When Banco Bratislava hosts its various tournaments, full tables, generous prize pools, and highly international fields are guaranteed. There’s plenty on the agenda for the fall, starting with the premiere of the EpicBet Club Championship, but the Banco Casino Masters, the Israeli Federation Cup, the major Polish Poker Championship, and the Evbets Live Experience have also already been announced.
Managing large fields is a skill in itself, and Banco has proven its ability to do so time and again. The Scandinavians have chosen Banco as a premium location because the casino—now operating exclusively as a poker room—is completely smoke-free, and the cost-benefit analysis is virtually perfect—not just for the Scandinavians. Poles, Israelis, Italians, and many others also enjoy hosting their events in the heart of Bratislava, taking advantage of the central location and the perfect poker conditions.
The tournament calendar through the end of the year is far from full, but the events already announced are truly impressive.
Epicbet Club Championship (September 16–21)
Epicbet—it’s essentially the reinvention of Coolbet. Coolbet still exists, but Mr. Coolbet has now launched EpicBet and is starting fresh with this concept. And it’s proving to be just as successful. The first Epicbet Club Championship features a €300 + 40 Main Event (€150,000 GTD) and plenty of side events. And definitely more than just two-card action. Plus a team competition on September 20. Several Austrian teams from the club scene will definitely be competing here. A truly varied program with plenty of fun in store awaits.
45th Banco Casino Masters (September 22–28)
What can one say about the Banco Casino Masters that hasn’t already been said? It’s the absolute highlight among Banco’s original tournament formats. As has been the case for years, for €170 you’ll be playing for a guaranteed prize pool of €250,000. There’s a chip leader bonus—and, for the first time, an €85 “Half Price” first flight. So it’s basically a premium opportunity to play for a €250,000 prize pool for just €85. Side events are a must, including the €225 + 25 PLO Masters (€20,000 GTD). And this time, the Fun Zone is back to provide some extra action.
Cash Game Tour (September 29–October 5)
Between the main events, from September 29 through October 5, cash game players will once again get their money’s worth. It’s not about high-stakes games, but rather solid action starting at €1/3 and €2/2. That’s what PokerTourist stands for with the Merlin Poker Cash Game Tour.
Israeli Federation Cup #2 (October 6–12)
The premiere of the Israeli Federation Cup was such a hit that there’s already a follow-up. From October 6–12, the €200 Main Event offers a guaranteed prize pool of €300,000—plus plenty of side events. There’s a full schedule and plenty of action every day—even one-day players will get their money’s worth.
Polish Poker Championship (November 4–16)
When the Poles come, records are almost guaranteed. For just €150, you can play for at least €500,000 at the Polish Poker Championship. There’s a bonus for multiple qualifiers. And if anyone’s wondering why there are already so many flights scheduled in advance—it’s because local players actually requested to play without the Polish crowds. So, essentially, a few quieter flights on purpose before the Polish invasion arrives. And all the other players, too, because the Polish Poker Championship has now become a true must-attend event for players of all nationalities. There are also side events, but the real focus here is definitely on the €150 Main Event (€500,000 GTD).
EvBets Live Experience (December 15–20)
This is the first time this event is being held, and it’s the perfect opportunity to visit Bratislava during the pre-Christmas season. The Main Event features a €350 buy-in and a €300,000 guarantee, and there will be plenty of side events as well. The Playzone will also be activated again for the event, and action away from the tables will provide additional chances to win.
As always, cash games will start with blinds of €1/3 NLH and €2/2 PLO. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Marketing Manager Jan Packa; you can find all further details at bancocasino.sk.
Coming up:
Prize pools minus a 10% fee (unless otherwise specified) and a 6% rake