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Live poker is set to make a notable comeback to Venice as the La Notte Degli Assi festival returns to the historic Casino di Venezia from October 11–19, 2026. The event will feature a headline €1,000,000 guaranteed Main Event, marking a significant moment for European tournament poker.
Founded in 1638, the Casino di Venezia is recognized as the world’s oldest casino. Since the 1950s, it has operated from a 15th-century Renaissance palace on the Grand Canal, a building with royal and cultural history, having once housed Venetian Doges and later served as composer Richard Wagner’s final residence.
The venue has a storied poker past, having hosted WPT Venice from 2009 to 2013, with Rocco Palumbo as its last champion, and more recently welcoming the PokerGO Tour for high-stakes cash and tournament action.
The Main Event will use a multi-flight format, starting with discounted €400 Day 1 flights (1A–1D) from October 11–12, followed by €600 prime flights (1E–1I and a Turbo) running October 14–17. All Day 1 entrants will begin with 200,000 in chips, with blind levels lengthening as the tournament progresses toward its October 19 final table.
A €1,500 High Roller event will also take place, beginning October 14 with a 250,000 starting stack, before concluding at the High Roller Final Day on October 15.
Additional satellite and side events, including freerolls, mega satellites, and a €150 NLH side event, will provide multiple entry paths for players seeking to compete at a reduced cost.
