Weekend Poker Challenge Logo Sponsor Logo
BUCHAREST 2025

WEEKEND POKER CHALLENGE

5,000 PLAYERS
€500,000 PRIZE POOL
INTERNATIONAL EVENT
AUGUST 22-24, 2025
ROMEXPO EXHIBITION CENTER
Tournament Registration Closes: July 20th
LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER

5,000 Players

€500,000 Prize Pool

Romexpo, Bucharest

Free Entrance for Spectators

INTERNATIONAL POKER CHAMPIONSHIP

WEEKEND POKER CHALLENGE BUCHAREST

The Weekend Poker Challenge is the premier international poker tournament of 2025, bringing together 5,000 elite players competing for a massive €500,000 prize pool in the heart of Bucharest.

The inaugural edition at Romexpo Exhibition Center offers spectators free entrance to witness the action up close as global poker talent showcases their skills across three days of intense competition, culminating in a televised final table.

Tournament Poster
Sponsor Logo Sponsor Logo
BUCHAREST
22-24 AUGUST
WATCH NOW / OFFICIAL TRAILER
Spectator entrance is completely free

SCHEDULE

DAY 1 - AUGUST 22
09:00 Opening Ceremony
10:00 First Round Begins
13:00 Lunch Break
14:00 Second Flight Begins
19:00 Third Flight Begins
23:00 Day 1 Concludes
DAY 2 - AUGUST 23
09:00 Fourth Flight Begins
14:00 Fifth Flight Begins
18:00 Advanced Rounds
19:30 Dual Brackets Begin
22:00 Quarter & Semi-Finals
24:00 Day 2 Concludes
DAY 3 - AUGUST 24
10:00 Quarter-Finals Continue
12:00 Semi-Finals
15:00 Final Table Setup
16:00 Final Table Begins
20:00 Awards Ceremony
21:30 Closing Party

Featured Players

Europe
North America
Asia
Rest of World
Online Qualifiers: June 1-15, 2025
Regional Champions: July 5-10, 2025
Alexandru Ionescu
Romanian Champion
Maria Popescu
European Series Finalist
Viktor Novak
International Master
Sofia Dimitrov
Bulgarian Champion
Andrei Vasilescu
Online Qualifier
Elena Dragomir
European Tour Winner
Luca Marinescu
National Finalist
Gabriel Stancu
Regional Champion
Open Qualifier
Regional Finals
Main Event
View All Players
COMPETITION STRUCTURE

Tournament Format

01

Day-1 "Double-Chance" Flights

  • Five starting flights of 1,000 players each (Thu 22 Aug — 09:00 / 14:00 / 19:00, Fri 23 Aug — 09:00 / 14:00)
  • 30-minute blind levels • 20,000-chip stacks
  • One $100 re-buy permitted through Level 8
  • Top 20% of every flight bag chips → ≈ 1,000 players advance
02

Dual Brackets (Fri 23 Aug 19:30)

  • Survivors redraw into Bracket A & Bracket B (≈ 500 each)
  • 40-minute levels, stacks carry over
  • Play down to 60 players per bracket (120 total)
  • Bracket chip-leaders skip straight to the Final Table
  • Places 2-6 start Day 3 with a +50% stack bonus
  • Places 7-60 move to Quarter-Finals
03

Playoffs – Final-Day Ladder (Sat 24 Aug)

  • Quarter-Finals 108 players → 54
  • Semi-Finals 54 players → 6 table winners
  • Grand Final 6 winners + 2 chip-leader seeds = 8-handed TV table
  • 45-minute levels, cards-up livestream

PRIZE STRUCTURE

€500,000 TOTAL POOL
Place Prize Money
1st €105,000
2nd €70,000
3rd-4th €49,000 each
5th-6th €35,000 each
7th-8th €24,500 each
9th-12th €12,250 each
13th-16th €8,750 each
17th-20th €5,250 each
21st-24th €3,500 each
Download Complete Rules
VENUE INFORMATION

Tournament Location

Romexpo Exhibition Center

Bulevardul Mărăști 65-67, București 011465, Romania

FACILITIES

  • 15,000+ spectator capacity
  • Multiple food courts and lounges
  • Free viewing sections for all spectators
  • Free WiFi throughout the venue
  • Ample parking (2,000+ spaces)

TRANSPORTATION

Romexpo is accessible by public transportation:

  • Metro: Line M1 to Piața Presei Libere
  • Bus: Routes 331, 335, 783
  • Tram: Line 41
Map of Romexpo location
Romexpo Exhibition Center
Bucharest, Romania
Central location with easy access from all parts of the city
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still register as a player?

No, player registration is now complete. All 5,000 player slots have been filled. You can still attend as a spectator with free entrance to enjoy the tournament.

How can I watch the tournament?

Entrance is completely free for all spectators! Simply come to Romexpo Exhibition Center during the tournament days (August 22-24, 2025) and enjoy the action. Multiple viewing areas are available throughout the venue.

Will the tournament be televised?

Yes, the semi-finals and finals will be broadcast live on SportTV Romania. We'll also have a live stream available on our official website and YouTube channel for international viewers.

What are the tournament rules?

We follow standard Texas Hold'em rules with structured blind levels. The complete rulebook is available for download on our website for both players and interested spectators.

Is there food available at the venue?

Yes, Romexpo has multiple food courts and beverage stations throughout the venue. Options include international cuisine, local Romanian specialties, and quick service options at reasonable prices.

Still have questions? Contact our support team:

Contact Support