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OAKLAND PARK, Fla. (Gambling911.com) - Florida will play host to a number of top poker tournaments during the month of October (2026), some of which are already in progress.
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Harrah's Pompano Beach WSOP Circuit Oct. 1–12; $1,700 Main Event
Harrah's Pompano Beach WSOP Circuit Oct. 1–12; $1,700 Main Event carries a $1 million guarantee.
This one features a 18 championship ring events. Its centerpiece is the $1,700 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event that kicked off Thursday, October 8, with a guaranteed $1 million prize pool.
$1,700 Main Event Details - October 8-12
Here are the confirmed details:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Casino | Harrah's Pompano Beach, Florida |
| Tournament | WSOP Circuit Main Event |
| Buy-in | $1,700 |
| Guaranteed prize pool | $1,000,000 |
| Format | No-Limit Texas Hold'em |
| Starting flights | Three |
| Tournament dates | October 8–12 |
| Championship prize | WSOP Circuit gold ring |
| Additional winner benefit | $5,000 WSOP Paradise package |
Starting flight schedule
| Date | Flight | Starting time |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, Oct. 8 | Day 1A | 11 a.m. ET |
| Friday, Oct. 9 | Day 1B | 11 a.m. ET |
| Saturday, Oct. 10 | Day 1C | 11 a.m. ET |
Important: The official WSOP tournament schedule lists Thursday's opening flight at 11 a.m. An October 1 news release lists 10 a.m., so players should follow the tournament schedule and confirm with the poker room before arriving.
More Headline Poker Tournaments Taking Place in Florida October 2026
- Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Pinktober Open Oct. 6–18.
- Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Deep Stack Special Oct. 7–11.
- Palm Beach Kennel Club Monster Multi-Flight Oct. 8–11.
- Dania Beach Classic Oct. 12–Nov. 1.
- TGT Tampa has $30K and $50K GTD events.
- Harrah's Pompano follows with a $200K GTD Weekend Warrior Oct. 22–25.
- RunGood hits bestbet Jacksonville Oct. 21/22–Nov. 1.
Top Ranked Poker Rooms in Florida for the Month of October
1. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood - The Hollywood property consistently ranks among the best places to play poker, not just in the state of Florida, but nationwide. It features approximately 45 poker tables and regularly hosts major tournaments, including the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open and World Poker Tour events.
2. Seminole Hard Rock Tampa - Best for consistent cash-game action.With approximately 44 poker tables, Tampa offers extensive cash games, including $1/$3 and $2/$5 No-Limit Hold'em. Its Pinktober Poker Open runs October 6–18, 2026.
3. bestbet Jacksonville - With approximately 70 tables, bestbet Jacksonville is one of Florida's largest poker facilities. It's especially popular for its tournament series and variety of cash games.
Gambling911.com's Top Ranked Tournament Players From the State
1. Maurice Hawkins — Plantation - Possibly Florida's hottest tournament player in 2026. Hawkins ranks 14th worldwide in Card Player's 2026 Player of the Year standings, with 5,134 points. His accomplishments include five tournament titles, 18 final tables and approximately $1.02 million in qualifying earnings.
2. Sean Winter — Jacksonville - Winter is among Florida's most successful high-stakes tournament professionals. His 2026 statistics include $4.31 million in qualifying tournament earnings, 11 final tables and one title.
3. Martin Zamani — Boca Raton - His 2026 accomplishments include two tournament victories, six final tables, and approximately $1.01 million in qualifying tournament earnings. He ranks 44th place worldwide in the Player of the Year standings.
4. Sam Soverel — Palm Beach Gardens - More relevant for the month of October 2026 as Soverel is arguably Florida's hottest player over the past two weeks. He recently captured two PokerGO Tour Pot-Limit Omaha events: September 25: Won the $5,300 PLO tournament for $122,850.
Poker in Florida
Florida is one of the most poker-friendly states in the country when it comes to live poker. Residents and visitors can legally participate in cash games and major tournaments at licensed poker rooms, including World Series of Poker Circuit and World Poker Tour events. Florida residents can legally play poker for significant amounts of money at licensed establishments. However, private games are tightly restricted, and the state has yet to authorize real-money online poker.
- Ace King, Gambling911.com
