The poker world is buzzing with excitement as the first-ever Thermal PLO Festival is set to take place in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) on the German/Czech boarder, offering an impressive €800,000 in prize money for Pot Limit Omaha enthusiasts.
This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone in the PLO tournament circuit, providing players with a dedicated festival focused on this increasingly popular poker variant.
Tournament Schedule
| EVENT | STARTS | DAYS | BUY-IN |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4-card PLO €50K GTD | Jan 14 | 1 | €550 |
| 6-card PLO €100K GTD | Jan 15 | 2 | €1,100 |
| 5-card PLO €100K GTD | Jan 16 | 2 | €1,100 |
| 4-card PLO Main Event €500K GTD | Jan 17 | 3 | €1,500 |
More details
Tuesday, 14.01.25
Play the 4-card 1-day PLO tournament Heat it up PLO4 with a guaranteed prizepool of 50,000€. For your 550€ buy-in you will get 20,000 chips and the levels increase every 25/30 minutes.
Wednesday, 15.01.25
On Wednesday the crazy action will start. Play the 6-card Half a Dozen for 1,100€ and play for a share of 100,000€. Starting chips: 50,000 and blind levels are 40 minutes throughout the whole 2-day tournament.
Thursday, 16.01.25
The Pentagon 5-card PLO is another 2-day 1,100€ buy-in tournament with a cool 100,000€ guaranteed prizepool. Starting chips: 50,000 with 40 minutes blind levels.
Friday + Saturday, 17.01-18.01
Here you can expect a full house. Play the Quattro Formaggio PLO4 with a 1,500€ buy-in and a hefty 500,000€ prizepool. You will start with 100,000 chips and blindlevels will be 40 minutes throughout the whole event. The final day will be on 19.01.2025, starting at 2pm.
If these buy-ins are too high, don’t worry. There are a lot of Satellites running from 15th of January to give you lots of chances to qualify for one of the tournaments.
See the full overview here:
Cashgames
Unlucky at the tournament tables? No problem! There are cashgame tables running 24/7, starting from only €2, sometimes up to €100/€200 and more!
Venue
The venue is on the Czech/German boarder in the beautiful thermal city called Karlovy Vary. It is also known by the name Carlsbad.
The event will be hosted at the Hotel, Spa and Casino Thermal in Karlovy Vary in the best district of the town, close to all restaurants, bars and parks.
Casino
The casino is one of the best in Czech Republic. Besides a spacious poker room with 24/7 live cash game action, they also have very noble areas for slots and roulette.
Hotel
The Thermal Hotel provides dozens of services under one roof. The unique Brutalist building houses a wellness centre, a spa, restaurants, bars, a swimming pool and conference rooms. The hotel offers accommodation in a total of 273 rooms and suites.
Spa
The famous thermal pool is open again! Immerse yourself in the bubbling water in the quiet part of the pool, test your fitness in one of the swimming lanes or relax in the outdoor bath filled with 100% thermal water. The pools of the Thermal Hotel are a great place to rest and unwind.
What to do in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is a picturesque spa town in the Czech Republic, renowned for its hot springs, elegant architecture, and rich cultural heritage. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern wellness facilities, making it an ideal destination for a winter getaway.
Attractions and Landmarks
Karlovy Vary boasts numerous attractions that showcase its rich history and architectural beauty:
- Hot Spring Colonnade: Home to the famous Vřídlo geyser, which spouts hot mineral water up to 12 meters high.
- Mill Colonnade: An iconic structure with numerous columns, perfect for enjoying the therapeutic waters.
- Diana Lookout Tower: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Church of St. Mary Magdalene: A significant historical monument constructed in 1737.
- Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul: Known for its beautiful architecture.
- Market Colonnade: A charming wooden colonnade popular among tourists.
- Museum of Glass MOSER: Showcases the history and craftsmanship of the famous Moser glass.
- Statue of Charles IV: A bronze monument dedicated to the city’s founder.
Winter Activities and Sports
January in Karlovy Vary offers a range of winter activities for visitors:
- Skiing and Snowboarding: The nearby Ore Mountains provide excellent facilities for both cross-country and downhill skiing.
- Ice Skating and Ice Hockey: Enjoy these classic winter sports at local facilities.
- Snow Tubing: A fun, family-friendly activity available in the region.
- Indoor Sports: Facilities for swimming, aerobics, fitness, and spinning are available for those preferring indoor activities.
- Indoor Golf and Tennis: Continue your favorite sports regardless of the weather.
Spa and Wellness Experiences
Karlovy Vary is famous for its spa culture, offering various treatments and experiences:
- Thermal Springs: Explore the 13 main springs and around 300 smaller ones, with temperatures ranging from 40°C to 72°C.
- Drinking Cures: Sample the mineral-rich water, believed to aid in treating various health issues. Consult a balneologist for personalized recommendations.
- Balneotherapy: Enjoy mineral baths, mud packs, and other treatments using the local mineral water.
- Saunia: Experience outdoor thermal pools and various saunas with stunning views over the spa quarter.
- Breathing the Mist: At the Vřídlo Geyser, breathe in the mineral-rich vapors for a unique wellness experience.
Dining and Local Cuisine
Karlovy Vary offers a diverse culinary scene:
- Traditional Czech Dishes: Try hearty meals like goulash, roast pork with dumplings, and sauerkraut.
- Game Meat and Roasted Meats: Popular choices reflecting classic Czech culinary traditions.
- International Cuisine: Explore Italian, Thai, and Indian restaurants for variety.
- Cafés and Quick Bites: Visit popular spots like Café Elefant and Café Richmond for light meals or coffee breaks.
- Unique Dining Experiences: Consider Restaurant Diana for delicious food with charming views.
Events and Cultural Activities
While specific events for January 2025 are not detailed, Karlovy Vary typically hosts various cultural activities throughout the year:
- Concerts and Balls: Events like the Festival Ball and the Karlovy Vary Ball Soirée may be scheduled.
- Museums and Galleries: Visit local museums and galleries for a warm, educational retreat from the cold.
- Regular Cultural Events: The city hosts various events throughout the week, including concerts and comedy shows.
Travel distances by car
1h44m distance from Prag, 1h47m from Chemnitz, 2h28m from Dresden and 3h12m from Munich.
Exclusive Offer: Save 20% on Your Hotel Package!
Attention PLO365 players! Enjoy an exclusive 20% discount on your 5-day hotel package. Your package includes:
- 5 nights stay at the Thermal Hotel (same building as the PLO event)
- Breakfast
- Spa access
Use code PLO365 to book your 5-day package for just 399€ (regular price 499€)! That’s a fantastic savings of 100€! For any inquiries, feel free to contact our poker manager, Frank, at frank@casinothermal.com or via WhatsApp at +420 735 124 100. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity—let’s kick off the new year with a BANG!
