WSOP CIRCUIT WINNERS SHARE THEIR PLANS FOR WSOP PARADISE 2026
As WSOP Paradise 2026 approaches, WSOP Circuit champions receiving WSOP Paradise Packages share what they are most looking forward to about making the trip to Baha Mar.
Oct 16 2026 09:00 AM EST
Las Vegas, Nevada (October 16, 2026) - As the calendar creeps closer to the end of the year, WSOP Paradise 2026 draws nearer and nearer as poker players around the world make plans to attend December’s premier tournament series.
Every day, poker players around the world continue to punch their ticket to WSOP Paradise 2026 by winning WSOP Circuit rings both live and online.
With every WSOP Circuit ring victory, a player earns a $5,000 WSOP Paradise Package that not only provides them with free entry to the $2,750 NLH WSOP Circuit Championship Mystery Bounty, but also a free hotel stay at the new home of WSOP Paradise: Baha Mar in the Bahamas.
While we await seeing who else will win a poker experience of a lifetime, read what already crowned WSOP Circuit champions are most excited about as they get ready to make the trip to WSOP Paradise and Baha Mar.
2025 WSOP Paradise Circuit Championship winner and Harrah's Cherokee WSOPC ring winner Mark Darner.
Read What WSOP Circuit Champions Have To Say About WSOP Paradise 2026
Shawn Hall - Horseshoe Las Vegas $600 O8 or Better
“I'm most looking forward to playing the WSOP Circuit Championship Mystery Bounty tournament. This will be the highest buy-in tournament that I have ever played. I'm sure that's common among the other WSOP Circuit qualifiers as well.”
“It's my second time visiting the Bahamas and my first time at a resort like Baha Mar. The resort seems to have a lot to offer, and I'm sure I will enjoy my time there even when not playing poker.”
Alcira Lagerwerf - Casino Malta €300 NLH Ladies Event
“This trip to the Bahamas is truly a dream come true! It will be my first time visiting this beautiful destination, and I’m thrilled to share this adventure with my daughter, mother, and sister, who have always supported me throughout my poker journey. Exploring the Bahamas and making unforgettable memories together while staying at the stunning Baha Mar resort makes this experience even more special.”
“Poker has been my passion for decades. Since I was 21, I’ve looked up to the professionals on the WSOP stage and followed the WSOP in Las Vegas every year, always dreaming of my own opportunity. Now, at 43, after years of playing as an amateur and mostly celebrating smaller wins, I’ve finally won my first WSOP Circuit ring by taking down the Ladies Event in Malta — an achievement I’m incredibly proud of!”
“Now I’m beyond excited to compete in the $2,750 Mystery Bounty at WSOP Paradise, face some of the world’s best players, and have the chance to fight for a WSOP gold bracelet. I’m hoping for an amazing run and to go as far as possible. Whatever happens at the tables, sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience with my loved ones makes it truly priceless — and who knows, the Bahamas might become the next unforgettable chapter in my poker story!”
Michael Iacullo - Horseshoe Hammond $400 Double Stack NLH
“I am a disabled Marine Corps veteran and actually didn't learn how to play poker until my mid-30s or so. I've been to the Bahamas twice but never to play poker.”
“I'm looking forward to playing with some of the big names and hoping to meet a couple of them if they are there. I actually almost won a ring in 2016 when I finished 2nd in the Monster Stack in Southern Indiana.”
“Didn't know if I would get another opportunity to play for a ring again because of how hard it is to actually win one, but always felt I was good enough to compete though. I’m just excited to watch and meet some of the other players and relax with my wife.”
“I actually find playing cards fun and exciting even if I lose. Really love the game and wish I had more time to play.”
Alison Wedding - Choctaw $400 Big O
“I am beyond excited about winning this package to WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas!”
“As both a poker player and dealer, I spend so much of my life around the game, and getting to compete on this stage in December feels incredibly special. It will be my first time in the Bahamas!”
“I can’t wait to challenge myself, connect with players from around the world, meet and maybe even play with some of my favorite pros, and soak up the Baha Mar experience—with my sights set on bringing home an awesome poker story and hopefully some hardware!”
Kimberlee Lepa - Caesars New Orleans $300 NLH Ladies Event
“This is my first ring and first TOC, and I’m very excited for the experience. But let’s be real here: while everyone else is chasing bracelets and bounties, I’ll be looking to achieve elite ROI from the complimentary dinner buffet!”
Rene Tinoco - Big Bola MX$8,000 NLH Turbo Bounty KO
“For me, winning a WSOP Circuit ring was something I thought only pros could achieve, and although it was definitely a goal of mine, it seemed out of reach for now. Like many others, I came into the poker world playing just for fun, and I started only four years ago, so I am definitely thrilled to have come this far so soon!”
“That night was unreal, and what made it even more special is that my girlfriend won the Ladies Event on that exact day. We couldn’t be happier.”
“I am excited to take the next step at the WSOP Paradise, 2026. Share the table and play against some of the best players in the world, and of course fight for a WSOP gold bracelet. This is already a great story for me to tell, and I can’t wait for this amazing opportunity.”
Book Your WSOP Circuit Paradise Package By November 1
Have you won a WSOP Circuit ring either live or online in 2026 and have yet to reserve your $5,000 WSOP Paradise Package?
If so, you have until November 1, 2026, to secure your free WSOP Paradise Package. If you have not yet heard from our team or have questions regarding your WSOP Paradise Circuit Package, email circuitpackages@wsop.com.
A special thank you to all of our WSOP Circuit ring winners who submitted a quote for this article. Congratulations again on your achievement, and we look forward to seeing you in Paradise!
