World Poker Tournament to be held for the first time in Northern Cyprus

The organization often called the “Olympics of Poker” — World Series of Poker (WSOP) — will take place for the first time in Northern Cyprus. The event is initiated by Merit International, with the Merit Royal Diamond hotel chosen as the venue. The tournament will be held in October this year and promises to become the largest in the region.

According to representatives of Merit Poker, hosting the WSOP in Northern Cyprus is the result of years of work, strategic planning, and international partnerships. The head of the organization, Songül Bekem, emphasized: “Las Vegas is no longer only in America; its spirit lives on in the Mediterranean. This fall, the heart of poker will beat in Merit.” These words reflect the ambition to make Cyprus one of the centers of the global poker scene.

Experts note that the arrival of one of the most prestigious poker tournaments will bring significant economic benefits to the region. Tourism, the hotel sector, services, and infrastructure will receive a noticeable boost. Additionally, the event can strengthen the international image of Northern Cyprus as a poker hub and an attractive destination for investment and sports tourism.

The WSOP traditionally gathers a record number of participants. In 2024, the main event attracted more than 10,100 players, and in 2025 — almost 9,800. These figures demonstrate not only the popularity of the tournament but also its scale and economic potential.

Organizing such events requires a high level of preparation: ensuring security, managing infrastructure, conducting matches and broadcasts, as well as providing high-quality hotel and service facilities. Organizers and local authorities are already in the final stage of preparations.