PokerStars change SCOOP dates from May to March

In quite a surprise announcement, the Spring Championship of Online Poker is two months earlier in 2026. We speculate why that may be.

While PokerStars are far from the market leader in online poker anymore, their two major online series (SCOOP and WCOOP) remain the most prestigious in online poker. 

It is certainly newsworthy, therefore, when they change the dates of their Spring Championship of Online Poker (SCOOP) to March next year. This year's series took place between May 11 and June 2, which is roughly when it always has. 

SCOOP was always an unofficial warm-up to the World Series of Poker, but next year it will take place from March 1 to 25. No further details about the series have been released. 

Why the change to March?

Which leads us to speculate why the change? The series was very much a staple part of the poker calendar, one which other online sites built their own festivals around. 

2026 may be a year where festivals clashing could become a big story. Recently the WSOP announced the WSOPE was taking place at the earlier time of March 31 this year, a move which appeared to purposely clash with the PokerStars branded and very popular Irish Open. 

2026's Irish Open takes place from March 26, the day after SCOOP ends, which could signal an effort to ensure PokerStars players have the flexibility to play both. The first events of the 2026 European Poker Tour have been announced, which include EPT Monte Carlo from April 30 to May 10, followed by PokerStars Open Namur from May 27. Two events which would have clashed with SCOOP at the traditonal time. 

Or it could just be because March is colder in Europe and players want to travel less, making it perfect for an online series.