2026 MSPT JACK Cleveland

The 2026 Mid-States Poker Tour festival at JACK Cleveland Casino is built around a $1,110 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event with a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool, three starting flights and a $3,500 MSPT Championship seat added to first place. The festival also features five Gold Card events, Main Event satellites, a Seniors tournament and an eight-handed Pot-Limit Omaha event.

JACK Cleveland's official schedule PDF is labeled Aug. 18-24, 2026, while the published event grid shows tournament action from Aug. 18 through Aug. 23. MSPT's official event listing also gives Aug. 18-23 for the Cleveland stop. Players should check the latest official information before traveling in case the organizer updates the schedule.

View the official 2026 MSPT JACK Cleveland schedule

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2026 MSPT JACK Cleveland Series Overview

The series takes place at JACK Cleveland Casino in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Most of the schedule is built around No-Limit Hold'em, but players also have access to a Seniors event, an eight-handed Pot-Limit Omaha tournament and a satellite program leading into the Main Event.

Key series information includes:

• Venue: JACK Cleveland Casino, 100 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio

• Published festival dates: Aug. 18-24, 2026, with the event grid showing tournament play through Aug. 23

• Main Event buy-in: $1,110

• Main Event guarantee: $500,000

• Main Event starting stack: 30,000 chips

• Main Event starting flights: Thursday, Friday and Saturday

• Gold Card events: Five

• Main Event first-place bonus: $3,500 MSPT Championship seat

• Minimum casino age: 21

The complete event-by-event schedule, including satellite starting times and registration windows, is available through the official schedule link above rather than reproduced here.

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$1,110 MSPT Main Event With a $500,000 Guarantee

The centerpiece of the Cleveland series is Event #4, the $1,110 No-Limit Hold'em Main Event. The tournament carries a $500,000 guarantee and is designated as an official MSPT Trophy and Gold Card event.

Players begin with 30,000 chips. Day 1 levels last 40 minutes, giving the Main Event a considerably deeper structure than many of the supporting tournaments on the schedule.

The $1,110 entry consists of $970 going into the prize pool and a $140 administrative fee. The official structure also states that $1,500 will be deducted from the prize pool for trophies and Player of the Year expenses.

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Main Event Starting Flights

Three starting flights give players multiple opportunities to qualify for Day 2:

• Day 1A: Thursday, Aug. 20 at 3:15 PM, with registration scheduled through 12:15 AM

• Day 1B: Friday, Aug. 21 at 12:15 PM, with registration scheduled through 9:40 PM

• Day 1C: Saturday, Aug. 22 at 12:15 PM, with registration scheduled through 9:40 PM

Unlimited re-entry is permitted through the start of Level 13 in each flight.

Day 1B and Day 1C include a scheduled 40-minute dinner break after Level 9. The published structure also calls for 15-minute breaks after every three levels.

Each starting flight continues until approximately 11% of that flight's field remains, rounded up. Players who advance are already in the money when Day 2 begins.

Day 2 is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 23. One detail deserves attention before players make Sunday plans: the schedule grid lists an 11:15 AM restart, while the Main Event structure page states that Day 2 resumes at 11:00 AM. Players who qualify should confirm the official restart time directly with tournament staff.

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Main Event Re-Entry and Multi-Bag Rules

The Main Event allows unlimited re-entry until the beginning of Level 13. Players eliminated before that point may enter again subject to seating and registration availability.

A player who advances from more than one starting flight does not play multiple stacks on Day 2. Under the published multi-bag rule, only the player's largest qualifying stack remains in play.

Any smaller qualifying stack is removed at the beginning of Day 2, and the player receives the lowest Day 2 payout for that additional stack. Only the larger stack earns MSPT Player of the Year points, and the results count as a single MSPT Main Event cash for statistical purposes.

Players considering another flight after already qualifying should account for that rule when deciding whether the opportunity to build a larger stack is worth another entry.

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$3,500 MSPT Championship Seat Added to First Place

The Main Event winner receives more than the tournament's first-place cash prize. MSPT is also adding a $3,500 seat into the 2026 MSPT Championship Main Event.

The added seat is non-transferable. Travel, lodging and other expenses associated with attending the Championship are the winner's responsibility.

MSPT lists the Championship Main Event at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, for Nov. 27 through Dec. 2, 2026, with a $2 million guarantee.

Players can check upcoming tour information through the official MSPT website.

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Gold Card Events and Supporting Tournaments

Five events on the Cleveland schedule are designated Gold Card tournaments, including the Main Event. The supporting lineup gives players several alternatives to the $1,110 centerpiece without requiring a full week of Main Event-level buy-ins.

The $300 Ultimate Stack opens the numbered-event schedule with a $20,000 guarantee, a 40,000-chip starting stack and 30-minute levels.

The $300 Seniors No-Limit Hold'em event carries a $50,000 guarantee and is restricted to players age 50 and older. Players begin with 30,000 chips and play 30-minute levels.

A $250 Monster Stack No-Limit Hold'em tournament offers a $20,000 guarantee. It begins with 30,000 chips and uses quicker 20-minute levels, creating a substantially faster structure than the Main Event.

The final numbered event is a $1,000 eight-handed Pot-Limit Omaha tournament with a $40,000 guarantee. Players start with 30,000 chips and play 30-minute levels, shortening to 20 minutes when heads-up play begins or when a deal is made.

The Ultimate Stack, Seniors event, Monster Stack, Main Event and PLO tournament account for the five Gold Card events advertised for the series.

Under the published Gold Card rules, the tournament must reach three-handed play before a Gold Card can be awarded. If a tournament ends in a four-handed or larger chop, no Gold Card is awarded. Once three players remain, an ICM deal can end the tournament with the chip leader receiving the Gold Card. Players making a deal but continuing to play must leave at least 10% of the remaining prize pool to compete for, with the eventual winner receiving the card.

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Satellites Into the MSPT Main Event

The Cleveland schedule includes a satellite ladder designed to give players lower-cost paths into the $1,110 Main Event.

A $70 Milestone Satellite feeds into the $265 Main Event satellites. It begins with 15,000 chips and 15-minute levels, with unlimited re-entry available through the start of Level 7.

The $70 satellite awards one $265 satellite entry for every $265 accumulated in the prize pool. A player reaching the published 80,000-chip milestone earns a prize rather than continuing to accumulate chips under the normal tournament format.

The series then offers multiple $265 Milestone Satellites into the $1,110 Main Event. The standard $265 structure begins with 30,000 chips and uses 20-minute levels. Unlimited re-entry is permitted through the beginning of Level 9.

The buy-in breakdown for those satellites is $222 to the prize pool and a $43 administrative fee. The official structure is designed to advance approximately one player for every five entries.

In a standard $265 Milestone Satellite, reaching 180,000 chips gives a player the option to claim a direct Main Event seat or continue playing. Satellite prize certificates are transferable, an important distinction from the non-transferable $3,500 Championship seat awarded to the Main Event winner.

The schedule also includes a Saturday morning $265 Turbo Ironman satellite. Turbo levels are 15 minutes, and the Ironman designation means there are no scheduled breaks and no milestone stopping point.

Players interested in satellites should use the official PDF for the complete list of start times because several qualifying opportunities are spread across the week.

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Registration and Tournament Rules

Players should arrive with enough time to obtain any required casino credentials and complete registration before the published deadline.

Important rules from the official MSPT schedule include:

• Players and guests must be at least 21 years old

• Tournament players must have a casino player card and valid identification

• Tournament entry fees must be paid with cash or casino chips

• Tournament Directors Association rules apply

• Big Blind Ante is used unless an individual structure states otherwise

• Registered and seated stacks are placed in play when the tournament begins

• Alternates are seated as space becomes available

• Once a player's stack has been put into play, the entry cannot be voided or refunded

• Gaming charts and training tools are prohibited in the tournament area and may result in disqualification

• Re-entry seating and table balancing are handled at the tournament director's discretion

• Tournament director decisions are final

Guaranteed events and tournament conditions remain subject to the official rules. The schedule states that guaranteed events may be changed or canceled with 24 hours' notice because of inclement weather, and MSPT management reserves the right to revise, suspend or cancel tournament activity when necessary.

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JACK Cleveland Casino and Poker Room

JACK Cleveland Casino is located at 100 Public Square in downtown Cleveland.

Players can review current property information through the official JACK Cleveland Casino website and poker-specific information through the JACK Cleveland Poker page.

Because tournament registration rules, cash-game availability and property operations can change, travelers should verify current information directly with the casino before making plans around anything not specifically listed in the MSPT tournament schedule.

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Parking at JACK Cleveland

JACK Cleveland provides downtown parking options including the North Garage at 2047 Ontario Street and the South Garage at 2151 Ontario Street.

Parking conditions and pricing can vary, particularly around downtown events, so players driving to the casino should review the official JACK parking information shortly before their trip.

Allowing extra time for downtown traffic, garage entry and tournament registration is especially sensible for Main Event starting flights and satellites with fixed registration closing times.

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Traveling to Cleveland for the MSPT

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is the primary commercial airport for players flying into the area. The airport lists downtown Cleveland at roughly 12 miles away.

Public transportation is also available. Greater Cleveland RTA's Red Line provides rail service between the airport and downtown through Tower City Station, with the airport stating that the downtown trip takes less than 30 minutes under normal service conditions.

Players considering rail transportation can review the Cleveland Hopkins public transportation information before traveling.

JACK Cleveland's Public Square location makes downtown hotels a practical option for players who want to minimize driving during the festival. Hotel rates and availability can change significantly around conventions, sporting events and other downtown activity, so tournament travelers may benefit from booking refundable accommodations when possible.

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Player Planning Tips for the Cleveland Series

The published structures create several practical decisions for tournament players:

• Main Event players choosing between flights should remember that Day 1B and Day 1C include a dinner break after Level 9

• Unlimited Main Event re-entry ends at the start of Level 13, so late-arriving players should understand how much playable time remains

• Players who already advance can enter another flight, but only their largest Day 2 stack remains active

• The $265 satellites offer a lower-cost route to the Main Event and use transferable prize certificates

• The $3,500 Championship seat added to Main Event first place is not transferable

• Players qualifying for Day 2 should verify the Sunday restart time because the official schedule grid and structure page list slightly different times

• Drivers should check current downtown parking conditions before arriving

• Tournament details should be reconfirmed through the official schedule and venue before making non-refundable travel commitments

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Frequently Asked Questions

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When is the 2026 MSPT JACK Cleveland series?

The official JACK schedule PDF is labeled Aug. 18-24, 2026, although its event grid shows tournament action from Aug. 18 through Aug. 23. MSPT's official event listing also gives Aug. 18-23.

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How much is the MSPT JACK Cleveland Main Event?

The Main Event costs $1,110 and has a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool.

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When are the Main Event starting flights?

Day 1A begins Thursday, Aug. 20 at 3:15 PM. Day 1B begins Friday, Aug. 21 at 12:15 PM, and Day 1C begins Saturday, Aug. 22 at 12:15 PM.

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What is the Main Event starting stack?

Players begin the $1,110 Main Event with 30,000 chips and play 40-minute levels on Day 1.

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Can players re-enter the MSPT Main Event?

Yes. Unlimited re-entry is allowed through the beginning of Level 13 in each starting flight.

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What does the Main Event winner receive in addition to the cash prize?

First place receives a non-transferable $3,500 seat into the 2026 MSPT Championship Main Event at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

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Does the Cleveland series have Main Event satellites?

Yes. The schedule includes a $70 feeder satellite and multiple $265 Milestone Satellites into the $1,110 Main Event, including a Turbo Ironman option.

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Is there a Seniors tournament?

Yes. The $300 Seniors No-Limit Hold'em event has a $50,000 guarantee and is open to players age 50 and older.

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Is Pot-Limit Omaha on the schedule?

Yes. The series includes a $1,000 eight-handed Pot-Limit Omaha Gold Card event with a $40,000 guarantee.

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What do players need to register?

The official rules require tournament players to be at least 21, present valid identification and have a casino player card. Tournament entry fees must be paid with cash or casino chips.

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Where is JACK Cleveland Casino?

JACK Cleveland Casino is located at 100 Public Square in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.

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Where can players find the complete MSPT JACK Cleveland schedule?

The complete official schedule, including event times, registration deadlines and satellite information, is available in the JACK Cleveland MSPT schedule PDF linked near the beginning of this guide.