The PokerFest journey began on October 21, 2011. The numbers back then in Timisoara would not impress today (57 participants, only € 8,300 for 1st place). However, in the company of our well chosen partners (IPC, 888, Unibet, NetBet, Pokerstars, etc.), with consistency and masterful organising, riding on your passion for live poker and with fond memories along the way, PokerFest became #1 live poker tournament organizer in Eastern Europe and among the top in the whole Europe.
This year, after the forced break due to the pandemic, we are celebrating 10 years of success and perseverance. We have to recognize that we owe everything to you, those who crossed our steps so many times. That is why, when planning new events we have you in mind and transparency is our number one concern. Thus, we have some good news: IPC Poker Tour, alongside us for another one, promises to bring at least 70 players from Israel and our Bulgarian partner friends vouched for a contingent of at least 30 live poker enthusiasts.
The lesser news: due to the pandemic restrictions we find ourselves forced to lift the € 200,000 guarantee placed on the Main Event. We want to reiterate that participation is limited only to those who have the green certificate of vaccination against COVID OR have proof of going through the disease between 15 and 180 days from the date of registration at the festival. Rapid testing or PCR testing will not be enough to allow you access.
Ten years of successful activity are hard to encompass in just a few short paragraphs so let us just remind you of the most important ones, whether ones organised for our accomplished partners or under our own brand:
Among the 53 major festivals or tournaments in PokerFest’s 10 years of existence, the PokerStars Festival in August 2017 set an absolute record on the Romanian live poker scene. The Main Event then was won by Samuel Grafton, a well-known online and live pro, who lifted the champion’s trophy and pocketed no less than €118,000, securing the lion’s share of a record breaking €706,560 prize pool, a record we look to break soon in Romania.
Other large events came close, such as the Unibet Open festivals – 2018 Main Event with almost €600,000 in prizes, the 2016 Main Event – €585,000 prizepool, those organized for our long-time Israeli partner – the 8th anniversary of PokerFest and 10 year anniversary of IPC Tour – November 2019 Main Event hitting a €514,000 prizepool. There are also the well-known 888poker LIVE festivals– the largest Main Event taking place in March 2019 with a prize pool of €388,000. Last but not least, the fantastic NetBet Opens, frequently held at many of the local live poker arenas, had the most successful Main Event, with total prizes of €147,500, back in January 2019.
We can only hope for a new record soon and another 10 years of success, in which we will be able to add new video and photo memories and also offer you huge prizes. Our YouTube channel is the host of all the livestreamed final tables, interviews with past PokerFest champions and more, recaps and after-movies from all significant events. Just as well, here on our PokerFest page, you can enjoy both detailed articles and lots of professional photos.
We look forward to seeing you again at this anniversary festival, hosted by the Bucharest Intercontinental Hotel 5 *, between October 27 and November 1, 2021, where the cash tables, tournaments and jovial atmosphere will be supplied by the professional team of PokerFest Romania.
We leave you in the company of some of our PokerFest past champions:
