WordPress themes can come from the official WordPress directory, commercial marketplaces, or developer sites. The official directory offers free, reviewed, and regularly updated themes, making it the safest starting point. Paid sources may provide more premium designs and extras, but checking compatibility with current WordPress versions is recommended before buying (WordPress.org, 2026).
A valid WordPress theme must include a style.css file with the theme header information and an index.php file. Most themes also include functions.php for custom features, header.php and footer.php for site structure, single.php and page.php for content templates, and a screenshot.png for admin preview. Additional files like sidebar.php, search.php, or template parts simply refine how different page types display (WordPress.org, n.d.).
I evaluated Astra, Kadence, and GeneratePress using four weighted criteria: responsive structure (35%), customizability (30%), update history (20%), and user reviews (15%). These matter because my poker website needs to work well on mobile, maintain security and compatibility, and have proven reliability. Astra scored highest overall based on recent updates, customization options, responsiveness, and positive ratings. You can view the themes here: Astra, Kadence, and GeneratePress.
Figure 1: Matrix to compare three WordPress themes based on a set criteria.
I installed and activated Astra directly through the WordPress admin dashboard under Appearance>Themes>Add Theme. No manual upload or additional steps were needed beyond a standard WordPress installation.
Figure 2: Homepage of MIxed Poker Hub active on the Astra WordPress theme.
References
WordPress.org. (2026). Premium WordPress Themes. https://wordpress.com/themes/about/premium
WordPress.org. (n.d.). Theme handbook. https://developer.wordpress.org/themes/