The organizers of Dominica Poker Run 2026 have officially unveiled plans for this year’s event, introducing a new two-day format that aims to strengthen marine tourism, recreation and economic activity across the island.
According to a press release from the organizers, the annual Poker Run, scheduled for Sunday, July 26, will now be preceded by the event’s inaugural Sport Fishing Tournament on Saturday, July 25, creating a full weekend of activities for local and visiting boaters.
Organizer Andrew “Cobra” O’Brien said the expanded format is designed to encourage visitors to spend more time in Dominica and experience more of what the island has to offer.
“When people come to Dominica, they can say, ‘We not only come in Dominica for one day of Poker Run, we come in for the whole weekend where we can accommodate.’ They can spend money in the hotels, spend money in the Airbnbs, in the shopping centers, in the restaurants, go around, enjoy and feel Dominica because they will come for a full weekend,’” O’Brien said.
He explained that the new fishing competition was created to complement the Poker Run rather than replace it.
“We’re going to have a sport fishing tournament on Saturday. And we have a lot of perks in it for our participants in the Poker Run because it is a brainchild of the Poker Run.”
The Poker Run itself remains a recreational boating event rather than a race, as per the release. Participants travel together along Dominica’s west coast, stopping at designated locations to collect playing cards. At each stop, competitors privately reveal their card to event officials, who record each draw. After visiting all the checkpoints, the team with the strongest poker hand is declared the winner.
Marketing Lead Jael Joseph described the event as a relaxed social experience on the water.
“It’s a lime. Look at it as a lime. We’re going to be liming along the sea trail and every stop you’re going to pull a card. When you pull a card, you have to make sure nobody sees your card except the organizer. You show them your card, they tally it. And at the end, the team with the highest number in terms of the tally of cards, that’s who wins.”
Organizers say they also received assurances of support from the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force. Head of the Northern Division, Mr. Delvin John Lewis, said the event will continue to receive security assistance both on land and at sea.
“We have supported Almond Deck and Poker Run over the years and this year will be no different. I can assure you the Coast Guard will assist you in coming up the sea trail from the village in Layou all the way to Toucari. Additionally, we will have people traveling the Western Corridor, the E.O. Leblanc Highway, all the way to Toucari.”
Corporate sponsor Morancie & Sons also welcomed the initiative. Speaking on the company’s behalf, Clifford Morancie said the event showcases many aspects of Dominica beyond entertainment.
“It takes people away from the basic understanding of, ‘It puts all the aspects of Dominica under the spotlight. And as part of that, we are just thankful for it. We’re really grateful and these are the type of events we want to partner with more and we want to help push to a whole ‘nother level.”
The tourism value of the event was also highlighted by Ogelly Moses of the Discover Dominica Authority, who noted that marine events contribute to increased visitor spending across the island.
“Each year we witness an increase in visitor arrivals across Dominica and the wider Caribbean. This movement of people translates directly into economic opportunities. Restaurants experience increased patronage. Bars enjoy higher sales. Accommodation providers welcome additional guests.”
The press release said the addition of the Sport Fishing Tournament, together with continued support from sponsors, tourism stakeholders and law enforcement, is expected to make Dominica Poker Run 2026 one of the event’s biggest editions to date. Organizers anticipate attracting local participants, regional visitors and boating enthusiasts while further promoting Dominica as a marine recreation destination.
