Global Poker Awards to Move to Bahamas in 2026
The annual ceremony will depart Las Vegas for the first time since 2019 to join the World Series of Poker Paradise.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Casino
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The Global Poker Index and The Hendon Mob will host the Global Poker Awards at the Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas on December 4, 2026. This edition marks a shift from the event's long-standing residency in Las Vegas.
Why it matters
Moving the ceremony to the Bahamas aligns the celebration of poker excellence with the high-profile World Series of Poker Paradise tournament. The awards serve to recognize significant player achievements and professional performances from the preceding 12 months.
The awards evaluate player accomplishments over the previous 12 months, following a history of relocations that began with the first ceremony in 2001. Previous host cities include stops in Europe, Los Angeles, and the long-running residency at ARIA Las Vegas.
The players
Global Poker Index
This organization maintains a widely recognized ranking system for tournament poker players worldwide.
The Hendon Mob
The company operates a comprehensive database tracking poker tournament results and player statistics globally.
The details
The event is scheduled to coincide with the World Series of Poker Paradise, marking a major change for organizers who recently canceled the 2025 ceremony in November of that year. This shift follows years of hosting at the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Las Vegas.
Timeline
The first Global Poker Awards were held in 2001.
The awards ceremony relocated to Los Angeles in 2014.
The ceremony began its residency at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas in 2019.
Organizers announced the cancellation of the 2025 awards in November 2025.
The 2026 Global Poker Awards will take place on December 4, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This relocation signifies a strategic shift in the poker industrys event calendar by anchoring the awards ceremony to the World Series of Poker Paradise. The move marks a departure from the established 2019 residency at the PokerGO Studio at ARIA Las Vegas.
Fans and industry participants should note that the event has moved from its historical Las Vegas home to the Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas. Travel plans for the ceremony now must align with the logistics of attending the World Series of Poker Paradise.
The takeaway
The transition to a tropical tournament venue suggests a renewed focus on pairing awards festivities with major international event series. Participants should prepare for the unique travel requirements associated with this new global venue for the seventh edition.
Further reading
For more on industry events, see the Casino section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Pokernews.
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