Poker Run Returns with Focus on Community, Tourism and Dominica's Blue Economy
Roseau, Dominica – July 23, 2026 — Dominica's coastline will once again become a hub of activity this weekend as the event brings together sport fishing enthusiasts, recreational boaters, businesses and coastal communities for a weekend that celebrates the island's maritime heritage while generating economic activity for local communities.
The two-day festival begins on Saturday, July 25, with a Sport Fishing Tournament based in the fishing community of Toucari, highlighting one of Dominica's long-standing maritime traditions while drawing anglers and visitors to the north of the island.
On Sunday, July 26, attention shifts to the recreational boating experience through Poker Run Dominica 2026, a marine adventure that encourages participants to experience Dominica's coastline from the sea while supporting businesses and communities throughout the journey.
Unlike a speedboat race, Poker Run is designed as a leisurely boating experience.
Participating teams travel to designated checkpoints from Le Village at Rockaway, Canefield to Toucari, collecting a playing card at each location. At the end of the route, the team with the best five-card poker hand is awarded the EC$10,000 grand prize, making strategy, chance and camaraderie—not speed—the defining elements of the competition.
Beyond the prize money, organizers say the event has grown into an important platform for community engagement and marine tourism.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of Poker Run is seeing how it benefits the communities that welcome participants each year," said Jael Joseph, Marketing and Promotions Lead for Poker Run Dominica 2026.
"Every year, visitors discover parts of Dominica they may never have experienced from the sea. Along the way, they support local vendors, restaurants, bars, entertainers and small businesses, creating opportunities for economic activity that extend beyond the event itself. The festival is about celebrating our coastline and ensuring that our coastal communities share in its benefits."
The festival concludes in Toucari, where participants and spectators will gather for an afternoon of entertainment, community celebration and the official awards ceremony.
As the host community for both the Sport Fishing Tournament and the Poker Run finale, Toucari plays a central role in showcasing Dominica's marine culture, hospitality and tourism potential.Organizers note that the continued growth of the festival reflects increasing interest in marine-based tourism experiences that complement Dominica's established reputation for nature, hiking and diving. By combining recreation, community participation and responsible enjoyment of the island's coastline, Poker Run contributes to a broader vision of sustainable tourism development.
The organizing committee extends its appreciation to the Government of Dominica for endorsing the event, sponsors, participating businesses, volunteers and community partners whose collaboration continues to make the festival possible.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to support the weekend's activities, celebrate Dominica's maritime traditions and experience firsthand the communities that continue to shape the island's marine tourism product.
