OlyBet Showdown Vilnius Ace Breaker Begins January 27
Get ready for excitement with the first poker festival of 2024 in the Baltics with the OlyBet Showdown Vilnius Ace Breaker is just less than a week away from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4. The poker action will be non-stop thanks to 26 numbered events and satellites highlighted by the three-day €555 Main Event from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2.
The festival is conveniently located at Olympic Casino Vilnius, in the heart of the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius. In addition to the plethora of poker action and fun, there is plenty to do at reasonable prices near the casino with a healthy option of restaurants, bars, and night clubs including the adjoining OlyBet Bar & Grill. The notorious UNESCO-listed Old Town is just a few minutes’ walk away giving you a chance to explore one of the wonders of the Baltics while also competing for huge prizes at the casino.
Whether you have already earned your Lithuanian flag at The Hendon Mob or not, this is surely a festival you don’t want to miss.
The OlyBet Showdown Vilnius Ace Breaker has something for everyone with events ranging from €60 for the ladies-only Queens of Vilnius up to €1,100 for the two-day high roller on Feb. 2-3. Of course, cash games will be hopping and those interested in casino games have their full choice of premier slot machines, table games, and sports wagering.
The event was also designed for players to have fun including a tradition that began last year during the inaugural Vilnius Ace Breaker. Both in the €555 Main Event, which attracted a healthy field of 470 entries, and the €1,100 High Roller, a celebration began every time aces were cracked as that player was awarded a special (and massive) Ace Breaker cocktail that is only available during the festival. Those sipping on the drink had the envy of many except maybe the player that hit the rail adding an air of lightness despite the big money on the line in the event.
“We began last year in style with our inaugural international festival at Olympic Casino Vilnius and couldn’t be any prouder of the reception,” said Olympic Casino Lithuania Poker Manager Marijus Grigonis. “We are anticipating an even bigger crowd this year, and, of course, expect a lot of fun with the return of awarding players with a unique cocktail only available during the festival.”
More About the Main Event & High Roller
The fun will continue as this year’s Main Event and High Roller will continue the Ace Breaker cocktail tradition. The Main Event itself is estimated to boast a prize pool of around €250,000 with approximately €50,000 expected to be on the line for the winner.
The tournament provides plenty of play with three opening flights from Jan. 30-31 thanks to a 30,000 starting stack and blinds increasing every 40 minutes (25 minutes in the final turbo opening flight) until players bag their stacks after 12 blind levels. Players can re-enter not only throughout all three opening flights but also during the first blind level of Day 2 on Feb. 1 when blind levels increase to 60 minutes in length. The action will then continue well past the money bubble with the final batch of hopefuls competing for prestige, the trophy, and, of course, a truckload of cash on Feb. 2.
Lithuania’s Vasilij Barna will forever be known as the inaugural OlyBet Showdown Vilnius Ace Breaker Main Event champion after hauling in the €45,575 top prize last year. Time will tell who will become the latest to join Barna in making Lithuanian poker history.
Meanwhile, the High Roller will also award big prizes. Last year’s version, won by Lithuania’s Arturas Dauksevic for €21,520, attracted 70 entries with more expected this year. The tournament features a single starting day on Feb. 2 with players starting with 50,000 in chips and blinds increasing every 40 minutes throughout the two-day affair. Players can re-enter throughout the dozen blind levels on Day 1, and similar to the Main Event, late registration will remain open during the second and final day on Feb. 3.
If looking to get into either event for a fraction of the cost you are in luck as there are plenty of €30 satellites leading up allowing you to hunt for glory and big bucks for a fraction of the cost.
Jason Glatzer, who typically reports tournaments in Tallinn for Olympic Casino and OlyBet Poker, will have to put his poker chips aside despite finishing in 15th place in last year’s Main Event. Instead, for the first time in Lithuanian poker history, Glatzer will report both the Main Event and High Roller in English at the OlyBet.tv website.
In addition to these marquis events, there are plenty of other events on tap in both hold’em and Omaha variants every day throughout the schedule.
Guide to Affordable Accommodations
Vilnius is well known for its culture and you have plenty of options of whether you want to stay smack in the casino action or prefer waking up in the majestic Old Town or elsewhere.
Head to the Olybet Showdown Vilnius Ace Breaker landing page to learn more about the hotel deals and check out the highlights and suggestions below:
- Ibus Vilnius Centre (€52/night single; €64/night double) – quality budget hotel close to both Old Town and Olympic Casino Vilnius.
- Best Western (€60/night single; €70/night double; €85/night triple) – this casino is just a two-minute walk to the venue and also located just steps away from the CUP shopping center.
- Novotel Vilnius Centre (€82/night single; €99/night double) – this hotel is recommended for those who want to enjoy waking up in the Old Town in style. It is about a 10-minute walk to the casino or just a cheap taxi ride away.
- Radisson Blu Hotel Vilnius (€85/night standard; €95/night standard double; €95/night premium single; €105/night premium double) – This hotel is perfect for those who love waking up at the venue with the hotel connected to the casino.
Read more about the OlyBet Showdown Vilnius Ace Breaker and see you next week in the amazing Lithuanian capital of Vilnius.
