The Festival Series Bratislava 2026 – Schedule Release
The Festival Series is kicking off the 2026 season in style, as we return once again to Bratislava, the vibrant capital city of Slovakia. From February 23rd to March 1st, players can look forward to a full week of pure poker action, with more than 40 tournaments scheduled at the always welcoming Banco Casino Bratislava.
Following our final stop of 2025, expectations are sky-high, but of course, we stay humble as always. The last edition delivered moment after moment of poker history: Sebastian Kotowicz achieved an incredible back-to-back victory in the €550 Main Event, the Sviten Special became the largest Sviten tournament ever recorded worldwide (in terms of entries), and the OFC tournament smashed expectations with a record-breaking field. Add to that the debut of the Chicago Poker tournament, which attracted over 100 entries, and you have all the ingredients for an epic season opener in 2026.
Ending the year in Bratislava has always felt special, and opening the season here in 2026 will be a new curve, but we are sure that it is the perfect way to set the tone. With the venue now fully dedicated to poker, players can expect a focused, professional, and Festival-like atmosphere from the very first shuffle up and deal.
Poker, Poker, and More Poker in Bratislava
Banco Casino Bratislava continues to be one of the most player-friendly venues on the European circuit. With no casino games or slot machines in the venue, everything revolves around poker. The connected Crowne Plaza Hotel provides comfort and convenience just steps away from the tables, making it easy for players to fully immerse themselves in the Festival experience.
With a wide mix of formats including No-Limit Hold’em, PLO, Open Face Chinese, mixed games, and creative formats like Bomb Pot and NLH/PLO with a Bomb Pot feature, The Festival Series Bratislava 2026 will offer tournaments for any type of poker player.
Highlights of The Festival Bratislava 2026
- The Hendon Mob Championship | €250
- The Festival Main Event | €550
- The Festival TORSES Mixed Games Main Event | €550
- NLH Heads-Up Tournament | €250
- Bomb Pot Madness NLH/PLO | €125
- Sviten Special | €250
- Baby TORSES (Debut) | €125
- NLH Highroller | €1,100
- PLO Highroller | €1,100
- OFC Highroller | €1,100
- The Festival 10-Game Mix 2-Day | €1,100
Other Notable Tournaments
If the highlights already have you excited, the rest of the schedule will not disappoint. The Festival Bratislava 2026 once again features a rich selection of Deepstack events, PLO tournaments, Mystery Bounty formats, Madness tournaments, and mixed-game options.
After the massive success of Sviten and OFC Pineapple in 2025, these formats are once again embedded into the schedule. Mixed-game players will have even more to look forward to this year with the debut of Baby TORSES. This tournament will make its debut thanks to valuable feedback of various players as well! We have also added a mixed game, which is on the higher end of the buy-ins, namely the €1,100 10-Game for the true all-rounders.
And of course, Bratislava itself offers plenty of distractions away from the tables. If you haven't got your hands on a hospitality package yet, make sure you check out the qualifier page, as the package is part of most of the packages! You do not want to miss out on the historic sights and the cultural tastings that Bratislava has to offer, it's an epic place of getting to know other poker players and having a great time all together.
Win Your Festival Package During the Event!
Just like previous editions, added value is everywhere during The Festival Bratislava 2026. Players can compete for packages to future Festival stops through several competitive rankings and challenges.
The prestigious Player of the Series ranking once again rewards consistency and performance, but in 2026, it will be with a fun twist to it! And this, while Franke’s Flip Flops offers everyone a chance to flip their way into a future event. Cash game players are not forgotten either, as the Cash Game Challenge will be yet another way of getting your hands on an added package for a future event!
Make sure to keep track on our website, as we will share news and updates about all the live competitions such as Player of the Series, Cash Game Challenge, and Franke's Flip Flops.
Qualify Online for The Festival Series 2026
Online qualifiers for The Festival Bratislava 2026 will be available across multiple partner sites. Players will once again be able to win full packages, including buy-ins, accommodation, and the hospitality package, making it easier than ever to join the action.
Several operators offer destination-flexible packages, allowing winners to choose Bratislava as their stop of choice. Make sure to regularly check our dedicated Online Qualifier page, where all satellites, finals, and partner information will be listed in detail.
Follow Us on Social Media
The Festival Series continues to grow, attracting players from all across Europe and beyond. Social media plays a huge role in sharing the experience, from tournament updates and winner photos to behind-the-scenes moments and hospitality events.
Follow us on all our social channels to stay up to date with news, qualifiers, competitions, and exclusive content. There will be plenty of chances to win packages, merchandise, and bragging rights along the way.
