A Promising Debut for the SiGMA Poker Tour
The SiGMA Poker Tour made its live debut in 2025, and right from the outset it was clear that this wasn’t just another poker series. Born out of the global SiGMA Group’s reputation for combining gaming, networking, and entertainment, the new circuit set out to blend poker excellence with the lifestyle and business synergy that the brand has cultivated over the years.
In its inaugural season, the SiGMA Poker Tour featured two highly successful stops — first in Brazil, then in Malta. Across both events, the tour demonstrated its ability to deliver professionally run tournaments, strong attendance, and an atmosphere that was as much about connection and celebration as it was about competition. For a first-year operation, the results were impressive, and the SiGMA team made it clear they’re here to stay.
The Brazil Kickoff
The curtain rose in São Paulo, Brazil, with a vibrant and ambitious opening festival in April at the Monte Carlo Poker Club. The energy on the tournament floor matched the excitement that had been building since the tour’s announcement earlier in the year. With multiple events on the schedule, open bars, off-felt entertainment, and SiGMA’s trademark hospitality, the debut event felt like a celebration of poker’s social side as much as a serious competition.
The Main Event, which featured a buy-in of $770, drew 293 entries and a prize pool of $222,163. Israel’s Deddi Orpaz captured the inaugural title and nearly $59,000 for his victory, cementing his place in SiGMA Poker Tour history as the circuit’s first-ever champion. Beyond the numbers, however, it was the festival atmosphere that resonated most. The event also hosted the live edition of The Hendon Mob LatAm Championship, providing a clear signal that SiGMA aimed to integrate established poker brands and community initiatives into its growing ecosystem.
Malta Builds on Momentum
Following the success in Brazil, the SiGMA Poker Tour shifted its focus to Europe, landing at the Portomaso Casino in St. Julian’s, Malta, for its second stop. The choice of venue felt natural given Malta’s reputation as a global gaming hub — and, of course, SiGMA’s own roots there. From September 3–7, the event brought together players from across Europe and beyond, many of whom had secured their seats through a network of online satellites designed to make participation accessible to recreational and aspiring players alike.
True to SiGMA’s DNA, the Malta stop emphasized more than just cards and chips. Attendees enjoyed a full slate of activities and hospitality, including networking opportunities, entertainment options, and side events designed to encourage interaction between poker players, industry professionals, and SiGMA’s larger community. If the Brazil stop proved that the tour could deliver a strong poker product, Malta proved it could replicate and refine that success on a global stage.
The €400 buy-in Main Event attracted 411 entries for a total prize pool of €129,300 and was won by Italy’s Davide Iannaco, who took home €28,500.
A Tour with a Distinct Identity
What sets the SiGMA Poker Tour apart is its clear vision and personality. Each stop blends the competitive spirit of live poker with the atmosphere of a lifestyle festival. Players don’t just show up to grind; they come to enjoy an immersive experience — one that includes entertainment, culture, and the social connections that make poker such a unique game.
From the very start, the SiGMA Poker Tour aimed to emphasize player experience, accessibility, and giving back. Through the SiGMA Foundation, a portion of side-event proceeds were directed toward charitable initiatives in the host communities, ensuring that each festival leaves behind a positive local footprint. This combination of professionalism, global ambition, and community engagement has helped the SiGMA Poker Tour carve out a distinctive niche in an increasingly crowded live poker landscape.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With a strong debut year behind it, the SiGMA Poker Tour is preparing for a major leap forward in 2026. The circuit will expand from two stops to five, bringing its signature blend of poker and lifestyle experiences to every corner of the globe. In particular, the SPT will remain part of planned SiGMA World iGaming events, with the newly announced destinations being:
- Malta (February)
- Brazil (April)
- Manila (June)
- Cape Town (August)
- Mexico (September)
This expansion plan signals that the SiGMA Poker Tour is serious about becoming a truly global player in the live poker scene. By targeting key markets across Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, and North America, the tour is creating opportunities for players worldwide to take part in a uniquely international poker circuit. If 2025 was about proving the concept, 2026 will be about scaling it — and early indications suggest that the success is set to continue.
Conclusion
The SiGMA Poker Tour’s first year succeeded in delivering on its promise: world-class poker, professional organization, and an atmosphere that reflects the fun, excitement, and camaraderie that define the game. Both Brazil and Malta showcased the tour’s potential to create memorable experiences that appeal to both recreational and serious players alike.
As the SiGMA Poker Tour expands in 2026, it carries with it the energy, enthusiasm, and lessons learned from its inaugural season. With five global stops now on the horizon, the stage is set for an even bigger and more ambitious year — and for poker fans worldwide, that’s something worth looking forward to.
