Poker, paradise, and a shot at a $300,000 prize pool? Americas Cardroom is making it happen this fall
This September, poker players from around the world will be flocking to the sun-soaked island of Aruba, thanks to a unique partnership between Americas Cardroom and the legendary Chris Moneymaker. The online poker platform is guaranteeing several all-expenses-paid packages to the $300,000 GTD Moneymaker Tour Aruba Main Event, giving players the chance to win big in one of the most stunning destinations in the Caribbean.
Each exclusive poker vacation package includes a $1,700 Main Event buy-in, four nights of hotel accommodation from September 25th to 29th, and $1,000 in airfare. Players can qualify through Americas Cardroom’s online satellite tournaments, many of which start at just a fraction of the Main Event’s cost. Beyond the felt and the cards, qualifiers will get to experience Aruba’s pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and rich island culture. “We’re all about making poker fun and accessible, and this Aruba stop is the perfect mix of serious competition and a great vacation,” said Chris Moneymaker, a central figure in modern poker history and a key pro on Americas Cardroom’s roster. “Whether you’re chasing the title or just chasing the sun, this satellite gives players a chance to play poker in an incredible location and hang out with fellow poker fans — all for a small buy-in.”
With a $300,000 guaranteed prize pool and the chance to play live poker in a dream destination, the Aruba Main Event is fast becoming one of the most anticipated stops on the Moneymaker Tour calendar. For poker players with wanderlust and a competitive streak, this event is the ultimate jackpot.
Poker Vacations Are on the Rise, With Americas Cardroom Leading the Charge
Mixing poker with travel isn’t new, but it’s experiencing a serious boom, especially with platforms like Americas Cardroom taking the lead. The rise of “poker tourism” is transforming how players approach the game, with many now seeing tournament travel as a lifestyle choice rather than just a hobby or profession. Poker tourism has become a global phenomenon, drawing enthusiasts to iconic destinations from Barcelona to Macau. But what makes it special is the immersive experience: local cuisine, sun-drenched beaches, vibrant nightlife, and once-in-a-lifetime memories that go far beyond the poker table.
Americas Cardroom understands this trend well. Over the past year, the platform has expanded its offerings to include more than just online tournaments. Its curated poker vacations have redefined the player experience, offering trips to places like Uruguay, Vietnam, and now Aruba. These events help hardcore poker players reset their routines and create memories that last a lifetime. As noted in our recent Hoopla Blog article, travel is often a way to break free from daily monotony. Catching a sunrise after a deep run in a tournament or exploring the local culture with fellow players are a few things a poker vacation can offer, cashing in on a new kind of value: emotional, social, and experiential.
And that value is attracting a younger generation of poker enthusiasts. For players in their 20s and 30s, combining a competitive edge with adventure is magnetic. With low-cost qualifiers and high-value experiences, Americas Cardroom is bridging the gap between poker pros and casual travelers, making destination poker accessible to all.
Americas Cardroom Keeps the Action Rolling with High-Stakes Weekly Events
While Aruba is the talk of the poker town, Americas Cardroom isn’t putting all its chips in one basket. The platform continues to draw attention with its new weekly high-stakes tournament series, Phil’s Thrill. Launched earlier this year, this $10,300 buy-in event runs every Sunday at 2:30 PM ET and is already attracting the sharpest minds in the game. The tournament, named after ACR Poker CEO Phil Nagy, is shaping to be a proving ground for elite players. “I love this game so much, and this tournament is all about bringing together the best players and sharpest minds to elevate the game,” said Nagy. The weekly structure means the action never stops, and with appearances from big names like Chris Moneymaker, $12.5 Million Venom winner Dominik Nitsche, and other poker elites, the event offers prestige and unpredictability. Each week brings new surprises, fresh faces, and a continually evolving meta that keeps even seasoned pros on their toes. It’s part of Americas Cardroom’s broader strategy to blend online accessibility with real-world prestige, making sure there’s something for every level of player.
As poker tournaments continue to impact tourism and redefine travel experiences, Americas Cardroom is at the forefront, giving players a seat at the table wherever in the world that table may be. Whether you’re grinding online, chasing a dream hand under Aruba’s sun, or battling it out in a Sunday high roller, one thing is clear: the modern poker journey is no longer confined to the screen. It’s a global game, and Americas Cardroom is dealing the cards.
