concluded, the field had grown to 1,709 total entries.
This surge in registration resulted in a final prize pool of $2,589,135, more than doubling the original promised amount. The individual who secures the top spot on the final day of play is scheduled to take home a significant first-place prize of $231,165.
Leadership at the Texas Card House expressed immense gratitude for the community support that made these figures possible. Chief Operating Officer Victor Leone noted that while the venue has celebrated many milestones, this specific event set a definitive record for the largest tournament prize pool ever seen in Texas.
The high level of engagement from local and traveling players alike suggests a bright future for similar high-stakes series in the state. As the tournament progressed toward its final stages, notable players, including Drake Kemper and Thomas Brabham emerged as early leaders, carrying substantial chip stacks into the later rounds of play to compete for the historic title.
