Merit Poker began operations in 2008 and has since become a major player in live poker tournaments. Most Merit Poker series and events occur at the Merit Crystal Cove Hotel, a five-star, all-inclusive resort in North Cyprus. Since its launch, Merit Poker has awarded more than $40 million in prize pools.
Merit Poker averages a different poker series every 45 days. Many series are themed, such as the Gatsby Series, the Dolce Vita Series, the Gangster Series, the Western Series, and the Carmen Series. Other established live tours have also called Merit Poker's vast, lavish venue home, including the PokerStars European Poker Tour, Triton Super High Roller Series, the World Poker Tour, and the Meditteranean Poker Party.
According to The Hendon Mob Database, as of January 20, 2025, Turkey's Seref Dursan Anar is the most prolific Merit Poker player with 125 in-the-money finishes. Russian star Dmitry Gromov (75) has the second-most cashes, with Lebanon's Michael Habib (69) placing third.
Georgian grinder Giorgiy Skhulukhiya is Merit Poker's biggest winner, with over $1.6 million in cashes. Skhuluhiya won the $5,300 partypoker MILLIONS North Cyprus Main Event in September 2021 for $683,285. Other victories earned him $225,000, $220,643, and $149,200.
PokerNews' Live Reporting team often heads to North Cyprus to cover the biggest Merit Poker events.
