'Very excited' - Engel, Lavin & Lowery verdicts on major WSOP Circuit changes

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) just announced some major changes to the WSOP Circuit. 

The 2025 Season Part 2 kicks off in July and runs through December as part of a "strategic transition" to a calendar-year format for the WSOP Circuit. In 2026, the new WSOP Circuit season will run from January through December. 

The rest of this year rounds out with 17 US stops and 12 international stops – you can check out the confirmed stops, including some new locations, at the bottom of the article.

No Tournament of Champions, but WSOP+ goes live

The Tournament of Champions will not feature as part of the shortened 2025 Season Part 2. In place of the event, all WSOP Circuit ring winners will receive an exclusive $5,000 Ticket to Paradise – a non-transferable, non-refundable package that includes a $2,500 tournament buy-in and accommodations in The Bahamas. 

With new horizons in sight, the WSOP Circuit has announced two leadership appointments to guide the tour through its shift. Dennis Jones has taken up the role of WSOP US Circuit Tournament Director, and Andy Tillman will serve as WSOP International Circuit Tournament Director. 

Additionally, all future WSOP Circuit tour stops are expected to utilize the WSOP+ app. This has been a big hit at the 2025 WSOP in Las Vegas, cutting waiting lines and streamlining payouts.

"Quietly, the WSOP Circuit continues to be the biggest live tournament series in the world, bringing the excitement and prestige of WSOP action across the globe," said Ty Stewart, Chief Executive Officer of WSOP. "Continuing to elevate the WSOP-C is a strategic focus of ours, and we hope that players enjoy the new benefit of winning any WSOP Circuit gold ring this fall."

What do the players make of it?

We spoke with three WSOP Circuit giants – Ari Engel, Dan Lowery and Michael Lavin — to hear their thoughts on the new schedule and changes

Ari Engel.

Ari Engel — tied for most Circuit rings of all time (19)

"I've always thought the idea that they gave you something back was great. This seems like an increase in value, so I think it's better for the players. 

 Last year's Bahamas tournament was geared toward high rollers — there weren't really any mid- to lower-stakes tournaments. I wonder if there will be a change this year, or maybe they're just running the one $2,500. It'll be interesting to see if the schedule gets more aligned with Circuit players as well as the high rollers. 

There are also some interesting location changes. Atlantic City is back, which hasn't been around for a while. And I noticed Panama — I don't think they've had it there before. It's always nice to keep it fresh."

Dan Lowery.

Dan Lowery — 18-time Circuit ring winner

"I saw the new schedule for the WSOPC, and I like that it’s going to a calendar year. I like that they’ve finally brought back the New Orleans stop — it was always one of my favorites! And I’m sure my friends on the East Coast will be pleased to have the Atlantic City stop. We are planning to go to the new international stops in Cyprus and Panama. And we are equally excited for what GG/WSOP has in store for 2026.

I like that they’re doing away with the TOC. These packages will be a good incentive. It’s much better than just traveling to LA on our own dime. Overall, I feel the WSOP is actually trying — for a while none of us believed that to be so — and I’m very excited about it all."

Michael Lavin.

Michael Lavin — 17-time Circuit ring winner

"I was very surprised to see some of the negative feedback to the changes. The value of winning a Circuit ring in this new format is much higher than under the old system. 

I think WSOP’s last-minute change last year to move TOC to LA with little notice was a huge slap in the face to players. The timing of the TOC being immediately before Vegas was awful. Being in LA and not having it during the WSOP removed the opportunity for recs to plan a trip and play multiple events as sort of a vacation. 

In an ideal world, I’d have loved to have seen this event moved back to Vegas, but this is definitely an upgrade over the past two years."

2025 WSOP Circuit Domestic Tour Schedule

2025 WSOP Circuit International Tour Schedule