Israeli Federation Cup Returns to Banco Bratislava for the Second Time

The inaugural edition of the Israeli Federation Cup demonstrated the potential of bringing together the Israeli poker community, local players and an international field. A packed tournament room, numerous international players and intense cash game action created an atmosphere during the first edition that the October festival aims to build on.

The Israeli Federation Cup will take place next week, from October 6 to 12, 2026, with the Main Event once again serving as the festival's main attraction. This time, however, the organizers are raising the bar – the €250,000 offered during the January edition has been increased to €300,000, while the buy-in remains at an attractive €200.

Players can look forward to several starting flights, a comfortable tournament structure and, above all, an international field bringing together hundreds of Israeli players with the local poker community and players from other European countries.

New in the Main Event: Shot Clock for the First Time at Banco Bratislava

One of the biggest new features of the October Israeli Federation Cup will be the introduction of a Shot Clock in the Main Event. It will also mark the first-ever use of this feature at Banco Bratislava.

The Shot Clock gives players a limited amount of time to make a decision. Instead of being able to think for an unlimited period of time, players must make their action – fold, call, bet or raise – within the designated time limit.

It is a feature used in modern tournament poker primarily to maintain a smooth pace of play and prevent excessively long decision-making. It has already become a familiar part of the tournament environment at major international poker events, and now it will make its debut at the tables of Banco Bratislava.

The €300,000 Israeli Federation Cup Main Event will be the first tournament at Banco Bratislava to use a Shot Clock. The new feature should bring a more dynamic pace of play while also introducing a new strategic element – players will have to manage not only their stack, position and opponents, but also the clock when making their decisions.

 

€300,000 Main Event for €200 and Seven Days of Tournament and Cash Game Action

The Main Event remains the centerpiece of the entire festival. Compared to the January debut, its prize pool increases from €250,000 to €300,000, while the buy-in remains unchanged at €200.

The festival is organized in cooperation with IPC – Israeli Poker Championship, an established Israeli poker organization that brings together a large community of players and organizes international poker trips. Cooperation with the Israeli poker community was one of the main reasons behind the success of the first edition, and another strong international turnout is expected in October.

Cash games were one of the defining features of the January debut, and a strong cash game presence is expected once again during the second edition. Seven days of poker will bring together the Main Event, side events and cash game tables in one international festival, culminating in the crowning of the new Israeli Federation Cup champion.

And in November Comes the Biggest Event of the Year – Polish Poker Championship

Following the October Israeli Federation Cup, attention will turn to another major festival. From November 4 to 16, 2026, Banco Bratislava will host the Polish Poker Championship 2026, headlined by a €500,000 Main Event with a buy-in of just €150.

Last year's edition recorded an impressive 7,740 entries, and this year the festival will be given even more room to grow – the schedule will be extended to 13 days. In addition to the Main Event, players can look forward to the €60,000 High Roller, €40,000 Super High Roller, Championship Mystery Bounty, numerous other side events and the new Road to Dubai.

First, however, all attention will be on October. The Israeli Federation Cup returns to Banco Bratislava from October 6 to 12 – with a €300,000 Main Event for €200 and the first-ever Shot Clock in Banco Bratislava.