The World Poker Federation (WPF) recently reached the milestone of 50 affiliated countries, present on five continents. Currently, Europe leads in the number of representatives, with 23 countries.
Following closely, America contributes 10 nations in total. Additionally, Asia also has 10 affiliations, while Africa is represented by three countries, and, adding to the count, Oceania has the inclusion of Australia.
Brazil is part of this list of associates and, last November, São Paulo hosted a significant event at the WTC Sheraton. During this meeting, which marked the last stage of the BSOP 2024, poker was officially recognized as a mental sport.
Executives from the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA) attended the event to formalize the recognition of poker as a game that requires strategy and mental skill, receiving unanimous and definitive approval.
In the South American region, in addition to Brazil, the group of countries affiliated to the WPF includes countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay. The United Kingdom, Canada and Germany are also highlighted, representing three of the most important poker markets worldwide.
Regarding the Federation’s objectives, Leonardo Cavarge, CEO of the World Poker Federation, stated: “Our objective is to build and consolidate a global sporting structure for poker. Exchange with other countries and markets is crucial to promote the development and growth of mobility in different areas and spheres.”
List of affiliated countries and mission of the World Poker Federation
WPF’s mission also includes cooperation with governments and institutions nationally and internationally to promote poker. The entity encourages the practice of poker in all its forms. These range from well-known ones, such as Texas Hold’em and Omaha, to less popular variants, such as Badugi and Short Deck.
Countries affiliated to the World Poker Federation:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Barbados
- Basque Country
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia
- Brazil
- Bulgary
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Ecuador
- Estonia
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Iceland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Pakistan
- Panama
- Paraguai
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Porto Rico
- Romania
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovenia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Uganda
- Ukraine
- Uruguai
- Zambia
With this advancement, the WPF continues its journey of expanding poker’s global presence as a legitimate sport of strategy and mental skill.
