The 2026 World Series of Poker closed with Solana SOL$96.55+3.0% processing $23 million in crypto payments across the summer series in Las Vegas, roughly 6% of all buy-ins, Solana Foundation CPO Vibhu Norby told PokerNews in a post-season interview published Friday.
The figure is more than double what Lucas Jumalon earned for winning the 2026 Main Event. Jumalon took home $10 million, a comparison Norby offered to put the aggregate buy-in volume in a frame familiar to poker players.
Why Solana Agreed to Its First-Ever Event Sponsorship
The WSOP deal was Solana's first event sponsorship, and Norby told PokerNews it nearly didn't happen. He outlined a philosophy that put product utility ahead of brand placement.
"This is the first time we've ever done this. We've never sponsored anything. We actually don't even believe in it. The only reason we did this is that we felt there was actually product and things we could do with the industry to make it better. It felt like more than just slapping our logo on something."
That product was zero-fee tournament buy-ins using SOL, USDC, and USDT, processed through MoonPay's Commerce infrastructure. The partnership launched in June, with Solana named as presenting sponsor of the full series.
6% of All 2026 WSOP Buy-Ins: Showdowns, ESPN, and the Season in Full
The $23 million spans dozens of events across the summer series: bracelet tournaments, satellites, and side events. Consistent uptake at 6% of all buy-ins across a multi-month, multi-format schedule at Horseshoe Las Vegas represents a more demanding test of consumer payment infrastructure than a single high-stakes event.
The sponsorship also included a dedicated crypto event: a $100,000 Solana Showdown freeroll held during the Main Event final table. Crypto trader Rasmr took first place for $50,000, with MinhxDynasty finishing second for $25,000.
Broadcast reach extended beyond the casino floor. ESPN aired more than 100 hours of WSOP coverage starting July 2, including prime-time Main Event finals on ESPN August 3–5, marking Solana's first appearance as a named sponsor on broadcast television.
Norby's PokerNews interview also touched on his own poker plans: he said he was set to appear on the "Poker at The Lodge" cash game livestream in Austin, Texas, adding on X that this was "good news for people that enjoy watching me lose money."
