The Winter Edition of the unique The Festival series, bearing the Special label, runs from February 23 to March 1. It aims once again to showcase why The Festival is lauded as Europe's liveliest blend of poker, mixed games, and atmosphere. What awaits you in Slovakia's capital over the next week?
Year 2026: More Destinations, More Opportunities
The 2026 calendar for The Festival Series is the most packed yet, featuring nine festival stops throughout the year—four full-scale live festivals, three 'Weekend' editions, and two online chapters. Alongside traditional destinations, the series returns to Tallinn and introduces new Baltic cities poised to craft a completely fresh narrative. And that story begins right here in Bratislava.
50 Tournaments to Suit Everyone
The Festival Bratislava starts strong from day one, featuring 50 events and a mix of formats that can switch the vibe from 'grind' to pure fun in a single level.
The main attraction is traditionally the Main Event with a €550 buy-in, featuring multiple starting flights, complemented by its mixed-games 'brother', the Mixed Games Main Event T.O.R.S.E.S., also at €550. Add to this the staple The Hendon Mob Championship for €250, which consistently draws a massive field of players eager to log a result in the most renowned live results database.
As the weekend hits, the tempo picks up even more: Mystery Bounty for €250, Big O, a 10-Game Mix High Roller for €1,100, and Sunday brings a grand finale—the conclusion of the Main Event and a wrap-up with the OFC Pineapple High Roller for €1,100. You can find the detailed tournament schedule on our website in the live poker section.
Will Kotowicz Claim a Third Gold?
The history of Bratislava's Main Event is intriguing, with the last two editions dominated back-to-back by Polish player Sebastian Kotowicz. After a triumph for €77,001, he returned the following year to claim another title and €78,100, marking him as the first player to win the Main Event at The Festival in consecutive years. This makes it even more thrilling to watch the numbers the current edition will bring and whether Kotowicz can once more navigate the field and complete another chapter, which would certainly be a poker rarity.
