Chamada Poker Room Cyprus: $2.5M GTD Festivals, Cash Games and VIP Grinders Perks
Chamada Prestige Hotel in North Cyprus has become one of the strongest live poker destinations in the Mediterranean. The resort runs 8 to 10 major series per year, including WPT Prime events, with a dedicated poker room that seats 46+ tables and guarantees reaching into the millions.
With NLHE and PLO cash games spread daily from $2/5 up to $100/200, an international player pool drawn primarily from Turkey, Lebanon, Israel and across Europe, and a 5 star hotel backing every session, Chamada delivers both serious action and serious comfort.
Book through VIP Grinders and you get extras that aren’t available anywhere else: free airport transfers, discounted or complimentary hotel rooms, and direct personal support from our team.
Book Through VIP Grinders: Exclusive Perks
When you book your Chamada trip through VIP Grinders, you unlock benefits that aren’t available through the hotel directly or any other channel. We’ve partnered with the Chamada team to offer our players genuine value on top of what is already a strong poker destination.
- Free Airport Transfers: Shuttle from Larnaca, Paphos or Ercan airport directly to the Chamada, at no cost.
- Discounted or Free Hotel Rooms: Depending on availability and the festival schedule, we can negotiate reduced or complimentary stays.
- Personal Support: Our team handles your booking details, travel documents check, and any issues before or during your trip.
To lock in your perks, get in touch with us through any of the channels below. The earlier you book, the better the room availability.
| Contact Method | Link |
|---|---|
| Message us on WhatsApp | |
| Telegram | Message us on Telegram |
| Discord | Message us on Discord |
| Microsoft Teams | Support VIP-Grinders |
| support@vip-grinders.com |
$2.5M GTD Festival: Feb 25 to March 9, 2026
The next major series at Chamada is a $2.5 Million GTD festival running from February 25th to March 9th. The headline event is the WPT Prime $1,000,000 GTD Main Event ($1,000 buy in), with Day 1A kicking off on March 5th.
Across the two week schedule, buy ins range from $750 to $3,500, making the series accessible for mid stakes grinders while still offering high roller action at the top end.
| Event | Date | Buy in | GTD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take Off Day 1A (NLH) | February 26th | $750 | $150,000 |
| Mystery Bounty Day 1A | March 2nd | $750 | $200,000 |
| Chamada Super High Roller | March 4th | $3,500 | $200,000 |
| WPT Prime Championship Day 1A | March 5th | $1,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Bounty Pot Limit Omaha | March 7th | $750 | $50,000 |
The WPT Prime Main Event is the centrepiece, but the Mystery Bounty and Bounty PLO events are also worth circling. PLO bounty tournaments at this level are rare on the live circuit, and the $200,000 GTD Mystery Bounty at just $750 entry offers strong value relative to the field size Chamada typically draws.
For players who grind WPT Global online, this is also a chance to satellite into the Main Event at a fraction of the cost.
Chamada Tournament Schedule and Structure
Chamada doesn’t rely on one or two big series a year. The resort runs its own $1.5 Million GTD series roughly every six weeks, and buy ins are kept deliberately accessible for the region’s core player base. That means strong overlays and beatable fields for travelling grinders.
The partnership with the World Poker Tour adds serious credibility. 2025’s schedule included two WPT events, and the 2026 calendar is following the same pattern with the upcoming WPT Prime Cyprus in March.
Room Capacity
During flagship events like WPT Prime Cyprus, the room scales up to handle large fields comfortably.
- Main Area: 36 tables
- Overflow Room: 10 additional tables
- Featured Table: TV style stage setup with drone coverage
What Makes the Structures Work
The structures at Chamada reward patient, skill based play rather than early all in coin flips. Levels are well paced, starting stacks are generous relative to the buy ins, and the tournament staff keeps things moving without rushing the clock.
If you’re looking for more live action beyond Chamada, check out our roundup of top live poker events to get excited about in 2026.
Cash Games at Chamada
Outside of the tournament series, Chamada spreads a wide range of cash games daily. NLHE and PLO tables run from $2/5 up to $50/100 in NLHE and up to $100/200 in private PLO games. Most regular NLHE action sits at $5/10, while PLO $10/25 and $25/50 fill consistently during festivals.
All cash games are denominated in US dollars. You can also buy in using EUR or Turkish Lira and exchange directly at the cashier with zero fees, using the xe.com mid market rate. Skip the airport kiosks entirely. Cards are accepted, and Luxon is also supported.
NLHE Cash Game Stakes
| Blinds | Min Buy in |
|---|---|
| $5/10 | $500 |
| $10/25 | $1,000 |
| $25/25 | $1,000 |
| $25/50 | $2,000 |
| $50/100 | $5,000 |
PLO Cash Game Stakes
| Blinds | Min Buy in | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $10/25 | $1,000 | |
| $25/25 | $1,000 | |
| $50/50 | $2,500 | Private Table |
| $100/100 | $5,000 | Private Table |
| $100/200 | $10,000 | Private Table |
For grinders who split their time between live and online sessions, most of the best online poker sites are accessible from Cyprus. The hotel WiFi holds up well enough for multi tabling between live sessions.
Who You Will Be Playing Against
One of the biggest reasons to travel to Chamada is the player pool. The field is heavily international and skews recreational, which is exactly what you want to hear if you’re a serious grinder looking for +EV spots in live poker.
The core of the player base comes from Turkey, Lebanon, and Israel. On top of that, every major series draws strong turnouts from Romania, Hungary, Italy, France, Germany, and the UK. You’re not going to run into a table full of nits who all studied the same solver ranges.
- Core Countries: Turkey, Lebanon, Israel
- Strong European Presence: Romania, Hungary, Italy, France, Germany, UK
- Field Profile: Majority recreational players and holidaymakers with a smaller percentage of travelling regs
This mix matters because it means the average skill level at Chamada cash games and tournaments is significantly softer than what you’d face at established European poker rooms like Kings Resort or the main EPT stops. Many players are casino gamblers or holidaymakers who sit down for the action, not the EV.
For grinders who study their game seriously, the softer fields translate to more exploitative opportunities in the early and middle stages, where recreational players tend to make the biggest mistakes.
Player Experience: What Chamada Gets Right
A lot of live poker venues have decent cards on the table but fall apart on everything around it. Chamada is the opposite. The resort puts 600 staff on duty per shift, and that level of service carries directly into the poker room.
- 24/7 Free Buffet: A full buffet runs around the clock right next to the poker room. The variety and quality is consistently one of the biggest talking points at the tables.
- Free Bottled Water: Every table gets bottled water that is automatically replaced once it drops below one third full. No flagging down waiters.
- All Inclusive Restaurant Access: Hotel guests get full access to the main restaurant, which serves international and Mediterranean cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
- Attentive Staff: Multiple players have noted that the Chamada team anticipates what you need before you ask. That level of attention is rare in poker rooms.
The Poker Room Leadership
Head of Poker Ali Alpsaran brings over 20 years of industry experience, including direct work with the World Poker Tour. He started from dealing and low stakes home games, working his way up to directing full scale tournament operations.
That background shows in how the room runs. Guarantees are ambitious but realistic, structures are well paced, and the operational side (registrations, table breaks, payouts) is handled cleanly. Players who have been to poorly run festivals will notice the difference immediately.
By Players, For Players
Chamada Prestige Hotel: The Venue
Chamada Prestige sits in the Girne Çatalköy region of North Cyprus, with 364 rooms offering sea, mountain, and city views. Room options range from Deluxe Suites and 3 bedroom King Suites to Luxury Villas and a Presidential Suite with a private sea view balcony.
The hotel operates as a full 5 star resort, not a casino floor with rooms bolted on. That distinction matters when you’re spending a week or two grinding a festival and need somewhere to genuinely recover between sessions.
Dining
The food at Chamada was one of the biggest talking points during last year’s WPT Cyprus event. There was less table talk about poker hands than there was about the restaurants.
- Chamada Fish Restaurant: Fresh Mediterranean seafood with a distinguished wine cellar and curated set menus.
- Çatalköy Grill Restaurant: Ocakbaşı style open grill with premium meats, meze spreads, and regional flavours.
- Main Restaurant: All day buffet with international and local dishes at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Included for hotel guests.
- Terrace Bar & Hookah Café: Late night drinks, shisha, and live sports in a relaxed setting with views.
Spa and Wellness
After a bad beat or a deep run, the Chamada Spa is one of the best reset options you’ll find at any poker destination. The facility is built around personalised rituals, hammam experiences, and a broad massage menu.
- Hammam & Turkish Bath: Traditional scrub and foam rituals with VIP private bath options.
- Classic Massages: Deep tissue, Swedish, aromatherapy, and back and neck sessions in 50 or 90 minute versions.
- Far Eastern Menu: Reflexology, shiatsu, hot stone, Thai, and Balinese massages.
- Value Packages: Ruby, Bali Inspiration, Diamond and Prestige bundles that combine multiple treatments with VIP facilities.
Nightlife: Chamada Club
Chamada Club is the resort’s late night entertainment hub. It regularly hosts world renowned DJs, live artists, and stage shows. If you’re still buzzing after a deep tournament run or just need to blow off steam after a cooler, it’s right on site.
How to Get to Chamada Poker
Chamada Prestige Hotel is located in Northern Cyprus, which is administered by Turkey. There are three airport options, and the transfer times are short regardless of which one you fly into.
| Airport | Transfer Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ercan (ECN) | ~20 minutes | Main North Cyprus gateway. Direct flights from Turkey, connections via Istanbul or London. |
| Larnaca (LCA) | ~1.5 hours | Largest Cyprus airport. Most European connections. Involves a border crossing. |
| Paphos (PFO) | ~2.5 hours | Good for UK and European budget airlines. Longer drive but still straightforward. |
Visas and Entry Requirements
Since Northern Cyprus is not part of the EU, there are a few things to be aware of before you travel.
- EU Citizens: You can enter with just your national ID, but we strongly recommend carrying your passport. You will cross a border and go through a short passport check.
- Non EU Citizens: A valid passport is required with at least 6 months remaining validity.
- US Citizens: Visa on arrival or e visa. Always confirm via official sources before travelling.
Free Shuttle + Document Check
Quick Cost Guide: North Cyprus for Poker Players (2026)
North Cyprus is significantly cheaper than southern Cyprus, Greece, or most Western European poker destinations. If you’re staying at the Chamada on an all inclusive package, your daily costs outside the hotel will be minimal. For players exploring on rest days, expect to spend around €50 to €100 per day excluding accommodation and flights.
Currency and Exchange
The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY), but Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas. ATMs offer the best exchange rates. Avoid airport kiosks. For the best deal on the island, use the Chamada cashier (zero commission, xe.com mid market rate) as covered in our cash games section above.
Local Transport
| Option | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dolmuş (minibus) | €1 to €5 per trip | Fixed routes, cash only. Kyrenia to Nicosia is around €4. |
| Taxi | €1 to €1.50 per km | Always agree on the fare before you get in. |
| Car rental | €20 to €50 per day | Drive on the left. Ideal for beaches and castles. Fuel is €1.50 to €1.80 per litre. |
Ready to Play at Chamada? Book Through VIP Grinders
Chamada Poker is one of the strongest live poker destinations in the Mediterranean right now. The combination of $1.5M+ GTD series every six weeks, soft international fields, daily NLHE and PLO cash games up to $100/200, and a genuine 5 star resort experience makes it hard to beat for travelling grinders in 2026.
Book through VIP Grinders and you get the extras that make the trip even better: free airport transfers, discounted or complimentary hotel rooms, and personal support from a team that has been connecting poker players with exclusive live deals since 2013.
| What You Get | Booking Direct | Booking with VIP Grinders |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Transfer | Self arranged (€50 to €80) | Free |
| Hotel Room Rate | Standard pricing | Discounted or complimentary |
| Travel Document Check | Not included | Our team verifies before you fly |
| Personal Support | Hotel front desk only | Direct line to VIP Grinders team |
The next festival is the $2.5M GTD series from February 25th to March 9th, featuring the WPT Prime $1,000,000 GTD Main Event. Spots and room availability fill up fast during WPT events, so reach out early.
Chamada Poker: Frequently Asked Questions
What stakes do the cash games run at Chamada?
NLHE cash games run from $5/10 up to $50/100. PLO runs from $10/25 up to $100/200 at private tables. Most regular NLHE action sits at $5/10, while PLO $10/25 and $25/50 fill consistently during festivals. All games are denominated in US dollars.
How often does Chamada run poker tournaments?
Chamada hosts its own $1.5 Million GTD series roughly every six weeks, totalling 8 to 10 major festivals per year. The schedule also includes WPT Prime events. Buy ins are kept accessible for the region, typically ranging from $750 to $3,500.
What currencies are accepted at the Chamada poker room?
The poker room operates in US dollars. You can also buy in with EUR or Turkish Lira and exchange at the cashier with zero fees, using the xe.com mid market rate. Cards and Luxon are also accepted.
Do I need a visa to travel to North Cyprus?
EU citizens can enter with a national ID, though we recommend carrying a passport. Non EU citizens need a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining. US citizens can get a visa on arrival or an e visa. Book through VIP Grinders and our team will verify your documents before you travel.
How do I get to Chamada from the airport?
The closest airport is Ercan (20 minute drive). Larnaca is approximately 1.5 hours and Paphos is approximately 2.5 hours. Book through VIP Grinders and we arrange a free shuttle transfer from any of these airports.
What is the player field like at Chamada?
The field is highly international, drawing primarily from Turkey, Lebanon, and Israel, with strong turnouts from Romania, Hungary, Italy, France, Germany, and the UK. The majority of players are recreational, making both cash games and tournaments softer than most established European poker rooms.
What perks do hotel guests get at the poker room?
Hotel guests staying on an all inclusive package get access to the main restaurant at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All poker players (hotel guests or not) have access to a free 24/7 buffet right next to the poker room, plus free bottled water at every table that is automatically replaced.
What are the benefits of booking through VIP Grinders?
You get free airport transfers from Larnaca, Paphos, or Ercan, discounted or complimentary hotel rooms depending on availability, a travel documents check before your trip, and direct personal support from our team. These perks are not available when booking directly with the hotel.