The 33rd European Poker Championship, which took place at Casino Velden from July 16 to 28, 2024, once again showed why it is considered one of the most prestigious poker events in Europe: seven European championship titles and a high level of poker expertise from the on-site casino team paired with Austrian hospitality and picturesque Velden as the perfect backdrop. More than 3,300 poker players from over 32 nations enjoyed the event and ensured a full house. The coveted titles were played for at 45 poker tables.
Seven European Championship titles with the Showdown at Wörthersee and the Wörthersee Poker Party on top
The first title was awarded at the No Limit Hold'em Ladies European Championship, which started on Thursday, July 18. With 70 participants, there was a new record. Switzerland's Yvonne Savary Taveras took over from defending champion Anca Eggenberger and won 5,820 euros in prize money. The second title in the Pot Limit Omaha Championship went to Stanislav Koleno. The Slovakian beat his opponents to win 54,585 euros.
Roland Weidinger, who played his way to becoming the new European champion in Seven Card Stud, came out on top of the 64-strong field to secure prize money of 7,160 euros. The fourth title in the No Limit Hold'em 6-handed European Championship was also awarded on the same day. Austrian Moritz Dietrich was delighted to win 33,000 euros. The high rollers got their money's worth with a buy-in of 5,400 euros. Hannes Pflanzl from Austria took the title. He prevailed against Severi Palmu from Finland and celebrated his victory with 112,600 euros in prize money. The Main Event was undoubtedly the central event of the event. Of the 253 entries, 34 remained in the final. Austrian Harald Heigl went from European runner-up in 2023 to European champion in 2024. He came out on top this time and won 135,200 euros in prize money. In the Mystery Bounty Event with a buy-in of €1,100, the seventh European Championship title was finally awarded. The Slovenian David Gradic was able to enjoy prize money of 18,300 euros, plus bounties worth 25,000 euros.
The Showdown am Wörthersee, one of Austria's biggest poker events, also put on a strong performance with a buy-in of 550 euros, attracting 709 players this year. The Austrian Roland Panny prevailed in the final and was able to enjoy 52,000 euros in prize money. The Wörthersee Poker Party also took place on the second weekend of the European Poker Championship with a buy-in of €330. The winner was Jan Zupanc with prize money of €12,625.
Supporting program
Once again this year, poker players could look forward to a first-class "all-round pampering program". They were able to use the casino's own motorboat and an exclusive VIP car shuttle. The VIP shuttle was once again provided by reliable partners Autohaus Velden and Drive Wiegele from Villach, who shone with their first-class service. They provided an Audi Q8 e-tron and an Audi Q4 e-tron for the shuttle and also presented their exclusive vehicles on site, including an Aston Martin.
Guests were treated to culinary delights at the casino restaurant DIE YACHT by Marcel Vanic and his team. They are a guarantee for culinary excellence, including the annual highlights for all poker players: The invitation to the Carinthian Brettljause and suckling pig barbecue on the lakeside terrace in the open air with a view of Velden Bay - local cuisine at its best.
At this mega event, there was once again plenty of time to enjoy the extraordinary flair of the region away from the poker tables. Velden was not only in the spotlight of the international poker scene, the tourist region was also able to present itself to the international and local public. Impressions of the tournaments can be found on the Casinos Austria Poker Facebook page.
Outlook
The European Poker Championship promises exciting tournament days at Lake Wörthersee again next year and the date has already been set: from July 15 to 27, 2025, all poker enthusiasts can join in the fun at Casino Velden.
Source - Press release Caption: Main Event winner Harald Heigl Photo credit: Casino Velden, Casinos Austria Poker
