WPT Australia 2026 | September 10 - 30 | The Star Sydney
The festival will take place from September 10 to September 30, 2026 at The Star Sydney poker room, located in Sydney, Australia. Although local Australian regulations prevent the casino from advertising guaranteed prize pools beforehand, the main events of the series are expected to generate millions of dollars in total payouts based on previous years’ historical turnouts.
WPT Australia Main Highlights
The crown jewel of this multi-week tournament series features two marquee championship events, both of which will have their final tables livestreamed to poker fans worldwide. The action highlights include the AUD 1,500 buy-in WPT Prime Australia Championship running from September 17 to September 22, 2026, followed by the flagship AUD 5,000 buy-in WPT Australia Championship from September 24 to September 30, 2026.
Additionally, the schedule features a dedicated AUD 500 Ladies Australian Championship on September 15 and September 16, 2026, alongside a wide variety of Pot Limit Omaha, bounty, and satellite events. According to WPT CEO Adam Pliska , the region remains one of the most passionate poker markets in the world, ensuring highly competitive fields and electric final table atmospheres in Sydney.
Poker and Travel Guide
The land down under offers a spectacular backdrop for players looking to balance intense poker sessions with sightseeing and leisure. If you want to dive deeper into the local gaming regulations, tax laws, and cash game structures, make sure to read our comprehensive Australia poker guide .
International travelers visiting Australia must hold a valid passport and obtain an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) before crossing the border. The local currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), which is the only accepted currency for buying into tournaments and cash games at the casino. Foreign visitors are advised to utilize the official currency exchange desks at the venue prior to registering for events.
Previous Results and Champions
The WPT Australia has established a rich history in the region, regularly breaking attendance and payout records year after year. Below is an overview of the key statistics and winners from the most recent edition of the festival.
Recap of the Previous WPT Australia
The previous festival, which ran from September 18 to October 1 at The Star Sydney casino in Sydney, was a resounding success. The Championship Event attracted a stellar field of 600 entrants, generating an incredible total prize pool of AUD 3,000,000. After days of intense competition at the tables, local talent Alan Pham claimed the title, taking home the coveted Mike Sexton WPT Champions Cup and a massive first-place prize of AUD 588,211 . This historic victory also pushed his career live tournament earnings past the milestone 1 million dollar mark. In the final match, he defeated fellow Australian player Jordan Bautista, who finished as the runner-up after an outstanding performance.
For a detailed breakdown of all the events and results, feel free to read our previous WPT Australia 2025 festival recap .
| Event | Buy-In | Winner | Country | 1st Prize | Entries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 AUD (1,325 + 175) | ![Australia [AUS]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/au.svg "Australia [AUS]"){kind=small} AUS | $101,853 154,551 AUD | 606 ITM: 76 | Finished | ||
| 150 AUD (120 + 30) | ![Netherlands [NLD]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/nl.svg "Netherlands [NLD]"){kind=small} NLD | $46,322 70,289 AUD | 480 ITM: 61 | Finished | ||
| 5,000 AUD (4,600 + 400) | ![Mexico [MEX]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/mx.svg "Mexico [MEX]"){kind=small} MEX | $79,825 121,125 AUD | 76 ITM: 10 | Finished | ||
| 1,500 AUD (1,325 + 175) | AUS | $46,132 70,000 AUD | Finished | |||
| 600 AUD (540 + 60) | AUS | $11,908 18,069 AUD | 70 ITM: 10 | Finished | ||
| 1,250 AUD (1,100 + 150) | AUS | $52,194 79,198 AUD | Finished | |||
| 2,000 AUD (1,800 + 200) | ![China [CHN]](/assets/images/flags/4x3/cn.svg "China [CHN]"){kind=small} CHN | $69,792 105,902 AUD | Finished | |||
| 10,000 AUD (9,500 + 500) | MEX | $132,134 200,499 AUD | Finished | |||
| 1,150 AUD (1,000 + 150) | AUS | $26,105 39,612 AUD | Finished | |||
| 5,000 AUD (4,600 + 400) | AUS | $81,425 123,554 AUD | Finished | |||
Past Champions
Take a look at the champions from the last festival who proved their skills and claimed a coveted trophy in the prestigious international field:
Australia
Australia
MexicoThe Venue: The Star Sydney
As one of the country’s premier entertainment destinations, this world-class complex provides an exceptional setting for major poker festivals. Its top-tier amenities, professional staff, and prime location ensure an unforgettable experience for all players.
The poker room at The Star Sydney is equipped with spacious tables and offers non-stop tournament action and cash games throughout the entire festival. For further details about the venue, cash game stakes, and amenities, check out our dedicated venue review of The Star Sydney .
![Australia [AUS]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/au.svg "Australia [AUS]"){kind=small}
The Star Sydney is the crown jewel of New South Wales poker, home to the only professionally dealt cash games in the state. Perched on the Pyrmont waterfront with stunning views across Darling Harbour, the venue’s dedicated Star Poker room is a high-volume, high-production arena that serves as the primary battleground for Australia’s most prestigious international festivals. Despite ongoing regulatory oversight in 2026, the room remains the undisputed heartbeat of the Sydney “Mind Sports” community, offering an elite casino experience that bridges the gap between local grinders and the global professional circuit.
Why The Star Sydney?
- The WPT’s Australian Flagship: The Star Sydney is the exclusive host for the World Poker Tour (WPT) Australia (September 2026), an elite series featuring multi-million dollar guarantees and the chance to join the World Poker Tour Champions Club.
- Home of the Sydney Champs: The room’s signature homegrown festival, the Sydney Champs 2026 (March 18-31, 2026), remains a landmark on the national calendar, famously drawing massive fields for its Main Event and high-stakes satellites.
- PROFESSIONAL CASH GAMES: The only venue in NSW permitted to run commercial cash games, featuring professional dealers and a 24/7 environment (Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 AM) with limits ranging from $2/$3 to $25/$50+.
- Innovation in Play: A pioneer in the “Action Clock” format, The Star Sydney utilizes 30-second timers in nearly all weekly tournaments and major events to ensure a fast-paced, professional gaming standard.
SYDNEY CHAMPS
Mar 18 – 31, 2026
PYRMONT HUB
Darling Harbour Base
STATUS
Only NSW Cash Room
The Star Sydney Poker Experience
The action at Star Poker Sydney is defined by its consistency and technical excellence. The room’s 2026 weekly schedule features a rotation of popular formats, including Single Reload Mondays ($250 buy-in), Mid-week Warrior Wednesdays ($300 buy-in), and the Action Clock Saturday ($400 buy-in). These tournaments utilize 20-30 second action clocks from level one, creating an efficient, high-hand-per-hour environment that technical players favor. In the lead-up to major festivals, the schedule shifts heavily toward 1 in 8 Satellites, providing a clear pathway to championship seats.
For cash game players, the room offers a sophisticated SMS waitlist system (text Game [Code] to 0480 049 257), allowing guests to track their position in real-time. Stakes typically run from $2/$3 NLH ($200-$500 buy-in) up to $25/$50 NLH ($2,500-$10,000 buy-in), with a standard 10% rake capped at $20 for most games. The room operates at a maximum of 8-handed for all cash sessions, ensuring ample space and a comfortable playing environment.
Beyond the felt, The Star Sydney is a world-class integrated resort. Players can take advantage of The Star Club rewards program, earning Tier Points and Casino Dollars that are redeemable across the precinct’s signature dining, including Sokyo (Japanese fusion) and BLACK Bar & Grill. With its central location and proximity to the Pyrmont light rail, it offers a total lifestyle experience that combines high-stakes intensity with 5-star hospitality.
Venue Logistics
📍 Location: Level 2, The Star Sydney, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009, Australia . (Easily accessible via the Star City Light Rail station).
🏨 Accommodations: The Star Grand and The Darling provide luxury on-site lodging, while several boutique hotels like the Ovolo 1888 are located within walking distance.
📝 Entry & Requirements: Open daily (Cash games 10 AM – 4 AM). Valid Photo ID and membership in The Star Club are mandatory for entry and tournament registration. A smart-casual dress code is strictly enforced.
