Top Emerging Poker Hubs in Europe 2025: What Makes Them Stand Out

In 2025, poker in Europe is expanding. Live events are drawing larger crowds, new players are showing up in growing numbers, and cities that once sat in the shadows of traditional poker giants are now making their mark. While established hotspots like London and Monte Carlo still hold weight, a new list of emerging poker destinations is challenging their dominance.

This new wave of poker growth isn’t just about high-stakes tables or glossy tournaments. It’s also shaped by digital choices. Some fans now play regularly at casinos not on GamStop, looking for more freedom than UK-licensed sites provide. But even as online poker grows, certain European cities are turning into real-world hubs.

Here are the top five poker cities growing fast this year. Each one has a different reason for standing out, but all are gaining attention for the same reason: they make players want to stay and come back for more.

1. Eastern Europe’s Quiet Card Capital

Not long ago, Bratislava was mostly overlooked in poker travel plans. Today, it's one of the most talked-about stops in Europe. The reason? Accessibility, affordability, and some serious effort from local venues.

The Banco Casino, located next to the city’s main square, has become the heartbeat of Slovakia’s poker scene. In 2024 alone, Banco hosted over 40 events with prize pools exceeding €500,000.The players aren’t just Slovaks. Poles, Austrians, and Germans now make up nearly half of the entries in major tournaments here.

In 2025, Banco introduced a new twist to its monthly poker festivals: a rotating format combining Texas Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and mixed games. According to tournament manager Peter Gabor, “We want to become the first stop for those who love more than just no-limit Hold’em.”

Affordable hotels, cheap beer, and quick rail connections to Vienna (just an hour away) make Bratislava an ideal base for both pros and amateurs.

2. Where Poker Meets the Beach

Spain has long been known for its nightlife and football, but in 2025, it’s poker in Malaga that’s drawing international traffic. The city’s mild climate, beachside casinos, and low-cost flights from across Europe make it a top choice  for winter players fleeing northern cold.

The Casino Torrequebrada, just outside Malaga, has doubled the number of poker tables in the past two years. It now hosts the “Costa del Sol Poker Festival,” a three-week event featuring mid-stakes tourneys with daily satellites. The 2025 spring edition attracted 1,800 entrants and generated over €1.2 million in total prize money.

According to Pablo Fernandez, a Spanish poker journalist, “Malaga’s poker growth is built on good planning. Organisers don’t go for massive buy-ins. They focus on atmosphere and repeat visitors.”

Many players bring families and stay in nearby resorts, mixing poker nights with sunny days on the coast. And the food keeps everyone smiling.

3. The Northern Tech Edge

Estonia might be better known for startups and digital governance, but Tallinn has found its place on the poker map too. This small Baltic capital is now a surprising favourite among pros and influencers alike.

The Olympic Park Casino, located in the heart of Tallinn, has become a flagship poker venue in Northern Europe. It hosted the Kings of Tallinn festival in February 2025, attracting players from over 30 countries and offering a mix of €50 side events and €5,000 high rollers. The total prize pool for the series reached €2.4 million, up 60% from 2023.

The growth is also helped by Estonia’s digital laws, which make it easier for poker operators to run events and live streams. Twitch star and pro player “LexoCards” praised Tallinn as “a place where everything works—you land, get online, and play.”

Tallinn’s cobblestone streets, saunas, and cheap e-scooters help create a poker trip that feels both fresh and easygoing.

4. A Surprise Contender in the South-East

Romania might not be the first name people think of for poker, but Bucharest has proven otherwise. The Romanian capital has grown into a serious player  for mid-stakes grinders looking for deep structures and long tournaments.

The PokerFest Romania series, now held three times a year in Bucharest, has become a magnet for Balkan players and Western Europeans alike. In March 2025, the main event drew 2,200 entriest. Total payouts exceeded €1.8 million.

Bucharest also scores high on value. Hotel rooms near the casino can cost as little as €40 per night. And local stews, grilled meats, and Romanian wines are both cheap and satisfying.

Local pro Andrei Florian, a consistent final-table player, credits the city’s rise to better organisation. “Five years ago, events were scattered. Now, the calendar is steady and professional. People trust it.”

5. A Comeback Fueled by Community

Dublin isn’t new to poker but it is experiencing a big comeback. In recent years, the city had lost ground to European rivals. High taxes and strict gaming rules held back many live events. But in 2024 and 2025, that changed.

New management at the Fitzwilliam Casino helped bring back the legendary Irish Poker Open. This year’s edition had a €1,150 buy-in and shattered records with 3,821 entries. Total prize money hit €3.7 million, making it the biggest live poker event in Irish history.

The rise of community-run games and regional leagues has also brought younger players back into the fold. Some of them cut their teeth on apps or casinos not on GamStop, and now want to try their luck live.

The Stats Behind the Shift

According to the European Poker Index, live poker attendance in these emerging cities rose by an average of 44% between 2022 and 2025. That’s faster growth than any other part of the continent, including long-time poker favourites.

While local factors differ, there are clear shared trends:

- Lower Costs: Hotels, buy-ins, and transport are cheaper in these cities, making them attractive to both tourists and regular players.

- Event Planning: Festivals are now longer, more structured, and focused on mid-stakes players.

- Cross-border Traffic: Easier travel across the EU means more shared events and joint promotions between venues in neighbouring countries.

What Players Are Saying

Markus S., a 34-year-old semi-pro from Hamburg, now plans his year around stops like Bucharest and Bratislava. “The money is good, but it’s also less stressful,” he said. “You play hard, but the places feel more relaxed.”

Meanwhile, UK-based player Jade L. says she enjoys the mix of live action and online prep. “I practice online, often at casinos not on GamStop, then book cheap flights to festivals in Spain or Estonia. It keeps poker exciting.”

What’s Next?

These five cities aren’t done growing. In 2026, both Bucharest and Bratislava plan to host major series backed by international sponsors. Malaga is considering a new €2,500 high roller week. And Tallinn’s Olympic Casino wants to add more mixed-game tournaments.

As big-name poker tours look beyond Paris or Berlin, it’s these new hubs that could hold the key to poker’s future in Europe. They offer something simple but valuable—good cards, friendly players, and smart events in places where poker feels alive again.

For players chasing prizes or just looking for a new place to shuffle up and deal, 2025 is full of fresh options. And the best part? You don’t need a fortune to take a seat.