When Casino Velden hosts the Poker EM, the players show up. The festival on Lake Wörthersee is the perfect counterpoint to the hectic WSOP and the best summer spot for partying, relaxing, and playing poker.
3,458 entries and €2,712,260 in prize money—that’s the impressive tally for the 35th Poker EM (excluding satellites). Above all, the €550 Showdown am Wörthersee stood out again this year, drawing 824 entries—virtually a record turnout. The Ladies’ event also nearly set a new record with 77 entries.
Incidentally, there was also a record off the tables: around 120 players took part in the second—but already almost traditional—boccia tournament this year. The Carinthian “Brettl Jausn” and the suckling grilled pork were once again received with enthusiasm.
The High Roller events once again featured a top-notch field this year with many renowned players—but a surprise winner. Velden regular Gerald Glabonjat prevailed in the high-caliber field and secured €90,000 in prize money. Only Luca Stevanato, the winner of the €2,500 + 250 Main Event, took home more. There were 251 entries this year, with €133,000 up for grabs for the winner. win2day Brand Ambassador Jessica Teusl had dominated the field for two days and came very close to marching all the way to victory. With three players left, however, it was time for Italian Luca Stevanato to shine. He also dominated in heads-up play and, after a deal, secured €119,440; Jessica was left with €103,560 as consolation for her second-place finish.
Even before leaving, many had already rebooked their hotel for next year, because from July 20 to August 1, 2027, it’ll once again be “Summer, Sun, Wörthersee—and Poker.” Information is available at pokerem.com.
All Winners of the 35th European Poker Championship
| Event | Buy-In | Entries | Prize Pool | Winner | Prize Money |
| Welcome NLH | €300 + 30 | 256 | 76,800 € | Josef Orlitsch | €11,675 |
| Bounty | €200 + 100 + 30 | 209 | €62,700 | Tomas Zlanabitnig | 5,420 € |
| Seniors | €500 + 50 | 165 | €82,500 | Istvan Törö | €18,650 |
| Women | €300 + 30 | 77 | €23,100 | Roswitha Vaclavek | 5,220 € |
| Omaha | €200 + 30 | 139 | €27,800 | Christoph Strehl | €5,435 |
| NLH Turbo | €300 + 30 | 152 | €45,600 | Alexander Schlüter | €8,755 |
| Showdown | €500 + 50 | 824 | €412,000 | Werner Egger | €55,620 |
| PLO EM | €2,000 + 200 | 118 | €236,000 | Nino Ullmann | €56,660 |
| NLH 6-handed | €800 + 80 | 171 | €136,800 | Henry Gondorff | €31,000 |
| 7-Card Stud | €400 + 40 | 56 | €44,000 | Rod Tidwell | €11,260 |
| PLO High Roller | €5,000 + 400 | 37 | €185,000 | Tobias Schwecht | €68,450 |
| NLH High Roller | €5,000 + 400 | 58 | €290,000 | Gerald Glabonjat | €90,000 |
| NLH Main Event | €2,500 + 250 | 251 | €627,500 | Luca Stevanato | €119,440 |
| 2k Turbo | €2,000 + 200 | 21 | €42,000 | Manuel Fritz | €21,000 |
| PLO Bounty | €500 + 300 + 80 | 111 | €88,800 | Frane Letica | €13,900 |
| NLH Turbo | €300 + 30 | 156 | €46,800 | Patrick Grell | €9,620 |
| Wörthersee Poker Party | €300 + 30 | 380 | €114,000 | Christian Leichtfried | €22,100 |
| Mystery Bounty EM | €500 + 500 + 100 | 155 | €155,000 | Stefan Thiesies | €17,100 + €21,000 |
| NLH Closer | €130 + 20 | 122 | €15,860 | Triqueta | €3,800 |