Merit Poker is a well-established live poker brand based in Northern Cyprus and part of Merit Hotels & Resorts. The company has been active in the poker industry since 2008 and has made a name for itself particularly through major international tournament series. Games are primarily held at its own resort and casino facilities. From January 11 to 22, 2027, Merit Poker will launch the next edition of its Western Series.
The Western Series has been a fixture on Merit Poker’s tournament calendar in Northern Cyprus for several years. Under the theme “The Call of the Wild West,” this year’s event at the Merit Royal Diamond will feature more than $6 million in guaranteed prize money. The centerpiece is the $5,500 Main Event, which guarantees $3 million. The first starting day is scheduled for January 17. A total of several starting flights are planned before players return for Day 2 on January 20. Day 2 continues on January 20, followed by the third day of play on January 21. The final day is scheduled for January 22.
In addition, two more tournaments—the Merit Poker Cup and the High Roller—each with a $1 million guarantee, are on the schedule. The Merit Poker Cup has a buy-in of $3,500. The first starting phase begins on January 12, followed by additional starting days and Day 2. The final is scheduled for January 15. The High Roller begins on January 15 with a buy-in of $7,500. It also features a $1 million guarantee. Day 1 is scheduled for January 15, with Day 2 following on January 16. The final day is set for January 17.
The series is rounded out by a Big Bounty, a PLO event, the Women’s Championship, and a Mystery Bounty. The $2,000 Big Bounty KO has a buy-in of $3,300 and guarantees $100,000. It will be played on January 13. The Western Series isn’t limited exclusively to No-Limit Hold’em. With the PLO 5 Card, there are even two such tournaments on the schedule. Both have a buy-in of $3,300 and a guaranteed prize pool of $100,000. The first event is scheduled for January 16, with a second following on January 19. The Women’s Championship takes place on January 18 and costs $440. The prize pool is guaranteed at $15,000. The $2,000 Mystery Bounty has a buy-in of $3,300 and a guaranteed prize pool of $300,000. The first event takes place on January 16, followed by the final day on January 17.
The first qualifiers begin as early as January 11—before the start of the major championship events. Satellites for the Main Event will include buy-ins of $630, $900, $1,050, and $1,150, among others. A “Freeroll to Super” qualifier guarantees 20 seats for the subsequent qualifier. Another “Freeroll to Mega” qualifier also offers 20 seats.
More information is available on the Merit Poker website. Here is the complete schedule for the 2027 Merit Poker Western Series:
