A Dutchman wins the Belgian championship (€45,000)

Harun Karakus triumphs in Belgium (€45,000)

A resounding victory for Harun Karakus, who walks away with €45,000 and a €2,200 CPS Main Event ticket after winning the Belgian Poker Challenge 2026 at the Circus Casino Resort in Namur. The Dutchman dominated a field of 932 entrants and claimed the lion’s share of a prize pool of €307,560... 


“I’m very happy; it’s been a long journey to reach this final, and to walk away with the title is incredible. I’m really pleased with this victory,” began Karakus after receiving his trophy, having taken four hours to secure the win and wrapped up the final hand in just over five minutes. 

Before that, patience was required, as the first elimination didn’t occur until the 160-minute mark had been passed in the final table. The short-stacked players fought a massive ICM battle and Harun continued to pick his spots; he played it safe against Sjoerd Bos before the latter 3-bet once too often and then immediately put his entire stack in the middle. “I made the right calls today; I couldn’t fold at that moment… I’m constantly talking to myself; I’m proud of myself,” explained the champion, who will do everything he can to return to Wallonia in November for the Circus Poker Series. “I’ll probably be coming – thank you, Namur,” confirmed the winner before concluding. 

“I can’t describe this feeling; it’s unique but impossible to put into words. I’m really very pleased with myself. I’m always talking to myself – there’s a good angel and a bad angel constantly on my shoulder. I’m very happy I made the right decisions; you have to listen to that little voice. I’m very proud of myself,” concluded the 2026 Belgian champion! 

BPC Main Event Final Day Standings (932 entrants – €307,560 prize pool)

Video replay of the final