![Macao [MAC]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/mo.svg "Macao [MAC]"){kind=small}
Macao, Macao
5,000 HKD55,000 HKD12,000 HKD5,000 HKD5,000 HKD8,800 HKD5,000 HKD5,000 HKD8,800 HKD5,000 HKD8,800 HKD5,000 HKD8,800 HKD5,000 HKD3,800 HKD8,800 HKD5,000 HKD
8,800 HKD
5,000 HKD
8,800 HKDMGM Poker Classic 2026 | June 26 - July 6, 2026 | MGM Cotai, Macau
The highly anticipated tournament series was successfully held from June 26 to July 6, 2026, at the world-class MGM Cotai resort in the premier gaming hub of Macau. To explore more about the local regulations and the evolving gaming scene, make sure to read our comprehensive Macao poker guide . Below, we look back at the competitive field turnouts, milestones, and prominent players who rose to the occasion during this spectacular summer run.
Recap of the MGM Poker Classic 2026 Main Event
The thrilling live poker festival delivered high-stakes tournament action from June 26 to July 6, 2026, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of regional competitors and international players to the premium poker floor at MGM Cotai. The action-packed series established heavy engagement throughout its multi-day schedule, crushing expectations across its guaranteed events. The absolute centerpiece of the entire festival was the prestigious MPT Main Event, which ran from July 3 to July 6, 2026 , generating deep tactical play and immense competitive tension over several days of intense competition. The signature tournament required a 12,000 HKD buy-in and blew past its initial 8,000,000 HKD prize pool guarantee by drawing a highly competitive field of 788 entries. Outlasting the fierce field in an unforgettable final table showcase, Shehzad Hassam of Hong Kong captured ultimate glory. For his historic victory, he claimed the magnificent marquee trophy alongside a monumental first-place prize payout of 136,700 USD. He secured the title after defeating Malaysia‘s standout professional Chee Hoong Yeoh in an intense heads-up battle , leaving the Malaysian runner-up with a fantastic consolation prize of 120,400 USD.
For the complete payout structures and full player standings of all events, visit the official MGM Poker Classic 2026 full schedule and results page .
| Event | Buy-In | Winner | Country | 1st Prize | Entries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,000 HKD | ![United States of America [USA]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/us.svg "United States of America [USA]"){kind=small} USA | $136,670 1,071,862 HKD | 788 ITM: 95 | Finished | ||
Champions
The showcase of strategy in Macau brought forth exceptional plays across the board. Here are the prominent trophy winners from the recently concluded series who outlasted the competition at MGM Cotai:
Poker and Travel Guide
Known as the gaming capital of Asia, Macau welcomes international travelers with top-tier infrastructure, exceptional transport networks, and legendary hospitality. For comprehensive details on local regulations, cash game environments, and player services, make sure to read our detailed Macau poker guide to prepare yourself for the unique gaming landscape.
The entire tournament series and its participants are strictly subject to the gaming laws and regulations of Macau, specifically Law 16/2001 and Law 16/2022 (commonly referred to as the Macau Gaming Law), including any current amendments. This legal framework enforces strict standards of integrity, security, and game transparency. For example, filming or streaming live action and displaying hole cards by players or spectators is strictly prohibited without prior authorization from MGM management.
Reaching the MGM Cotai is straightforward, with the resort located just minutes from the Macau International Airport and the Taipa Ferry Terminal. Visitors can easily arrive via the high-speed ferry services connecting Hong Kong to Macau, or travel across the spectacular Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Crucially, while the Macanese Pataca (MOP) is the official local currency of the region, casinos and poker tournaments in Macau operate almost exclusively using the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) for buy-ins, cash games, and payouts. For this specific series, tournament entry fees must be paid strictly in cash or MGM Cotai live casino chips, as no other payment forms are accepted.
The Venue: MGM Cotai
The spectacular, futuristic MGM Cotai resort represents the pinnacle of modern luxury on the Cotai Strip, famous for its award-winning architectural design, world-class art collection, and exquisite dining options. For poker players, the property features a dedicated, premium poker room specifically designed to host major international poker festivals under optimal conditions.
The tournament series is open to all members of the Alpha, Golden Lion Club, and Masters Club. Players must remain clearly identifiable to tournament staff at all times. While smart casual dress is required, players are strictly prohibited from wearing sunglasses and a face cover (such as a mask, hood, or veil) at the same time. Furthermore, players are completely prohibited from using physical gaming charts or any other poker training tools in the tournament area while play is in progress. For deep-dive insights on the host property, please explore our official venue guide for all the details regarding lodging, dining, and amenities during your stay.
![Macao [MAC]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/mo.svg "Macao [MAC]"){kind=small}
MGM Cotai is one of the main places to play poker in Macau, offering a smaller and more relaxed alternative to some of the city’s larger poker rooms. Located in the heart of Cotai, the room attracts a mix of local regulars, traveling players, and casino guests staying at the resort.
While it does not have the scale of venues like The Venetian, many players prefer MGM because the room generally feels less crowded and easier to play in during long sessions. The property itself is modern, with restaurants, shopping, hotels, and entertainment all connected within the resort.
MGM Cotai is also the host venue for the MGM Poker Classic 2026 , which runs from June 26 to July 6 with a HKD 13,000,000 guaranteed prize pool.
Why MGM Cotai?
- Comfortable Environment: A quieter setup compared to some of Macau’s busier poker rooms.
- Regular Cash Games: No-Limit Hold’em cash games run regularly, with HKD 50/100 commonly serving as the main entry stake.
- Central Cotai Location: Located alongside many of Macau’s major hotels, casinos, and entertainment venues.
GAMES
NLHE Cash Games
STAKES
HKD 50/100+
SETTING
Modern Resort
The MGM Poker Experience
The poker room at MGM Cotai mainly focuses on No-Limit Hold’em cash games. Action usually starts around HKD 50/100, though bigger games can develop depending on demand and major tournament periods in Macau.
The room itself is smaller than some other Macau poker venues, which many players see as a positive. Waitlists are generally more manageable, the atmosphere is calmer, and the overall experience feels less hectic than some of the larger casino floors nearby.
Like most poker rooms in Macau, game availability can vary depending on season, tourism flow, and major poker festival schedules across the city.
Venue Logistics
📍 Location: Avenida da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau.
🏨 Accommodations: MGM Cotai features hotel rooms, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment facilities within the resort.
📝 Poker Access: The poker room is located on the main casino floor inside MGM Cotai.
♠️ Official MGM Cotai Updates
Follow MGM Cotai for resort information and property updates.
Jessy is SoMuchPoker's Technical Editor and Data Specialist, managing the live poker event database and publishing festival schedules for the site. A background in programming and data architecture shapes how he builds and maintains this database, with an emphasis on speed and accuracy.
The MGM Cotai is extremely quick to reach by car or free shuttle bus: the travel time is approximately 10 minutes, and the distance is roughly 3 km, allowing arriving players to check into their accommodations in no time.
Tournament buy-ins in the poker room are strictly processed in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD). US Dollars (USD) and other major currencies can be exchanged at the casino’s main cage according to daily exchange rates.
To enter, you must be at least 21 years old and present a valid photo ID or passport. The dress code is smart casual: slippers, shorts, and sleeveless t-shirts are not permitted for players.
Visitors from over 80 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and European Union member states, enjoy visa-free entry to Macau for tourism purposes for periods ranging from 30 to 90 days. All passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.
Players are given 15 seconds to act preflop. For postflop decisions (or any action after chips are voluntarily put in the pot), players receive 30 seconds. Each time extension chip used grants an extra 30 seconds. To keep play moving efficiently, players must stack their chips in clean piles of 20 chips.
MGM Poker Classic 2026 Returns to MGM Cotai Later This Month
The MGM Poker Classic 2026 runs June 26 to July 6 at MGM Cotai, Macau. HKD 13,000,000 in guarantees and an HKD 8M Main Event.
MGM Poker Classic 2026: Macau’s Biggest Poker Festival Returns
The MGM Poker Classic 2026 runs June 26 – July 6 at MGM Cotai, with a HKD 13,000,000 gtd prize pool. Full schedule, buy-ins, and travel info.
