2026 NLHC Main Event Phase 2 Satellite — NZ$210
18 Oct – 29 Nov 2026 · Christchurch Casino, New Zealand
The second rung of Christchurch Casino's Main Event ladder, and the one that pays real money this year. Buy-in is NZ$210 (NZ$200 plus a NZ$10 fee) for a 20,000 starting stack, with one NZ$210 re-entry allowed before the end of the first break. Levels run twenty minutes, late registration closes after the second blind level, and play starts at 4.30pm.
About one entrant in eight finishes in the money, and the prize is the cash equivalent of a 2026 NLHC Main Event seat — NZ$1,600 — because all Main Event seats have already been allocated. At least one prize is guaranteed provided two players enter. If the tournament has not finished by 11.30pm the casino applies an ICM chop and awards the remaining players seats into the 2026 NLHC events closest in value to their calculated equity.
Three dates remain after 17 October 2026: Sunday 18 October, Sunday 8 November and Sunday 29 November.
Schedule
| Date | Event | Buy-in | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Oct 2026 | Phase 2 Main Event satellite | NZ$210 | — |
| 8 Nov 2026 | Phase 2 Main Event satellite | NZ$210 | — |
| 29 Nov 2026 | Phase 2 Main Event satellite | NZ$210 | — |
Qualify online from New Zealand
Partner rooms run satellites to live festivals like this one. Available from New Zealand:
Frequently asked questions
Do I win a Main Event seat?
No. With all Main Event seats allocated, the prize is the cash equivalent — NZ$1,600. About one entrant in eight qualifies, and one prize is guaranteed as long as two players enter.
What happens if the satellite runs past midnight?
If it has not finished by 11.30pm the casino applies an ICM chop and gives the remaining players seats into the 2026 NLHC events closest in value to their calculated equity.
Is there re-entry?
One NZ$210 re-entry, allowed before the end of the first break. The starting stack is 20,000 and levels are twenty minutes.