The 1st Poker Run Cyprus, the ultimate Yachting Event was concluded successfully on 31st May 2026, following a two-day journey around the island’s coastline that brought together yacht owners, boating enthusiasts, sponsors, partners and distinguished guests in a celebration of adventure, camaraderie and the yachting lifestyle.
Organised by the Cyprus Yacht Owners Club (CYOC), Poker Run Cyprus was created with a clear vision: to establish a unique annual event that will become one of the leading gatherings of the Cyprus yachting community and a landmark fixture on the Eastern Mediterranean yachting calendar.
The excitement peaked on Sunday evening during the Official Closing Fiesta at Columbia Sun, Lady’s Mile beach in Limassol, where participants awaited the reveal of the final poker card and the announcement of the winning hand.
The winner of the 1st Poker Run Cyprus Best Poker Hand Award was Mr. Polis Tofinis, who participated with his powerboat MOANA, successfully securing the strongest poker hand among the participating fleet and becoming the first-ever Poker Run Cyprus champion!
During the Awards Ceremony, organisers also presented the Industry Leadership Award to Mr. Marios Iordanou, Managing Director of Bluepoint Yachting Ltd, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development and advancement of the Cyprus yachting industry.
A particularly emotional moment of the evening was the special recognition presented to Mr. Heinrich Schoeller, who was honoured for his exceptional support, participation and contribution to the successful launch of the inaugural Poker Run Cyprus. As a token of appreciation, Mr. Schoeller was presented with a bespoke handmade sculpture created especially for the occasion by renowned Cypriot sculptor Philippos Giapanis, commemorating his commitment to the growth of the yachting sector and his support of this pioneering initiative.
It is worth noting that all the awards presented during the evening are handmade and have been crafted by Mr. Giapanis.
The event began on Friday, 29 May at Limassol Marina with the Captains’ Briefing and Opening Cocktail Reception, marking the start of Poker Run Cyprus.
On Saturday, the fleet set off east along the coast, stopping at checkpoints to collect poker cards while cruising from Limassol to Larnaca Marina, Ayia Napa, Cape Greco and Konnos Bay. The event featured RIBs, speedboats, leisure yachts and superyachts, including the Superyacht Big Easy.
One of the defining highlights of the event was the overnight gathering at Konnos Bay, where participating vessels anchored around a dedicated hospitality catamaran, creating an impressive floating yacht village in one of Cyprus’ most beautiful natural settings. Live entertainment, cocktails, dinner, swimming, sea activities and networking transformed the bay into a vibrant social hub under the stars.
The final day included a cruise around Cape Greco, a stop at Zygi Marina and GUABA Beach Bar, before ending the event at Columbia Sun with the closing Fiesta at Lady’s Mile, Limassol. Special DJ guests Andreas Kountourakis & Savvas Poumpouras from Athens Rock n Roll closed the night with a high-energy set.
Speaking after the event, organisers expressed their satisfaction with the overwhelming response received from participants, sponsors and supporters, highlighting the strong enthusiasm for a premium yachting lifestyle event that combines boating, networking, hospitality and friendly competition.
The organisers extend their sincere appreciation to all Participants and Sponsors, Community Partners, Supporters & Volunteers whose enthusiasm and commitment contributed to making the first Poker Run Cyprus a remarkable success.
With its first chapter now complete, Poker Run Cyprus has firmly charted its course towards becoming one of the most anticipated events on the Cyprus yachting scene.
Web: Poker Run Cyprus
Instagram: poker_run_cyprus
Facebook: Poker Run Cyprus — Yachting Events
Materials provided by the event organisers.
