
The Skill Poker Master Returns in February 2025: Anticipation Grows in Nova Gorica for a Record-Breaking Event
The Skill Poker Master (SPM), recognized as one of the most prestigious live poker tournaments in Europe, continues to achieve success and draw the attention of the international poker scene. With the 2025 edition set to return to the Perla Resort in Nova Gorica from February 12 to 17, the organizers aim to exceed all expectations, with the goal of setting a new participation record. Discussing the origins and evolution of this project is Maurizio Giuseppucci, one of the founders of SPM alongside Marco Meloni and Lele Sgherza.
Maurizio, SPM has become a benchmark in European poker. How did it all start?
“The idea behind the Skill Poker Master stemmed from the desire to offer something different, of superior quality. Marco, Lele, and I wanted to create a tournament that wasn’t just competitive but also accessible and memorable for its organization and atmosphere. We started small but with the clear goal of building an event known for its high level of play and attention to detail. It’s been a challenging journey, but the success we’re experiencing shows we were on the right track.”
What were the key milestones in this growth?
“Every edition marked a step forward. Initially, we focused on building a solid foundation, refining every aspect from the game structure to the choice of venues. Over time, the tournament grew not only in numbers but also in reputation. Today, the SPM is considered an unmissable event for both professionals and enthusiasts. We have always aimed for excellence and listened to the community, and this has allowed us to constantly improve.”
What are the expectations for the 2025 Nova Gorica edition?
“Nova Gorica is a special city for us, and the Perla Resort has proven to be the perfect location for an event of this magnitude. In 2024, we were impressed by the audience’s response, but this year we aim to do even better. There’s a great sense of anticipation, and all the conditions are in place to break every record. We’re working hard to offer a unique experience to players, and the feedback so far has been exciting. We want this edition to go down in Skill Poker Master history.”
What makes SPM so special?
“I think it’s our approach. It’s not just a poker tournament; it’s a complete experience. We put players at the center, taking care of every detail: from the technical structure of the tournament to the venues, which must ensure maximum comfort. Moreover, there’s tremendous work behind the scenes by a passionate and dedicated team. This makes the difference and is reflected in the quality perceived by participants.”
A message for those attending Nova Gorica?
“Get ready for an unforgettable experience. From February 12 to 17, 2025, Nova Gorica will be the European poker capital, and we are ready to welcome you with an event that has all the elements to be a record-breaking edition. We can’t wait to share this adventure with you and experience the excitement of the Skill Poker Master together.”
Growth and Online Collaborations: The Partnership with Lottomatica
In addition to the success of live events, the Skill Poker Master is also experiencing significant growth in the online sector. Thanks to the collaboration with Lottomatica, online satellites have been launched, allowing players to qualify for the live tournament in Nova Gorica. This initiative has expanded participation, offering opportunities to both professionals and enthusiasts.

Maurizio Giuseppucci, Chief Operating Officer of Poker Skill Events, commented:
“The partnership with Lottomatica has been fundamental for our expansion into the online world. The satellites active from December 5, 2024, to January 16, 2025, exceeded expectations, with many players qualifying for the live event starting from accessible buy-ins. This demonstrates how integrating online and live play can create winning synergies, bringing more people closer to the world of poker.”
Lele Sgherza shares a preview of the upcoming calendar:
“It will be a season divided between Nova Gorica and Bratislava, with events featuring guaranteed prize pools starting at a minimum of €500K. I don’t want to give too much away, but we’re also working on something even bigger. Here are some dates I can reveal:
• 🇸🇮 Nova Gorica (Slovenia): February 12–17, 2025 – €500,000 GTD, Buy-in €550
• 🇸🇰 Bratislava (Slovakia): April 21–28, 2025 – €500,000 GTD, Buy-in €350
• 🇸🇮 Nova Gorica (Slovenia): June 9–22, 2025 – Guaranteed Prize Pool TBA 💣 Special Edition
With these plans, the Skill Poker Master in 2025 is set to become a tour of events aiming to leave a mark, both for the quality of the gameplay and the unique atmosphere offered by venues like the Perla Resort in Nova Gorica and the Card Casino in Bratislava.”
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