The highly anticipated Merit Poker Dolce Vita Series is making its return this summer, taking place from July 27 to August 8 at the luxurious Merit Crystal Cove Hotel & Casino in North Cyprus. With over $5.5 million in guaranteed prize pools, this event blends top-tier poker action with a Mediterranean vacation atmosphere—offering players a chance to compete, relax, and connect in one of the most picturesque poker destinations in the world.
Three Headline Events Set the Tone
The full schedule includes a wide variety of tournaments for all skill levels, but three standout events will take center stage this year:
- $2,200 IPO Master (July 28 – August 1)
A million-dollar guaranteed tournament that kicks off the series in style. A perfect entry point for serious competitors looking for a deep structure and strong field. - $5,300 High Roller (July 31 – August 2)
Tailored for high-stakes players, this event guarantees $750,000 and typically features some of the toughest competition on the schedule. - $3,300 La Notte Degli Assi Main Event (August 2 – 8)
The flagship event of the series. With a boosted guarantee of $2 million, it promises to be one of the summer’s most memorable live tournaments.
A Look Back at Last Year’s Main Event
The 2024 edition of La Notte Degli Assi drew 1,133 entries and crowned a relatively unknown online grinder from Israel—known simply as Dashinka—as champion. With only one recorded live cash prior to this event, Dashinka stunned the field and walked away with $355,000.
After taking an early chip lead on Day 2, he stayed in control throughout the tournament. In the final stretch, he eliminated several strong Italian contenders—including Ermanno Pacini, Simone Andrian, and Fausto Tantillo—before winning heads-up in a single hand.
In his post-win interview, Dashinka shared that his success came from playing his opponents, not just the cards. “I chose my spots, and I chose who to play against at the final table,” he said. “It wasn’t just about the hands—it was about the people.”
2024 La Notte Degli Assi Final Table Results:
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
| 1 | Dashinka | Israel | $355,000 |
| 2 | Ermanno Pacini | Italy | $240,000 |
| 3 | Raffaele Castro | Italy | $160,000 |
| 4 | Simone Andrian | Italy | $115,000 |
| 5 | Fausto Tantillo | Italy | $90,000 |
| 6 | Fouad Toujani | France | $72,000 |
| 7 | Denis Stoma | Belarus | $57,700 |
| 8 | Kirill Burtin | Russia | $45,000 |
| 9 | Mohamad El-Sayed | Lebanon | $34,450 |
Easy Entry Paths Through Satellites
To give more players a chance to join the action, the series will feature several satellite events, including:
- A free-entry NL Freeroll on July 27, awarding 30 seats to IPO Master Day 1A
- Multiple $360 qualifiers, each awarding seats into the main events
- The IPO Master officially kicks off on July 28
These entry paths offer players a low-cost route into high-stakes tournaments—perfect for those looking to take a shot at a life-changing score.
More Than Just Poker
Dolce Vita isn’t just about cards and prize pools—it’s a full experience. Set on the coastline of North Cyprus, players can enjoy luxury accommodations, world-class hospitality, and an international poker community, all while competing in one of the most scenic venues in the game.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an up-and-coming tournament grinder, this series is a unique chance to combine serious competition with a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle.
