Poker players often dream of combining their love for the game with a vacation in an exotic destination. The Caribbean Poker Experience makes that dream a reality. Running from September 13–21, 2025 at the luxurious Meliá All Inclusive Resort Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, the festival offers the perfect blend of poker action, relaxation, and Caribbean adventure.
This is not a typical poker series. The Caribbean Poker Experience is a festival where tournament grinders and cash game aficionados both get their fix, with separate areas dedicated to each format, a packed schedule of events, and an environment where the poker never stops unless you decide to take a break for a dip in the pool, a walk on Bávaro Beach, or a round of golf.
Whether you are chasing a six-figure guarantee, battling in high-stakes PLO, or simply looking for a poker holiday in paradise, here is everything you need to know.
An All-Inclusive Venue Worth the Trip
The host venue, Meliá Punta Cana, is more than just a hotel. Located on the postcard-perfect Bávaro Beach, it offers:
- All-inclusive luxury with rates covering your room, resort fees, taxes, meals, and drinks
- Multiple restaurants and bars catering to a variety of cuisines
- Spa and wellness facilities for post-session relaxation
- Golf course access for those who like to putt between pots
- Free WiFi to stay connected and share your Caribbean adventure
- Just 20 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) for convenient travel
Room rates are straightforward and affordable for an all-inclusive Caribbean stay:
- Single: $192/night
- Double: $240/night
- Triple: $330/night
- Children (2–12): $60/night
These prices make it easy to bring a spouse, friends, or even the family along for the ride.
Sponsored by GGPoker, with Online Satellites Available
The Caribbean Poker Experience is proudly sponsored by GGPoker, the world’s largest online poker site. In addition to the on-site poker excitement, players can try to win their way to Punta Cana through $50 online satellites currently running each Saturday at 2pm Eastern Time on GGPoker. This means you could turn a small online buy-in into a seat at one of the most exciting poker events in the Caribbean.
Packages awarded to satellite winners include both a Main Event Buy in ($900 value) + an all-inclusive hotel stay for two for a full week!
READ MORE: Mastering Poker Satellite Tournaments — Tips and Strategies
A True Poker Festival: Cash Games and Tournaments
Most poker events lean heavily toward tournaments or cash games. The Caribbean Poker Experience is different. Dedicated spaces ensure that tournament players can focus on their deep runs while cash game players enjoy round-the-clock action without interruption.
Caribbean Poker Experience Tournament Schedule
The tournament lineup offers something for everyone, from satellites to high rollers, from turbo events to multi-day majors. Highlights include:
- CLSOP Open – $500 buy-in (Sept. 14–16)
- Main Event – $100,000 Guaranteed – $900 buy-in (Multiple flights Sept. 17–19)
- Single Day High Roller Light – $1,500 buy-in (Sept. 16)
- High Roller 8-Max – $2,000 buy-in (Sept. 19–20)
- Mystery Bounty – $500 buy-in (Sept. 19–20)
- Specialty and Turbo Events – From $200 to $400 buy-ins, including PKOs, DeepStacks, Dealer’s Choice PLO, and “Last Chance” events
| Date | Event | Buy-in | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 13–21 | Cash Game Festival | – | 6:00 PM |
| Sept 14 | Main Event Satellite | $120 | 3:00 PM |
| Sept 14–15 | Olympic Poker Championship (Teams) | $2,500 | 5:00 PM |
| Sept 14–16 | CLSOP Open | $500 | Varies |
| Sept 15 | DeepStack Turbo | $300 | 5:00 PM |
| Sept 15,16,17 | Main Event Satellites | $120 | 7:00 PM |
| Sept 16 | Single Day High Roller Light (8-max) | $1,500 | 4:00 PM |
| Sept 16 | Turbo PKO | $400 | 5:00 PM |
| Sept 17–20 | Main Event – $100K GTD | $900 | Varies |
| Sept 17 | PLO 4/5 Card Dealer’s Choice | $300 | 6:00 PM |
| Sept 18 | Turbo PKO | $200 | 4:00 PM |
| Sept 18 | High Roller Satellite | $300 | 6:00 PM |
| Sept 19–20 | High Roller 8-max | $2,000 | 4:00 PM |
| Sept 19–20 | Mystery Bounty | $500 | 5:00 PM |
| Sept 20 | Turbo NLHE | $200 | 5:00 PM |
| Sept 21 | Turbo DeepStack | $300 | 2:00 PM |
| Sept 21 | Last Chance | $500 | 5:00 PM |
Cash Game Festival
Starting every evening at 6:00 PM, the cash game area will be buzzing with options for every bankroll:
- No-Limit Hold’em: $1/$2 up to $25/$50+ (9-handed)
- Pot-Limit Omaha (4 & 5 cards): $1/$2 up to $25/$50+ (9-handed)
- Short Deck: $5/$10 up to $50/$100+ (6-handed)
Buy in with USD, USDT, or other accepted currencies. The stakes are high, but so is the energy, and the Caribbean setting makes it even more appealing.
Olympic Poker Championship: National Pride on the Line
One of the most exciting events appearing on the festival’s tournament schedule is the Olympic Poker Championship, a two-day $2,500 buy-in event taking place September 14–15. This unique competition will feature teams of five players, each contributing $500 to form their entry, representing their home countries in a battle for poker supremacy.
Players will compete individually in a format that combines personal performance with team results, adding an entirely new strategic layer to tournament play. National pride will be at stake, and railbirds can expect a lively, high-energy atmosphere as the teams vie for the gold.
“Poker has been recognized as a sport in many countries, so we wanted to show the world it can be played in a variety of formats. The Olympic Poker Championship, a National Teams event, gives players the unique opportunity to represent their country with medals being awarded to the winners” said event organizer Brian Saslavchik. “The event is recognized by the Panamerican Poker Sport Confederation (Confederación de Poker Deportivo Panamericana), a member of the World Poker Federation” he continued.
Poker Federations from most countries in Latin America are currently putting together their teams, with Tea Captains expected to be announced in the very near future.
Players interested in representing their country as part of the Olympic Poker Championship should contact Brian Saslavchik directly via this WhatsApp link.
Punta Cana: A Location That’s Hard to Beat
Punta Cana itself is one of the biggest selling points. The Dominican Republic’s east coast is famous for turquoise waters, soft white sand, and year-round tropical weather. When you are not at the tables, you can:
- Lounge at the resort’s pools with a drink in hand
- Take advantage of all-inclusive dining from beachside snacks to fine dining
- Try local excursions like snorkeling, zip-lining, or catamaran cruises
- Work out or rejuvenate in the spa between poker sessions
For those bringing non-poker companions, there is more than enough to keep them happy while you focus on your game.
Planning Your Caribbean Poker Experience Trip
With the festival taking place September 13–21, 2025, now is the perfect time to start making arrangements. Punta Cana is served by numerous direct flights from major cities in North America, Europe, and South America, and the 20-minute transfer to the resort means you can go from runway to poker table in record time.
The Caribbean Poker Experience is not just another stop on the poker calendar. It is an opportunity to turn your passion for the game into a true vacation. Imagine starting your day with breakfast overlooking the ocean, playing a Main Event flight in the afternoon, and unwinding in the evening with a cocktail on the beach. Whether you are chasing trophies, hunting bounties, or splashing around in high-stakes cash games, the Caribbean Poker Experience offers the perfect mix.
If you have been looking for an excuse to plan a poker trip with a side of sun, sand, and unforgettable memories, the Caribbean Poker Experience in Punta Cana should be calling your name.
For more information on how to participate in the Caribbean Poker Experience, including hotel bookings, contact Brian Saslavchik directly via WhatsApp.
