GGPOKER

The World Series of Poker Circuit is coming to Montevideo for the very first time. From May 18 to 25, 2026, the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa will host WSOPC Montevideo, featuring 12 WSOP Gold Ring events headlined by a $1,700 Main Event running May 18 through May 25, with the Main Event on May 21-24. This marks the sixth time Uruguay has hosted an official WSOP event and the first since 2022, bringing the prestige of the world’s most recognized poker brand to one of South America’s most stunning venues.

START QUALIFYING HERE

Online satellites are already on the schedule, running from March 30 through May 10 on GGPoker, giving players the chance to qualify for the Main Event seat at a fraction of the cost. 

$5 Daily Step every hour from 19:00 to 23:00
$5 Sunday Step from 16:00 to 20:00
Saturday Freeroll at 20:30 (5 tickets to $215 Sunday Satellite)
$33 Daily Step at 00:00
$33 Sunday Step at 21:00
$22 Sunday Step at 20:00
$215 Satellite to $1,700 Main Event – 1 Seat GTD at Sunday 23:00

Note: All times are UTC+0

The complete event schedule is coming soon.

The WSOP Returns to Uruguay

Uruguay has a rich history with the WSOP Circuit. The Enjoy Conrad Resort & Casino in Punta del Este hosted four consecutive stops, between 2016 and 2019, then again in 2022, establishing the country as one of the premier WSOP destinations in Latin America. Those events drew players from across South America and beyond, producing memorable moments and ring winners from multiple countries.

Uruguayan players like Fabrizio Gonzalez and Fabio Goicoechea have claimed WSOP Circuit rings on home soil, while the Punta del Este stops consistently attracted strong fields from Brazil, Argentina, and the wider region. Local hero Fabrizio Cataldi won the 2016 Main Event at the Enjoy Conrad Resort, and the series became a December tradition for South American poker players.

Now, the WSOP Circuit is making a new chapter in Uruguayan poker history. For the first time, the series moves from Punta del Este to the capital city, bringing 12 ring events to the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa.

The Venue: Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa

The choice of venue alone makes this event worth the trip. The Hotel Casino Carrasco first opened its doors in 1921 and is now a designated national heritage building. Originally known as “the Palace in the Sand,” the property was designed by French architect Gaston Mallet and Swiss architect Jacques Dunant in a striking neoclassical and baroque style. After closing in 1997, the building underwent a $75 million restoration and reopened in 2013 as the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa.

The result is a five-star property that blends over a century of architectural history with modern luxury. The hotel sits on the Rambla of Montevideo, overlooking Carrasco Beach and the Río de la Plata, offering picturesque views of both sunrise and sunset from the waterfront promenade. The Carrasco neighborhood itself is Montevideo’s most exclusive district, lined with green spaces, boutique shops, and a variety of restaurants along the famous Arocena Avenue.

Inside, Casino Carrasco provides a unique entertainment experience with table games, a full-service spa, the award-winning 1921 Restaurant, and live entertainment. The property is just 10 minutes from Carrasco International Airport and 25 minutes from downtown Montevideo, making it easily accessible for traveling players.

For poker players who appreciate history and atmosphere, there are few venues in the world that can match Casino Carrasco. Playing for a WSOP Gold Ring inside a century-old palace on the Uruguayan coast is the type of experience that makes the Circuit special.

12 Ring Events and a $1,700 Main Event

WSOPC Montevideo features 12 gold ring events spread across the event, with the $1,700 Main Event serving as the centerpiece. Main Event action begins on May 21 and runs through May 24, giving players multiple Day 1 flights and plenty of time to build a stack for the later stages.

The full event schedule has not yet been released, but based on the WSOP Circuit’s standard format, players can expect a mix of No-Limit Hold’em events at various buy-in levels, bounty tournaments, and specialty formats. Ring events on the international circuit typically feature buy-ins ranging from a few hundred dollars up to the Main Event level, ensuring there are opportunities for players of all bankroll sizes.

Every ring event winner earns an official WSOP Gold Ring, one of the most prestigious trophies in poker, along with recognition on the WSOP Rankings leaderboard.

In addition to winning a coveted WSOP Circuit gold ring, each event winner with a ring in Montevideo will also receive a package to the WSOP Circuit Championship in the Bahamas, valued at $5,000.

Qualify on GGPoker: Satellites Running March 30 to May 10

You don’t need a big bankroll to take your seat in Montevideo. Online satellites on GGPoker run from March 30 through May 10, offering players the chance to qualify for the WSOPC Montevideo Main Event through the GGPoker satellite system.

GGPoker’s satellite structure means you can start from micro-stakes and work your way up to a $1,700 Main Event seat through a series of steps. For players in South America and beyond, this is the most affordable path to competing for a WSOP Gold Ring in one of the continent’s most beautiful cities.

Keep an eye on the GGPoker client for the full satellite schedule as it becomes available.

Why Montevideo?

Montevideo has long been an underrated destination for poker players. Uruguay’s capital offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a lower cost of living when compared to many major poker destinations, making it an attractive option for players looking to combine competition with travel.

The city is known for its vibrant food scene, with everything from traditional parrilla steakhouses to modern fusion restaurants lining the streets of Carrasco and the nearby Ciudad Vieja (Old Town). The Rambla, Montevideo’s famous waterfront promenade, stretches for miles along the coast and is perfect for clearing your head between sessions.

For players coming from neighboring countries, Montevideo is a short flight from Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Santiago, making it one of the most accessible WSOP Circuit stops in the region.

A New Chapter for Uruguayan Poker

Uruguay has produced some remarkable poker talent over the years. Fabrizio Gonzalez, born in Montevideo, is widely regarded as one of the country’s most successful poker players, with nearly $3 million in live tournament winnings and even more online. He holds one WSOP Circuit ring and has over $500,000 in WSOP-related cashes. His journey from playing poker on a soccer team bus to becoming an internationally recognized pro reflects the deep passion for the game that runs through Uruguayan culture.

Bringing the WSOP Circuit to Montevideo for the first time gives local players a chance to compete for gold on their home turf without making the trip to Punta del Este. For the broader South American poker community, it adds another marquee stop to what is becoming an increasingly competitive circuit calendar in the region.

Key Details at a Glance

Event: WSOPC Montevideo 

Venue: Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa 

Location: Carrasco, Montevideo, Uruguay 

Dates: May 18-25, 2026 

Ring Events: 12 

Main Event: $1,700 buy-in (May 21-24) 

Online Satellites: March 30 – May 10 on GGPoker 

Full Schedule: Coming soon

Don’t Miss Your Shot

The WSOP Circuit’s first-ever stop in Montevideo is shaping up to be one of the standout events on the 2026 international calendar. Twelve gold rings, a $1,700 Main Event, a world-class venue with over a century of history, and online satellites starting at the end of March. Whether you qualify through GGPoker or buy in directly, this is your chance to chase WSOP glory in one of South America’s most captivating cities.

Satellites on GGPoker begin March 30. Take your seat.

Players must be aged 18+, 19+, 21+, or 24+ depending on their jurisdiction. Event details, schedules, and prize pools are subject to change. Please play responsibly.