Casino Championships & World-Class Poker in North Cyprus: Triton Series, EPT, and Merit Tournaments

The "Monte Carlo" of the Eastern Mediterranean: How Northern Cyprus Became a Tournament Capital

Over the last two decades, Northern Cyprus (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, TRNC) has evolved from a quiet regional holiday destination into one of the world's most prominent hubs for casino gaming and competitive poker. Following the ban on mainland casinos in Turkey in 1998 and decades without legal casinos in the southern part of the island, Northern Cyprus established a transparent regulatory framework and attracted massive luxury resort investments.

Today, the territory boasts over 30 luxury five-star casino resorts. However, its international acclaim skyrocketed when global organizations and premier tournament tours — including PokerStars EPT, Triton Poker, and the World Backgammon Federation (WBGF) — chose Northern Cyprus as their premier Mediterranean destination.

The Epicenter of World Poker: Merit Complex and Its Signature Series

The driving force behind Northern Cyprus's rise to international poker stardom is Merit International Hotels & Resorts. Their flagship properties in Alsancak (near Kyrenia / Girne) — Merit Royal Diamond Hotel & Casino and Merit Crystal Cove — house the largest and most technically advanced tournament poker rooms in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Under the auspices of Merit Poker, full-scale poker festivals run every 6 to 8 weeks throughout the entire year. Signature recurring series include:

• Merit Poker Western Series and Retro Series;
• Merit Poker Carmen Series and Gangster Series;
• Mediterranean Poker Cup and the seasonal Classic Festivals.

A signature feature of tournament play in Northern Cyprus is the Ultra All-Inclusive Poker hospitality: players enjoy complimentary 24/7 gourmet dining, open bars directly on the casino floor, luxury seaside accommodations, and bespoke airport transfers.

Elite World Championships: Triton Poker Super High Roller Series

In September 2022 and May 2023, Northern Cyprus hosted the world's most financially demanding poker championship: the Triton Poker Super High Roller Series, governed by the Triton Poker Series, followed by the groundbreaking Triton ONE format.

The key highlights of this historic series include:

• Massive Buy-ins: Ranging from $25,000 to over $200,000 per event;
• Star-Studded Lineup: Hall of fame players and elite professionals competed live, including Phil Ivey, Patrik Antonius, Jason Koon, Stephen Chidwick, and Wiktor Malinowski;
• Multimillion-Dollar Prize Pools: Tens of millions of dollars were distributed across No-Limit Hold'em and Short Deck events, broadcast live across more than 100 countries.

European Poker Tour: PokerStars EPT Cyprus

The definitive stamp of global recognition arrived when the iconic European Poker Tour (EPT), organized by PokerStars Live, added Northern Cyprus to its official tour schedule in October 2023 and returned in October 2024.

EPT Cyprus immediately became a highlight of the global poker calendar:

• Thousands of poker travelers flocked to Girne from Europe, the Americas, and Asia;
• Full tournament schedules including the Eureka Poker Tour, €5,300 EPT Main Event, and €50,000 Super High Roller;
• Full live-streamed television coverage with open hole-cards and commentary in English, Russian, Spanish, and French.

WSOP Circuit and Mediterranean Poker Party (MPP)

Alongside Triton and EPT, Merit venues regularly stage the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP-C) events under the auspices of the World Series of Poker (WSOP), and the flagship Mediterranean Poker Party (MPP) powered by Luxon Pay. Winners take home coveted official WSOP Circuit gold rings, and player achievements are officially tracked in the global The Hendon Mob database.

Merit Open World Backgammon Championship: The Global Board Game Summit

Beyond poker, Northern Cyprus is globally renowned for hosting the Merit Open International Backgammon Championship every autumn at Merit Park Hotel & Casino.

Sanctioned by the World Backgammon Federation (WBGF) and Worldwide Backgammon Federation (WBF), the event features:

• Competitive Divisions: Masters, Intermediate, Speedgammon, Ladies Cup, and Doubles tournaments;
• World-Class Champions: Elite grandmasters like world champion Masayuki "Mochi" Mochizuki regularly participate and deliver masterclasses;
• The Iconic Wetgammon: A famous exhibition match held underwater in the resort swimming pool, where scuba-equipped players compete with magnetized boards.

European Dealer Championship: Celebrating Casino Artistry

Another major casino industry hallmark linked to Cyprus is the European Dealer Championship (EDC), organized by the European Casino Association (ECA).

This championship pits Europe's finest casino dealers against each other, testing:

• Chipping speed, precision, and hand mechanics;
• Game control and card distribution across American Roulette and Blackjack;
• Split-second mental mathematics;
• Customer engagement, hospitality flair, and crisis mediation at the table.

VIP Casino Tournaments: Roulette, Blackjack, and Slot Cups

For casino enthusiasts, major properties across Kyrenia and Bafra regularly stage exclusive private competitions for junket groups and high-stakes guests:

• Merit Royal & Crystal Cove: Table game tournaments featuring $100,000 to $1,000,000 prize pools in European Roulette and Blackjack;
• Cratos Premium Hotel & Casino: Lavish high-roller galas, luxury vehicle raffles, and celebrity concerts;
• Kaya Artemis Resort & Casino (Bafra): Colossal temple-themed resort famous for international slot tournaments;
• Elexus Resort and Chamada Prestige: Contemporary luxury gaming arenas with state-of-the-art Privé salons.

Comparison Table: Major Tournament Events in Northern Cyprus

Event / ChampionshipDisciplineGoverning Body / OrganizerPrimary VenueFrequencyTriton Poker CyprusNLH, Short Deck Super High RollerTriton Poker SeriesMerit Royal DiamondGlobal Flagship StopsEPT CyprusChampionship Poker (MTT, High Roller)PokerStars LiveMerit Royal DiamondAnnual Autumn StopWSOP Circuit & MPPTournament Poker (WSOP-C Rings)WSOP / Luxon PayMerit Royal Diamond / Crystal CoveAnnual FestivalMerit Poker SeriesPoker (Western, Carmen, Retro)Merit Poker ClubMerit Royal DiamondEvery 6–8 WeeksMerit Open BackgammonCompetitive Backgammon, WetgammonWBGF & WBFMerit Park Hotel & CasinoAnnual (Autumn)European Dealer ChampionshipDealer Technical Skills & HospitalityEuropean Casino Association (ECA)Cyprus / European ArenasAnnual

Essential Travel & Regulatory Guide for Players

If you are traveling to Northern Cyprus for a gaming tournament, keep these vital guidelines in mind:

1. Age Limit: Casino entry strictly requires players to be at least 21 years old with valid passport identification.
2. Strict Local Restriction: By TRNC law, local North Cyprus citizens and university students residing on the island are strictly barred from entering gaming halls — casinos are designated exclusively for international travelers.
3. Visa & Transit: Visitors from the EU, UK, US, and CIS countries receive a free tourist visa upon arrival at Ercan International Airport (ECN) valid for up to 30 to 90 days. Border crossing from South Cyprus (via Larnaca or Paphos airports) is also accessible for EU citizens and holders of multi-entry Schengen visas.
4. Tax-Free Winnings: In Northern Cyprus, tournament and casino winnings are not subject to local withholding tax at the cashier.
5. Dress Code: Smart casual attire is welcomed during the day; evening play and final tables traditionally favor elegant attire. Beachwear and sandals are prohibited in all gaming salons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are official world poker championships hosted in Northern Cyprus?

Yes. Northern Cyprus regularly hosts major stops of the world's most prestigious poker series: the Triton Super High Roller Series, the European Poker Tour (EPT) by PokerStars, and the World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOP-C), awarding official championship rings.

What is the underwater Wetgammon competition?

Wetgammon is a world-renowned novelty tournament held during the Merit Open International Backgammon Championship (under the WBGF). Competitors dive with full scuba gear into the resort swimming pool and play matches on specialized weighted magnetic backgammon boards.

Is there tax withheld on casino winnings in North Cyprus?

No. TRNC casinos do not levy local withholding tax on payout transactions. Prizes are paid out in full according to casino cashier terms.

Authoritative Sources and Official Links

• Official Merit Poker Schedule — Calendars for the Western, Carmen, and Classic Series;
• Triton Poker Series Official Portal — Super high roller event coverage and final table archives;
• PokerStars Live / EPT Official Site — European Poker Tour schedules, results, and structures;
• World Backgammon Federation (WBGF) — International backgammon tournament regulations;
• European Casino Association (ECA) — European Dealer Championship rules and standards.