CoinDesk
The World Series of Poker is integrating Solana-powered crypto payments into its global tournament circuit, partnering with the Solana Foundation and MoonPay to let players buy into events with digital assets at zero processing fees. The rollout begins at this year's WSOP in Las Vegas before expanding to WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas in December.
Why it matters
WSOP is one of the most internationally recognised gaming events on the planet, drawing players from dozens of countries who routinely face friction converting currencies and moving funds across borders. Solana-based payments directly address that pain point — fast settlement, near-zero fees, and stablecoin payout options remove the cross-border transaction overhead that has long frustrated international players. WSOP CEO Ty Stewart framed the move as a modernisation play: "Solana's ecosystem, like the WSOP, constantly challenges conventions and remains laser-focused on the consumer experience."
Market impact
For Solana, landing a mainstream consumer brand of WSOP's scale is a meaningful adoption signal — the kind that reinforces the network's pivot away from its memecoin-heavy reputation toward real-world payment infrastructure. The December Bahamas expansion adds a second milestone: winners will be able to opt into stablecoin payouts on Solana, putting the network's settlement rails in front of a high-net-worth, globally distributed audience. Watch for similar sporting and gaming event integrations to follow if the Las Vegas rollout runs cleanly.
Frequently asked questions
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How can WSOP players use Solana payments and are there any fees involved?
Players can buy into WSOP tournaments using Solana-based crypto payments powered by MoonPay with no processing fees, starting at the Las Vegas event. The option expands to WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas in December, where winners can also receive payouts in Solana-based stablecoins.
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Why does the WSOP-Solana partnership matter for international players?
WSOP draws players from dozens of countries who face friction converting currencies and moving funds across borders. Solana's fast settlement and near-zero fees directly reduce that cross-border transaction overhead for a globally distributed player base.
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What does this deal signal for Solana's broader positioning in payments?
Landing a mainstream consumer brand of WSOP's scale reinforces Solana's pivot away from its memecoin-heavy reputation toward real-world payment infrastructure, with stablecoin payout rails now in front of a high-net-worth international audience.
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