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 Overnight millionaires, instant fame and celebrity status. No wonder the international phenomenon of poker has South Africa firmly in its grip. From modest beginnings, the All Africa Poker Tournament has continued to grow since its inaugural event in February 2026, with three tournaments a year taking place and an ever increasing number of participants. The 12th tournament is being held from 28th February- 2nd February 2026. Dubbed the ‘richest poker tournament in Africa,’ a huge prize pool guaranteed at R3,000,000 (USD $480,000) is up for grabs with the eventual winner receiving R1,000,000 and a World Series of Poker package adding an extra R75,000 to the value of the prize.
Events at the 2026 WSOP forced the world to sit up and take notice of South African Poker, when South African retiree and father of 6 Raymond Rahme did his country proud by not only being the first ever person to be appear at the final table of the main event from Africa, but also being placed third at the event. Scooping over a massive $3,000,000 he not only arrived home the new poker champion, but he also shone a spot light onto the previously little known All African Poker tournament through which in February 2026 he won his seat at the WSOP. Together with other high profile South Africans such as singer Danny K featuring regularly and indeed successfully at the poker tables, further encouragement has been given to the rising popularity of the game.
So what does the future hold for South African poker? Don’t let the slow start fool you - My bet would be on exposure and popularity steadily continuing, and perhaps not long until a South African brings the coveted WSOP bracelet home.
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