No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha might still dominate the poker world, but mixed games are attracting more attention as players look to expand their skills and try something different at the tables.
For those who have spent years grinding the same two formats, games like Razz, Badugi, Stud and 2-7 Triple Draw offer a fresh challenge. And with more players showing an interest in learning them, there’s a growing appetite for tournaments that go beyond the usual NLH schedule.
OlyBet — who has been a long time supporter of the mixed games community — is getting in on the action this October with the 2026 European Mixed Poker Championship (EMPC), which takes place at Olympic Park Casino in Tallinn, Estonia, from October 26-31.
The six-day festival has been put together with mixed-game players in mind, offering newcomers an affordable way to test their skills in a competitive setting while giving experienced players plenty of opportunities to put their knowledge to work.
With more than ten tournaments, buy-ins starting at €200 and cash games running around the clock, there’s something for just about every mixed-game enthusiast.
€800 Main Event Headlines Six-Day Festival
The biggest attraction on the EMPC schedule is the €800 8-Game Main Event, which gets underway on Friday, October 30.
Players have two starting flights to choose from, with Day 1A beginning at 11:30 a.m. and Day 1B following at 6:30 p.m. Those who make it through return for Day 2 on Saturday, October 31, when the champion will be crowned.
The tournament features eight poker variants: No-Limit Hold’em, Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Stud, Stud Hi-Lo, Razz and 2-7 Triple Draw.
Being comfortable in Hold’em or Omaha is certainly helpful, but having weaknesses in the other disciplines can quickly become expensive.
Players can re-enter once per starting flight, giving them another chance if their first attempt doesn’t go to plan.
For those looking to secure a Main Event seat for less, there are also €185 H.E.T.R.O.S. satellites scheduled for October 29 and 30.
Something for Newcomers and Mixed-Game Veterans
One of the appealing aspects of the EMPC is the variety of its schedule.
Players who are relatively new to mixed games don’t have to jump straight into the €800 Main Event or one of the more expensive tournaments. Several events are priced at €200 or €300, providing a more accessible starting point for those looking to gain experience.
The €200 Big Bet Mix gets things underway on October 26, while the €200 S.O.R.B.E.T. and €200 Omaha Dealer’s Choice offer further opportunities to explore different formats without committing to a four-figure buy-in.
There’s also the €300 6-Game Mystery Bounty on October 31, which adds a bounty element to the mixed-game action.
Experienced players, meanwhile, have two €1,500 High Rollers to look forward to.
The €1,500 S.O.R.B.E.T. High Roller begins on October 29 and features Seven Card Stud, Omaha Hi-Lo, Razz, Badugi, Stud Hi-Lo and 2-7 Triple Draw.
Then, on October 31, the €1,500 6-Game High Roller gives mixed-game specialists another opportunity to compete for a title.
Other events include the €700 20-Game Dealer’s Choice, €555 Lowball Draw Mix and €300 Senkel’s Paradise Pick’em, where the player with the dealer button chooses which game will be played.
2026 EMPC Full Schedule
The tournament schedule is only part of what’s on offer at Olympic Park Casino.
Cash games will be available 24/7 throughout the festival, giving players a chance to keep playing between tournaments or spend some time learning formats they might not normally encounter.
There’s also a social side to the championship, with a welcome dinner scheduled for October 26 and a community lunch on October 29.
Calum Grant
Senior Editor & Live Events Executive