Marrakech and Poker: A Journey through the Golden Era of DeepStack Open
Marrakech has long been a significant hub for poker enthusiasts, particularly highlighting its affiliation with the renowned DeepStack Open (DSO) tournament series. Since its inception in 2010, the DSO has transformed the city into a vibrant playground for poker players from across Europe, offering them a unique blend of competition and cultural experience. The upcoming edition, scheduled from September 24 to October 4, 2026, will merge the Unibet DeepStack Open and the Unibet Open, promising an exciting atmosphere filled with anticipation and thrilling poker action.
The Early Years of a Prestigious Poker Tournament
The story of the DeepStack Open began in November 2010 when it first set foot in Marrakech with a Main Event entry fee of €550. This inaugural tournament attracted 421 participants, showcasing the burgeoning interest in poker within the region. Henrik Granlund emerged victorious, taking home nearly €40,000 as his reward. The following years saw the tournament's growth, with notable successes including Carlos Casaprima, who dominated in 2011, and Clément Bonin's impressive win at the DSO Winter event shortly thereafter.
Fast forward to 2023, Alexandre Le Vaillant triumphed over 752 entrants, claiming a substantial prize of 625,000 MAD. The competition heated up in 2024, with Nicolas Barkusky setting a new record by attracting 861 participants, leading to a remarkable prize pool of 705,000 MAD. However, it was in 2025 that the records shattered once again; the Main Event, with a buy-in of 6,000 dirhams, saw an astounding 937 entries and generated a staggering prize pool of 4,768,000 dirhams. Quentin Laugt claimed victory, earning 765,000 dirhams, while Habib Rachedi and Tristan Forge followed closely behind.
The 2026 edition promises to be another milestone, spanning eleven days of intense competition. It will feature a Main Event with a buy-in of 6,000 dirhams, a High Roller event at 16,000 dirhams, and the Unibet Open Main Event priced at 12,000 dirhams. Additionally, players can look forward to a MonsterStack and a Super High Roller event, alongside opportunities to qualify through satellite tournaments. This upcoming tournament not only provides a platform for seasoned players but also invites newcomers to experience the thrill of poker amidst a backdrop rich in history and culture.
As reported by cardplayer.com.
