2026 WSOPC Council Bluffs: Schedule, Buy-ins & Main Event

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Wed Sep 16, 2026, 7:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

2026 WSOPC Council Bluffs: Schedule, Buy-ins & Main Event

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The 2026 WSOP Circuit Council Bluffs series is set to bring 18 ring events to Horseshoe Council Bluffs. The series begins September 16 and runs through September 28, giving players nearly two weeks of tournament action.

The annual Iowa stop attracts Midwest locals alongside traveling tournament professionals. This year's schedule combines affordable $400 events with several larger buy-in tournaments. As a result, players can pursue Circuit rings across multiple formats and stakes.

The series also offers an opportunity for players following major live events through US online poker sites. However, Council Bluffs provides a distinctly live tournament setting for players seeking WSOP Circuit hardware.

2026 WSOPC Council Bluffs Opens With Two $400 Events

The schedule begins with Event #1, the $400 Monster Stack, on September 16. Flights A through C run across September 16 and 17, giving players multiple opportunities to enter.

Event #2, the $400 Mini Main Event, follows on September 17. Its four starting flights run through September 19, continuing the series' focus on accessible buy-ins.

Several other $400 events then fill the middle portion of the festival. Those tournaments include the 40/40/40, Seniors, Pot-Limit Omaha, Big O and other formats. This variety gives players multiple ways to compete for Circuit rings.

Event Event Name Entry / Flight Dates
Event #1 $400 Monster Stack Sept 16-17 (Flights A-C)
Event #2 $400 Mini Main Event Sept 17-19 (Flights A-D)
Event #4 $400 40/40/40 Sept 20
Event #6 $400 Seniors Sept 21
Event #12 $1,100 NLH Sept 24
Event #14 $1,700 Main Event Sept 25-26 (Flights A-B)

The $400 40/40/40 takes place September 20, while the $400 Seniors follows on September 21. Players then reach the $1,100 NLH on September 24 before the Main Event begins.

$1,700 Main Event Headlines the Series

Event #14 serves as the centerpiece of the Council Bluffs schedule. The $1,700 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event begins September 25 and features two opening flights.

Day 1A starts Friday, September 25, at 11 a.m. Day 1B follows Saturday, September 26, at 11 a.m.

Players who survive either flight advance to the later stages of the tournament. Day 2 begins Sunday, September 27, at noon, followed by the final day on Monday, September 28.

Main Event Day Date Start Time
Day 1A Friday, September 25 11 a.m.
Day 1B Saturday, September 26 11 a.m.
Day 2 Sunday, September 27 Noon
Day 3 Monday, September 28 Noon

The two-flight opening structure gives players two chances to make the Main Event field. Meanwhile, the final stages extend the tournament through September 28.

Council Bluffs Offers Multiple Paths to a Circuit Ring

The Council Bluffs schedule places considerable emphasis on $400 tournaments. Therefore, players do not need to enter the $1,700 Main Event to compete for Circuit hardware.

The lineup also covers several poker disciplines, including Pot-Limit Omaha and Big O. Specialty tournaments further broaden the schedule with dedicated events for seniors and players aged 40 and above.

Meanwhile, the $1,100 NLH provides another higher-buy-in option before the Main Event arrives. This progression creates a varied schedule throughout the festival.

In addition to its varied schedule, Council Bluffs has recent Circuit history involving established players. For instance, Ari Engel won his 20th Circuit ring at the venue last year in the $1,100 NLH event.

Meanwhile, other 2025 winners included Kasey Mills, Liam Gannon, Steven Gnatovich, and Andre Allen. Ultimately, those results add compelling context to another busy Circuit stop in Iowa.

With the 2026 festival approaching, players will have numerous opportunities to chase WSOP Circuit rings. The combination of $400 events and the $1,700 Main Event creates a schedule with varied entry points.

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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