MGM Poker Classic 2026 Returns to MGM Cotai Later This Month
The MGM Poker Classic 2026 gets underway this Friday, June 26, at MGM Cotai in Macau. The 11-day festival runs through July 6 and carries a HKD 13,000,000 total guaranteed prize pool, headlined by an HKD 8,000,000 Main Event off a HKD 12,000 buy-in. Somuchpoker will be reporting live from MGM Cotai for the Main Event, covering chip counts, eliminations, and the full final table.
Tournament Highlights
The Main Event runs five starting flights across July 3 to 5, with Day 2 on July 6. Beyond the flagship event, the schedule covers the full range of modern tournament formats, with guaranteed prize pools attached to nine events across the series.
| Event | Date | Buy-In (HKD) | GTD |
|---|---|---|---|
| NLH Mystery Bounty (×2) | Jun 27 & Jul 1 | 8,800 | 800,000 each |
| MGM Poker Classic Main Event | Jul 3–6 | 12,000 | 8,000,000 |
| MPT High Roller – King of Glory | Jul 6 | 55,000 | Fast Pass |
| Last Chance Freezeout / Deepstack Turbo | Jul 6 | 5,000 | 500,000 |
The supporting schedule includes PLO, Big O, PKO, HORSE, Short Deck, and Double Board Bomb Pot events throughout, giving players plenty of action beyond the Main Event across the full 11 days.
Format & Structure
All events run under standard MGM poker rules and current TDA guidelines, with Big Blind Ante as the standard structure. An Action Clock activates immediately after each deal - 15 seconds preflop, 30 seconds for each subsequent action after voluntarily entering the pot - with time-extension chips available when needed. Membership of the Alpha, Golden Lion Club, or Masters Club is required to participate, and smart casual dress is enforced throughout.
The Venue: MGM Cotai
MGM Cotai sits minutes from both Macau International Airport and the Taipa Ferry Terminal, with high-speed ferry services connecting directly from Hong Kong. All buy-ins, cash games, and payouts operate in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD), and entry fees must be paid strictly in cash or MGM Cotai live casino chips. Players should also note that filming or streaming live action is strictly prohibited under Macau gaming law. For a full overview of the local poker scene, our Macau poker guide has everything you need to plan the trip.
For the full schedule, event structures, and all the details on the MGM Poker Classic 2026, see our original preview:
Originally from the Lake District, UK, I’ve spent the last few years living and breathing the Southeast Asian poker circuit. Since 2025, I’ve been a fixture on the floor at the APT, PokerStars, and WSOP events, serving as a lead reporter and media specialist for Somuchpoker. My work is about more than just recording action; I manage the social media and digital content that brings action rail to the fans. By combining a business education and creative background, I aim to look past the technical hand histories to capture the actual human grit and drama that happens during a deep run.
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