Sport Fishing Joins Poker Run for Expanded Two-Day Marine Festival
Roseau, Dominica – The organizers of Dominica Poker Run 2026 have officially launched this year's event, unveiling an exciting expansion that transforms the popular marine activity into a two-day weekend experience designed to boost tourism, recreation and economic activity across the island.
Scheduled for Sunday, July 26, the weekend will now begin with an inaugural Sport Fishing Tournament on Saturday, July 25, giving local and visiting boaters another opportunity to enjoy Dominica's waters before participating in the highly anticipated Poker Run.
Speaking at the official media launch, Andrew "Cobra" O'Brien of Portsmouth Association of Yacht Security & Services (PAYS) said the addition of the fishing tournament is intended to encourage participants to spend more time exploring Dominica.
"When people come to Dominica, they can say, 'We not only come in Dominica for one day of Poker Run, we come in for the whole weekend where we can accommodate.' They can spend money in the hotels, spend money in the Airbnbs, in the shopping centers, in the restaurants, go around, enjoy and feel Dominica because they will come for a full weekend,'" O'Brien said.
He added that the fishing tournament was developed specifically to complement the Poker Run experience.
"We're going to have a sport fishing tournament on Saturday. And we have a lot of perks in it for our participants in the Poker Run because it is a brainchild of the Poker Run."
The Poker Run itself is not a race but a recreational boating adventure that combines scenic cruising with friendly competition. Boats travel together along Dominica's west coast, stopping at designated locations to collect playing cards. At each stop, participants privately reveal their card to event officials, who record each draw. Once all stops have been completed, the team with the strongest poker hand is declared the winner.
Marketing Lead Jael Joseph described the event as a unique social experience on the sea.
"It's a lime. Look at it as a lime. We're going to be liming along the sea trail and every stop you're going to pull a card. When you pull a card, you have to make sure nobody sees your card except the organizer. You show them your card, they tally it. And at the end, the team with the highest number in terms of the tally of cards, that's who wins."
Organizers also received strong backing from law enforcement, with the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force confirming that safety and security will remain a top priority throughout the event.
Head of the Northern Division, Mr. Delvin John Lewis, reaffirmed the Police Force's commitment to supporting the event.
"We have supported Almond Deck and Poker Run over the years and this year will be no different. I can assure you the Coast Guard will assist you in coming up the sea trail from the village in Layou all the way to Toucari. Additionally, we will have people traveling the Western Corridor, the E.O. Leblanc Highway, all the way to Toucari."
Corporate partners also praised the event for showcasing more than just entertainment. Speaking on behalf of Morancie & Sons, Clifford Morancie highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.
"It takes people away from the basic understanding of, 'It puts all the aspects of Dominica under the spotlight. And as part of that, we are just thankful for it. We're really grateful and these are the type of events we want to partner with more and we want to help push to a whole nother level."
The tourism benefits were echoed by Ogelly Moses of the Discover Dominica Authority, who emphasized the economic opportunities generated by marine events.
"Each year we witness an increase in visitor arrivals across Dominica and the wider Caribbean. This movement of people translates directly into economic opportunities. Restaurants experience increased patronage. Bars enjoy higher sales. Accommodation providers welcome additional guests."
With the introduction of the Sport Fishing Tournament and continued collaboration between organizers, sponsors, tourism stakeholders and law enforcement, Dominica Poker Run 2026 promises an unforgettable weekend that celebrates adventure, camaraderie and the island's vibrant marine tourism product.
The two-day event is expected to attract local boaters, regional visitors and marine enthusiasts, further cementing Dominica's reputation as a premier destination for recreational boating and marine experiences in the Caribbean.