More than 200 tournament directors, organizers, federation representatives, and industry professionals gathered on December 1st, 2025, right after the BSOP Millions, for the TDA + WPF Continental Summit: Brazil. The event marked one of Latin America’s most significant forums dedicated to the evolution, professionalism, and long-term structure of tournament poker.
Institutional collaboration at the forefront
The Summit was a joint effort between the World Poker Federation (WPF), the Poker Tournament Directors Association (TDA), the Brazilian Association of Poker Tournament Directors (ADTP), and the Brazilian poker federation (CBTH), reinforcing a model of cooperation that strengthens the long-term structure of the game.
It also featured the presence of the WPF Women’s Committee, which continues to engage with regional leaders to support more inclusive environments and bring greater visibility to women within the competitive poker space.
Debates that defined the day
Two themes dominated discussions throughout the program.
The first was player behavior at the table, an issue that gained renewed attention after recent controversies involving Martin Kabrhel during the BSOP Millions. Tournament leaders examined the limits between acceptable table presence and actions that undermine competitive integrity, emphasizing clearer standards and firmer intervention when conduct affects the environment.
The second major topic was the use of electronic devices, which expanded into conversations about real-time assistance, coaching tools, and emerging technologies. There was strong consensus that global policies must evolve consistently to protect fairness and ensure that poker remains a game defined by mind, skill, and structured competition.
Other relevant discussions included shot clocks, late registration policies, speech play, and practices that directly influence pacing, clarity, and overall player experience. The Summit created a space for professionals to analyze these themes in depth, drawing from real tournament scenarios across different markets.
Experts who shaped the conversation
The Summit was guided by leading figures from Brazil’s and Latin America’s tournament ecosystem. Among them was Devanir “DC” Campos, TDA Board Member, founder of the BSOP, long-standing member of the ADTP, and CEO of Stack Eventos. His role in structuring major tournament circuits provided essential context for the discussions.
Joining him was Alberoni “Bill” Castro, President of the Brazilian poker federation (CBTH) and Sports Director at the World Poker Federation (WPF). Bill offered a federation-level perspective on institutional cooperation, regulatory development, and the importance of unified standards across the continent.
Completing the expert group were Roberto Soares “Bob”, Head Tournament Director of the BSOP and director for the LAPT and CCTH, and Marcus Júnior, Tournament Director at the BSOP, both of whom contributed valuable operational insight from managing some of the largest and most complex poker festivals in the hemisphere.
A standout moment: the industry outlook
One of the event’s most anticipated sessions was the presentation by Gabriel Castro from PokerWeb. His analysis of the Latin American and global poker markets provided attendees with a strategic overview of trends, growth indicators, player behavior, technological influence, and the shifting landscape of live and online competition.
The presentation helped contextualize why the region has become one of the strongest and most dynamic poker environments in the world.
A step forward for how poker is understood and governed
Roberto Lifschitz, Marketing Director of the World Poker Federation, summarized the broader meaning of the day. ““This Summit highlights the strength of a community dedicated to the development of poker. It strengthens tournament operations and reaffirms poker as a mind sport grounded in technique, structure, and professionalism.”
Looking ahead, the organizations behind the Summit share a unified vision. After the success of the Asia and Latin America editions, the intention is to continue expanding this model to new regions, strengthening professional standards and creating a global cycle of collaboration for those who build and lead the game.Future editions aim to reach additional continents, bringing even more directors, organizers, and institutions into a shared effort to support the long-term development of poker worldwide.
