The United Kingdom remains one of Europe's most vibrant live poker destinations. UK poker rooms offer players a diverse calendar of events from accessible buy-ins to prestigious high-stakes poker tournaments.
The biggest UK poker tours and festivals are back in 2026, and this guide covers everything you need to plan your schedule around the country's leading live events.
UK Poker Highlights 2026: Quick Overview
- GUKPT celebrates its 20th season with nine legs across the country, featuring over £5.7 million in guaranteed prize pools for Main Events alone.
- The Goliath returns to Coventry in late July, once again aiming to remain one of the largest live poker tournaments outside Las Vegas with an estimated £2 million prize pool.
- UK Poker Championships (UKPC) at Dusk Till Dawn kicks off the year in January with a £500,000 guaranteed Main Event, followed later in the season by the UKPC Masters, a festival that has historically featured a £1 million guaranteed Main Event.
- 888poker LIVE London closes out October at the refurbished Victoria Casino, bringing affordable buy-ins and a friendly atmosphere to the capital.
- The British Poker Series continues to run several confirmed dates in London (Stratford) in 2026, with £100,000 guaranteed Main Events at accessible £235 buy-ins. Organisers signalled broader growth plans beyond London as the calendar develops.
- The Grosvenor UK Open in February offers a £1 million guaranteed prize pool.
How These UK Tournaments Were Selected
These tournaments were selected based on their importance within the UK poker ecosystem and their ability to attract large, competitive fields year after year.
The criteria for selection included tour consistency and historical track record; attendance figures and field sizes; venue quality and player amenities; and accessibility for UK poker players, including location and buy-in levels.
Priority was given to established tours with proven records, though promising new additions were considered when they filled genuine market gaps.
2026 UK Poker Calendar: Month-by-Month Guide
January
The UK poker season begins with two major festivals running almost back-to-back. The GUKPT opens its 20th season in London, while Dusk Till Dawn hosts the first UK Poker Championship of the year.
Together, these events set the tone for a busy winter schedule and attract players from across the world.
February
February is highlighted by the Grosvenor UK Open in Coventry, one of the most prestigious standalone UK tournaments.
The British Poker Series also launches its London stop, while the 888poker UKPL begins its league season in Luton, giving players their first opportunity to collect National Poker League points.
March
March brings the return of 888poker LIVE to the UK with a Glasgow stop, alongside one of the most popular regional legs of the GUKPT in Manchester. Scotland plays a growing role in the UK poker calendar during this period.
April
April is quieter but still features an essential London stop for the GUKPT. The second London leg traditionally attracts slightly smaller fields than January, which can create softer value for mid-stakes players.
May
May is often one of the busiest periods of the year, with major poker festivals including the UKPC Masters typically running in mid-May (dates to be confirmed for 2026). This festival delivers one of the largest guaranteed prize pools outside the summer season and draws strong fields from both the UK and mainland Europe.
The GUKPT also makes a stop in Luton during this period.
June
June is typically a quieter month on the UK poker calendar, with no headline festivals scheduled between the big spring stops and the summer events. This period still sees local qualifiers and smaller regional tournaments run across the country, offering players the chance to stay active ahead of the Goliath and autumn tour legs.
July
July’s calendar revolves around the Goliath in Coventry, one of the largest live poker tournaments held outside Las Vegas. Thousands of players descend on the Midlands each year, including some of the greatest poker players of all time, making this the most accessible mass-field event in the UK.
August
In August, the GUKPT heads to Glasgow for the first time, replacing the traditional Edinburgh stop. This signals a continued effort to grow the Scottish poker market and broaden the tour’s geographical reach.
September–October
Autumn sees the GUKPT travel to Leeds before 888poker LIVE closes out its UK season in London. These stops tend to attract a mix of dedicated tour regulars and recreational players returning after the summer break.
October–November
Blackpool hosts the penultimate GUKPT leg of the year, while the National Poker League race intensifies as players attempt to secure qualification for the UKPL Grand Final.
November–December
The season concludes with the GUKPT Grand Final in London and the Behemoth in Coventry. These winter festivals provide one last opportunity for major scores before the calendar resets for the following year.
Individual Tournament Structure
GUKPT – Grosvenor UK Poker Tour
- Cities: London, Manchester, Luton, Glasgow, Leeds, Blackpool
- Dates: January–November 2026
- Main Event buy-in: £1,250 on most legs (£1,000 in Glasgow and £2,000 in the Grand Final as exceptions)
- Target players: Serious recreational and mid-stakes regulars
The Grosvenor UK Poker Tour reaches its 20th season in 2026 and continues to sit at the centre of the UK live poker calendar. With nine stops planned across the country, it remains the most reliable option for players who want well-structured tournaments and consistently strong fields.
The London legs are still the headline events, usually drawing the biggest crowds and the toughest competition.
Beyond the Main Event, each stop offers a full schedule of side events, including different types of poker games such as Mini Mains, High Rollers, and regular PLO tournaments.
Its long-running history and familiar venues make the GUKPT a natural choice for players who like knowing exactly what to expect when they register.
Fact: The GUKPT Main Event typically carries a £1,250 buy-in and draws one of the strongest fields in UK live poker.
Grosvenor UK Poker Open
- City: Coventry (Grosvenor Casino)
- Dates: February 5-15, 2026
- Main Event buy-in: £1,500
- Target players: Serious recreational and semi-professional players
The Grosvenor UK Poker Open has built a reputation as one of the most prestigious standalone events in the British poker calendar. Held each year in Coventry, it is one of the few UK tournaments to offer a seven-figure guarantee, which naturally attracts players looking for a genuine shot at a six-figure payday.
Its early position in the year makes it a popular target for players planning their season around a few major festivals. The wider schedule includes a mix of mid-stakes and higher buy-in events, and its link to the National Poker League adds extra value for anyone chasing points as well as prize money.
Fact: The UK Open offers one of the few £1 million guaranteed Main Events in the UK outside the summer Goliath period.
UK Poker Championships (UKPC) – Dusk Till Dawn
- City: Nottingham (Dusk Till Dawn)
- Dates: January 17-26 and May 2026 (May TBC in 2026)
- Main Event buy-in: £560 (UKPC), £1,100 (UKPC Masters)
- Target players: Recreational to mid-stakes tournament players
The UK Poker Championships at Dusk Till Dawn is now a regular part of the UK poker scene. The January UKPC is known for its affordable buy-ins and large fields, while the UKPC Masters later in the season raises the stakes with a £1 million guaranteed Main Event (dates TBC for 2026).
Together, they give players two clear chances each year to compete for major prizes without stepping into true high-roller territory.
Re-watch Hong Pham's UKPC Main Event victory on our YouTube channel here > https://t.co/6dJo8d0ic9
18+ Play Responsibly https://t.co/IxvKzxYspc pic.twitter.com/oFe45XSBPB— Dusk Till Dawn (@DuskTillDawnUK) February 11, 2026
Dusk Till Dawn’s purpose-built poker room allows the series to handle big entry numbers smoothly, and its central location makes it an easy stop for players travelling from different parts of the country.
Fact: The UKPC Main Event regularly attracts four-figure fields with a £500,000 guaranteed prize pool.
National Poker League (NPL) / G200 & G300 Events
- Cities: Multiple UK locations
- Dates: Year-round
- Main Event buy-ins: £200–£300
- Target players: Recreational players and league competitors
The National Poker League runs as a year-long competition rather than a single festival. Players earn points by cashing in events across several major tours, including the GUKPT, UK Open, UKPL and Goliath. The G200 and G300 tournaments form the most accessible entry points into the league system, keeping buy-ins within reach of casual and regular players alike.
At the end of the season, the highest-ranked players compete for prizes that can include sponsorship packages and major tournament entries. For many, the added incentive of league points changes how they plan their schedules across the year.
Fact: NPL points are awarded across multiple UK tours, creating a national leaderboard that runs throughout the season.
888poker LIVE (UK stops)
- Cities: Glasgow, London
- Dates: March 12-22 (Glasgow) and October 8-18, 2026 (London)
- Main Event buy-in: £888–£1,250
- Target players: Recreational and mid-stakes players
888poker LIVE events are built around a more relaxed and social atmosphere than traditional tour stops. The Glasgow leg mainly serves Scottish players, while London serves as the UK season finale and often features appearances by 888 ambassadors and promotional activities.
Online satellites through 888poker make these events particularly attractive to players on smaller bankrolls, and the fields tend to be more recreational than on long-established tours. That balance of softer opposition and solid prize pools has helped the series grow steadily in the UK.
Fact: 888poker LIVE tournaments are known for combining affordable buy-ins with large recreational fields.
British Poker Series
- Cities: London and regional UK cities
- Dates: Multiple stops in 2026
- Main Event buy-in: £235
- Target players: Budget-conscious recreational players
The British Poker Series is aimed squarely at players who want regular live tournaments without committing to four-figure buy-ins. Its London stop is the best-known, but the tour usually visits other major cities throughout the year (TBC in 2026).
With £100,000 guaranteed Main Events at a £235 buy-in, the series offers one of the strongest value propositions in the UK market. The atmosphere is generally friendly and informal, making it a common entry point for players moving from online poker to live events.
Fact: The British Poker Series delivers £100,000 guaranteed Main Events at just £235 buy-ins.
London vs Regional UK Events
London events at the Victoria Casino consistently attract the largest and strongest fields. The capital's status as a global city means international players often enter the fray, and winning in London carries significant prestige.
However, regional UK stops often offer softer fields and lower travel costs than London-based events. Cities like Blackpool, Leeds, and Coventry have developed loyal local player pools, and their community atmospheres can be more welcoming to recreational players.
For players on tighter bankrolls, targeting regional GUKPT stops, the 888poker LIVE & UKPL, and Dusk Till Dawn events offer better value.
The British Poker Series specifically targets this market with £235 buy-in Main Events. Scottish players now have improved options with 888poker LIVE Glasgow and the inaugural GUKPT Glasgow.
Practical Tips for Playing in the UK
Travel and Accommodation
Booking accommodation early is essential for major events. Hotels near venues often sell out weeks in advance for the Goliath, GUKPT Grand Final, and UK Open. Main Event Travel is the official travel partner for several tours, offering competitive rates.
For London events, consider staying outside Zone 1, as the Victoria Casino is easily accessible by Tube.
Registration and Planning
Many UK tournaments offer online pre-registration, but popular events still fill up quickly on Day 1. 888poker offers satellite routes to 888poker LIVE and UKPL events, starting from minimal buy-ins. Most Main Events run over multiple days, with several Day 1 flights, which affects accommodation planning.
Budget Planning
Beyond buy-ins, budget for re-entries, side events, travel, accommodation, and daily expenses. A reasonable rule is 3-4x the Main Event buy-in for a full festival experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest poker tour in the UK?
The GUKPT is the UK's longest-running and most prestigious tour, entering its 20th season in 2026 with nine legs and over £5.7 million in Main Event guarantees.
Which UK tournaments are best for mid-stakes players?
The 888poker UKPL (£560), UKPC at Dusk Till Dawn (£560), and British Poker Series (£235) offer excellent value with recreational fields and meaningful prize pools.
Are UK live events beginner-friendly?
Yes. The Goliath attracts thousands of first-time live players with its £200 buy-in and welcoming atmosphere. The British Poker Series and 888poker LIVE events also cater to recreational players, with a decent poker probability of going deep.
Can international players participate?
Yes, UK tournaments are open to all players aged 18+ with a valid ID. UKPL is UK-focused and typically requires UK eligibility (e.g., UK address for some promotions/entries).
What is the National Poker League (NPL)?
The NPL is Grosvenor's year-long league awarding points for cashes across GUKPT, UKPL, UK Open, Goliath, and other events. The top finishers compete for prizes, including a £40,000 sponsorship package.
Are there online qualification routes?
Yes. 888poker runs satellites for 888Live and UKPL events.
