The Hustler Casino Live Million Dollar Game will make its triumphant return to the airwaves in 2026.
With its nosebleed stakes of $500/$1,000 with a $2,000 big blind ante, the Million Dollar Game has routinely delivered lineups stacked with big-action players – and the chaos that they bring in tow – since its inception back in 2023. While exact dates have yet to be announced, the organizers have their eye on a showdown sometime in late May.
As of now, Alan Keating is the only confirmed competitor and will serve as the game's headlining act – begging the all-important question: who joins him on the felt?
Who makes the cut?
While it's perhaps more fun to speculate on who will play in the game, we can report that Martin Kabrhel won't be making an appearance. "He is too good," Kabrhel wrote, of Keating, in the replies. "I think I'll pass."
Sean Perry threw his hat in the ring, writing: "I’d play and give more action than any other person at the table. I’d definitely put on the best show for the fans."
Phil Hellmuth, flush with profit from a recent investment bonanza, announced his intention to partake back in February. There's no doubt that Hellmuth would draw an abundance of viewers to the game, but will he actually put his money where his mouth is? As with a great many questions in this world, only time will tell.
If there's one thing Phil Hellmuth knows how to do it's put on a good show.Hustler Casino Live regular Nik 'Airball' Arcot is one player who will likely take a seat in the game. Since his arrival on the scene, Arcot hasn't shown a propensity to duck out on the big games. Players from Million Dollar Games of the past, like Brandon Steven, Tom Dwan, Stanley Tang, and Rob Yong, could return to the mix.
And then there's the wildcard potential, the names we haven't seen in a Million Dollar Game yet. Antonio Esfandiari, Andrew Robl, Rick Salomon, Patrik Antonius. Any, or preferably all, would make excellent additions to the lineup.
There's also the matter of the Million Dollar Game $25,000 satellite tournament – an opportunity for someone to emerge from the pack and take a swing at high stakes glory. In 2025, old-school poker legend Erik Lindgren booked his seat in the Million Dollar Game through the satellite – and went on to book a win of more than $280,000.
Check back with PokerOrg as further details about the Million Dollar Game and its lineups are revealed.
