Introduction
The Marrakech Poker Open (MPO) 2026 is officially set to return, bringing a refreshed and more focused festival format to the iconic Casino de Marrakech inside the Es Saadi Marrakech Resort. Running from March 24 to March 29, this long-standing poker series is entering its 67th edition with a revamped structure designed to enhance both player experience and tournament quality.
Unlike previous years, organizers have streamlined the schedule into a six-day, high-impact festival, ensuring that every event carries significance while maintaining an engaging and competitive atmosphere.
Festival Overview and Key Changes
With over two decades of history, the Marrakech Poker Open continues to evolve alongside modern poker trends. The 2026 edition introduces a more compact and player-friendly schedule while still catering to a wide range of skill levels.
Key Updates:
- Shortened six-day festival format
- Greater focus on headline events like the Main Event and High Rollers
- Balanced mix of qualifiers, side events, and fast-paced tournaments
- Continuous live coverage of the Main Event
This refined structure allows players to better manage their time, reduce fatigue, and focus on high-value tournaments without an overloaded schedule.
Main Event Breakdown
At the heart of the festival is the MPO Main Event, featuring a 15,000 MAD (€1,390) buy-in.
- Starting Stack: 50,000 chips
- Blind Levels: 45 minutes
- Structure: Deep-stack format for strategic play
Main Event Schedule:
- Day 1A: March 26
- Day 1B: March 27
- Day 1C (Turbo): March 27
- Day 2: March 28
- Final Day: March 29
With multiple entry flights and numerous satellite opportunities, the Main Event remains accessible while rewarding patience, adaptability, and strong post-flop decision-making—key skills for tournament success.
Full Festival Schedule (Simplified Overview)
🔹 March 24–25: Opening Action
- MPO Opener (Day 1A & 1B, Day 2)
- High Roller (Day 1 & Day 2)
- Qualifiers and Hit&Run satellites
- One Night NLH events
- MonsterStack tournament
🔹 March 26: Main Event Kickoff
- Main Event Day 1A
- Progressive KO events
- Satellites and nightly tournaments
🔹 March 27: Key Flights & Side Events
- Main Event Day 1B and Turbo Flight
- One Day Classic Bounty
- Additional qualifiers and side events
🔹 March 28: Decisive Stage
- Main Event Day 2
- Mystery Bounty flights
- Super High Roller Day 1
🔹 March 29: Final Day
- Main Event Final Table
- Mystery Bounty Final Day
- Super High Roller Day 2
- The Closer event
This structure ensures continuous action without overwhelming players, making it easier to plan schedules and maintain peak performance.
High Roller & Side Event Highlights
High-Stakes Events:
- MPO High Roller: 20,000 MAD (€1,850)
- MPO Super High Roller: 30,000 MAD (€2,780)
Popular Side Events:
- MPO Opener
- MonsterStack
- Progressive KO
- Mystery Bounty
For players seeking shorter sessions, the One Night NLH tournaments provide quick, competitive action without long commitments.
Travel Packages & Player Experience
The Marrakech Poker Open continues to attract international players with all-inclusive travel packages that combine accommodation and tournament access.
Package Options:
- Full Week Package: Includes Opener + Main Event
- VIP Package: High Roller + Main Event entry
- Main Event Package: Focused 5-night stay
- SuperSides Package: Credits for side events
Players can stay across multiple resort properties, including:
- Es Saadi Marrakech Resort
- Hotel El Andalou
- Hotel Kennedy
This flexibility allows players to tailor their experience based on budget and playing goals.
Why This Matters for Poker Players
The revamped MPO format offers several advantages:
- Better Time Management: Shorter schedule reduces burnout
- Stronger Competition: Focused events attract tougher fields
- Flexible Entry Options: Satellites and varied buy-ins
- Game Variety: Mix of deep-stack, bounty, and turbo formats
💡 Pro Tip:
Target satellites early to secure lower-cost entries into major events. Balance your schedule by mixing long-format tournaments with shorter events to maintain energy levels.
Poker Trends & Insights
The 2026 Marrakech Poker Open reflects broader trends in live poker:
- Rise of compact festival formats
- Growing popularity of Mystery Bounty and KO events
- Increased demand for high roller tournaments
- Expansion of destination poker festivals
With its unique blend of competitive poker and cultural experience, Marrakech continues to be a standout stop on the global poker circuit.
Conclusion
The Marrakech Poker Open 2026 marks a new era for this historic series. With a streamlined schedule, strong headline events, and improved player experience, the festival is set to deliver high-quality poker action in one of the most vibrant destinations in the world.
As the cards hit the felt this March, players can expect a balanced, competitive, and rewarding poker experience—one that blends tradition with modern tournament innovation.
