Methodology

How We Rank Tournaments

Rake-Adjusted Multiple

We rank tournaments by their rake-adjusted multiple, calculated as:

Rake-Adjusted Multiple = (GTD ÷ Buy-in) × (1 - Rake%)

This accounts for entry fees and tournament staff fees (collectively "rake") to give you the true value after costs. For example, a $400 buy-in tournament with a $330 prize pool contribution has a 17.5% rake. A $500,000 GTD becomes 1,250X raw but 1,031X rake-adjusted.

The Three Tiers

• VALUE (≥300× adjusted): The best-value tournaments in Texas. These offer exceptional prize pools relative to buy-in after rake. Marked with a red VALUE stamp.
• FYI (150–299× adjusted): Worth knowing about. Strong guarantees but lower value multiples after rake. Marked with an outlined badge.
• NOTABLE (<150× adjusted): Major guarantees (≥$100K GTD) included for completeness. Often high roller or championship events with lower value multiples. Listed with muted styling and never in hero or top rankings.

Events Without Published Fees

Some tournaments don't publish their rake or fee breakdown in advance. We list these separately with a "FEES TBD" marker and rank them by raw multiple (GTD ÷ buy-in). They're never mixed into the main rake-adjusted rankings.

Entries to Hit GTD

We show how many entries are needed to reach the guarantee using the prize pool contribution per entry. For example, a $500,000 GTD with $330 going to the prize pool per entry needs ~1,516 entries to hit the guarantee. Fewer entries means overlay; more means a bigger prize pool.

What's Included

• Texas No-Limit Hold'em (NLH) tournaments only
• Guaranteed prize pools ≥ $100,000
• Verified tournament series with published schedules
• Only tournaments whose end date is today or later (America/Chicago time) appear in the hero and top rankings

Data Sources

We research tournament data from official venue websites, tour operators (WPT, RGPS, Trailblazer), PokerAtlas, and PokerNews. Each event page lists its specific sources and verification date. We verify guarantees, buy-ins, fee breakdowns, structure details, and flight schedules.

Events marked "EST." use estimated or proxy guarantees based on historical data (e.g., prior year's GTD when the 2026 edition hasn't published full details). Always confirm with the venue before you drive.

Important Disclaimers

Informational only. This site provides tournament research for informational purposes. Guarantees, schedules, and structures can change. Always verify details with the host venue before traveling.

Not affiliated. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any card room, tour operator, or tournament organizer listed on this site.

No gambling advice. We rank tournaments by value multiples for informational purposes only. This site does not provide gambling advice, betting recommendations, or odds. We make no claims about profitability or return on investment.

Verify locally. Poker tournament rules, structures, and regulations vary by venue and jurisdiction. Confirm eligibility, age requirements, and local regulations before participating.