The hunt for 2026 WSOP seats begins—following 13 members who competed in the 2025 Main Event

The felt was hot, the competition fierce, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the Elite TampaBay Poker League launched its highly anticipated Fall season. With registration still open for just 3 more weeks, serious players have a golden opportunity to compete for $10,000 WSOP Main Event seats, following in the footsteps of the 13 members who earned their way to the 2025 Main Event.

Where Dreams Become Reality

The Elite TampaBay Poker League isn’t just anothe local game—it’s your pathway to poker’s most prestigious tournament. Since its founding in 2016, this league has awarded approximately 100 WSOP Main Event seats, including 13 players who competed in the 2025 Main Event. That’s over $1 million in Main Event entries awarded to local players who dared to chase their poker dreams.

The league’s success was on full display in 2025, with David Smith earning $45,000 and Jack Bittker taking home $20,000 representing Elite TampaBay in the WSOP Main Event—proving that this league doesn’t just get players to the biggest stage, it prepares them to succeed once they’re there.

Now the hunt begins anew for the 2026 WSOP Main Event, and every seat is up for grabs.

Opening Night Highlights: Drama, Bluffs, and Big Moments

The season opener delivered everything poker fans could want, showcasing exactly why this league attracts Tampa Bay’s most dedicated players.

Apparently there was a secret last longer between Evan and Juan…. I guess not so secret…

Feature Table Fireworks

At the featured table, veteran Nick Scholz demonstrated why experience matters, showing a monster bluff with 9♥-T♥. New member Ryan Harfouch found himself in the deep end, tanking through every street before ultimately folding to Nick’s relentless pressure. It was a masterclass in post-flop aggression and the kind of high-level play that makes this league special.

River Salvation

In one of the night’s most dramatic moments, Dimitry Shamootin found salvation when the river card rescued what seemed like a hopeless situation. These are the moments that define tournament poker—when skill meets luck, and players’ 2026 WSOP dreams hang in the balance.

Down to her last 5K a triple + for Andra Zachow!

But then she lost AKdd< Ryan H’s J9 . Straight on the river.

20 left!

Lee Tran 8th

Don Linsky 7th

Oran Haynes and James McKinnon chopped 1st place!

The final table finish:

1. James McKinnon/ Oran Haynes
2. Chop
3. Karl Man
4. Ryan Harfouch
5. Rob Cotto
6. Eric Buel
7. Don Linsky
8. Lee Tran
9. Nick Scholz 

What an amazing turnout! A League record of 78! That’s $7800 into the Main Event prize pool. With League fees that should put us close to 2 seats already!

Your Path to the WSOP Starts Here

Registration closes in just 3 weeks. But here’s the crucial detail: members must play (or have a substitute play) in at least 15 of the 18-week season to qualify for WSOP seats. The sooner you register, the more tournaments you can accumulate points in. Every tournament you miss is points left on the table, and points determine who earns those life-changing $10,000 seats to the 2026 WSOP Main Event.

What Makes This League Elite:

– **Proven Track Record**: ~100 WSOP Main Event qualifiers since 2016

– **Professional Structure**: Points-based leaderboard system ensures the best players are rewarded

– **High-Caliber Competition**: Face off against Tampa Bay’s most skilled players

– **Multiple Chances**: Season-long format gives you numerous opportunities to climb the leaderboard

The Numbers Don’t Lie:

– Over $1 million in WSOP Main Event seats awarded since 2016

– 13 members competed in the 2025 Main Event

– Fresh start – every 2026 seat is still available

– Points accumulated throughout the season determine winners

– Only 3 weeks left to register

Don’t Watch from the Sidelines

While others debate whether they’re “good enough” or if it’s “worth the investment,” 13 Elite TampaBay Poker League members competed in the 2025 WSOP Main Event. They didn’t hesitate. They didn’t wait for next season. They registered, competed, and earned their seats through consistent play and determination.

Now it’s a fresh start for 2026, and every seat is available for the taking.

The Fall season is already underway, but there’s still time to join the hunt. However, with the requirement to play 15 of 18 weeks, every week you wait is ground you’ll have to make up on the leaderboard—and fewer opportunities to accumulate the points you need.

Register Now – Time Is Running Out

The clock is ticking. Registration remains open for exactly 3 more weeks, but remember: you must participate in at least 15 of the 18 weeks to be eligible for WSOP seats. Late registrants will have fewer opportunities to accumulate points and climb the leaderboard. Don’t be the player who looks back and wonders “what if?”

Your 2026 WSOP Main Event seat is waiting. The question is: will you be sitting at poker’s most famous tables in summer 2026, or will you be watching from home, wishing you had registered when you had the chance?

Elite TampaBay Poker League: Where local players become WSOP legends.

Registration closes soon. Don’t miss your shot at poker immortality.

—–

For registration information and league details, visit [tampabaypoker.com/about or contact league officials. The Fall season leaderboard race is heating up—secure your spot before it’s too late.