The World Series of Poker named Solana its official presenting sponsor, launching crypto tournament ticket purchases via MoonPay with zero processing fees. The partnership expands to WSOP Paradise in December, offering winners near-instant payout settlements using stablecoins on Solana.
The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the Solana Foundation, establishing Solana as the official Presenting Sponsor of both the 2026 World Series of Poker and the 2026 World Series of Poker Paradise.
This partnership introduces cryptocurrency transactions directly into the global poker tournament experience, marking a historic milestone for the longest-running and most prestigious poker tournament series in the world.
Direct Crypto Registration Debuts in Las Vegas
Effective immediately at the 57th annual summer event, hosted at Paris Las Vegas and Horseshoe Las Vegas, players can utilize Solana to buy tournament tickets.
This system is powered by MoonPay's payment infrastructure, representing the first time in WSOP history that players can purchase tournament entries directly with cryptocurrency. By utilizing the Solana blockchain, this new registration option features zero processing fees for users.
The integration aims to solve traditional transactional challenges by capitalizing on the structural benefits of the high-performance blockchain.
Solana is capable of processing thousands of transactions per second, with average fees staying below $0.001. The implementation of MoonPay-powered purchases provides several key operational benefits:
- Faster settlement and streamlined payment processing for eligible events
- Greater accessibility for international players traveling to WSOP events
- Near-instant global settlement with reduced friction for users
- Expanded payment flexibility for players participating in marquee tournaments worldwide
Stablecoin Settlements Coming to WSOP Paradise
The collaboration will expand further during the 2026 WSOP Paradise event in The Bahamas this December. At this winter series, tournament winners can choose to receive their payout settlements in stablecoins on the Solana blockchain.
This utility provides winners with near-instant access to their funds and minimizes the financial friction typically tied to international tournament settlements, modernizing the movement of capital across the global poker ecosystem.
Industry leaders emphasized the natural crossover between the digital asset space and the poker community.
Ty Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of WSOP, noted that the Solana ecosystem focuses heavily on the consumer experience, adding that the speed and efficiency of the blockchain reflect the fast-paced energy of WSOP tournaments.
Vibhu Norby, Chief Product Officer of the Solana Foundation, highlighted that trading on Solana has generated over $4 trillion in volume over the last few years.
Norby pointed out that trading shares fundamental characteristics with poker, such as making hard decisions, operating with incomplete information, and managing a bankroll.
Jim Walker, President of MoonPay Commerce, stated that poker players regularly adopt tools that offer an edge, making cryptocurrency a natural fit.
Walker explained that powering ticket purchases and settlements via MoonPay on Solana directly addresses player demand for faster, borderless payments.
Ambassadors, Hospitality, and Broadcasts
Beyond payment processing, the Solana Foundation will sponsor a selected lineup of poker player ambassadors to represent the ecosystem during the summer events in Las Vegas.
The Solana ecosystem is also scheduled to host exclusive hospitality events at the Paris and Horseshoe venues, alongside a premier experience at WSOP Paradise in The Bahamas.
Looking forward, collaborative onchain poker products developed jointly by WSOP and Solana are expected to follow.
Daily coverage of the tournament action is available via streams on the WSOP YouTube channel and on X via @Solana.