Overview
- The Solana Foundation is teaming up with the World Series of Poker to facilitate crypto entry fees and payouts.
- Starting in December, players will be able to receive tournament prize payouts in stablecoins.
- Crypto payments firm MoonPay will provide the necessary infrastructure.
The Solana Foundation is making a significant move.
This Swiss-based nonprofit, which aims to promote its layer-1 network and native cryptocurrency, has announced a partnership with the renowned World Series of Poker (WSOP). This initiative will allow participants to enter WSOP events using cryptocurrency and, eventually, receive their winnings in stablecoins.
The integration will utilize MoonPay's payment solutions, offering players zero processing fees when they register using Solana (SOL) or Solana-backed stablecoins. The stablecoin payouts for tournaments will commence in December at the WSOP Paradise event in the Bahamas. (Note: MoonPay Ventures is an investor in Dastan, which is the parent company of the independent publication Decrypt.)
Vibhu Norby, Chief Product Officer of the Solana Foundation, shared with Decrypt, "Implementing Solana-based buy-ins and payouts transforms the financial dynamics of the poker world and minimizes obstacles for players globally."
Solana branding featured on the World Series of Poker broadcast set. Image: Solana FoundationNorby further explained, "Poker players prefer to manage their funds effectively and seek quick, efficient experiences. With Solana, players can enter with no fees and receive their winnings instantly, which we anticipate will lead to widespread adoption of these features."
The success of this collaboration will be measured by the uptake of crypto buy-ins and stablecoin payouts, as well as the long-term growth of both the WSOP and Solana communities, according to Norby.
He stated, "There is a tremendous opportunity to engage this audience, and we aim to expand both the Solana community and the game of poker."
Both organizations emphasized the advantages of quicker payment processing and improved accessibility, especially for international participants.
Jim Walker, President of MoonPay Commerce, remarked, "Crypto is inherently suited for this purpose. By facilitating buy-ins and payouts via MoonPay on Solana, we are directly addressing the demand for faster, global payments that simplify the process for players everywhere to join the biggest tables in the world."
Beyond the payment integration, the Solana Foundation will serve as the official presenting sponsor for the 2026 World Series of Poker and the World Series of Poker Paradise. Solana branding will be prominently displayed across the broadcast set and at various events, including on the poker table felt. Furthermore, both entities will collaborate on developing on-chain poker products for future release.
The World Series of Poker organizes around 50 events globally and has distributed over $4 billion in total prize money. The highly anticipated “Main Event,” which has a $10,000 entry fee, will begin its television coverage on July 2.