The Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP), widely known as the Brazilian Poker Championship, has reached a major milestone in 2026. It has surpassed R$1 billion in total prize money paid out since its inception.
The announcement was made during the opening ceremony of BSOP São Paulo. This highlighted the long-term growth of the series and its increasing global prominence.
Consistent Growth Across 20 Years
Across 141 tournament stages, BSOP has distributed an average of over R$7 million per event. However, recent years have seen exponential growth.
It took a decade—until mid-2023—for BSOP to reach its first R$500 million in prize payouts. In contrast, the next R$500 million was achieved in just 14 tournaments. During this period, the average payout rose to more than R$35.7 million per event.
This sharp acceleration underscores the series’ rapid expansion and growing popularity within the poker industry.
Strong Momentum and Future Targets
The impressive growth trajectory has encouraged BSOP leadership to set ambitious future goals. CEO Rafael Moraes noted the potential for continued expansion. He stated that reaching R$2 billion in total payouts by 2028 is within reach. This reflects the series’ current momentum and sustained performance.
One of the clearest examples of this growth is BSOP Millions 2025, the series’ flagship and year-end event. Spanning 16 days, the tournament featured the first-ever R$500,000 buy-in in Brazilian poker history. The winner took home R$6 million, while the total prize pool exceeded R$17 million.
In addition, the overall prize pool for BSOP Millions has grown significantly. It increased by 40.5%—from R$96 million in 2024 to R$134.94 million in 2025.
From Early Challenges to Established Success
The BSOP’s current scale is a stark contrast to its early days. Founder and current CFO Devanir Campos reflected on the tournament’s origins. He noted that poker once faced considerable challenges in Brazil simply to exist.
Despite the uncertainty, the team remained committed to building a sustainable poker ecosystem. They were driven by a strong belief in the game and its potential.
Growing Recognition of Poker in Brazil
Over the past two decades, poker in Brazil has evolved from a niche activity into a widely recognized mind sport. It is now officially acknowledged by the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA), reinforcing its legitimacy on the global stage.
A key turning point came when Brazil’s Minister of Sports, Aldo Rebelo, attended a BSOP event and publicly recognized poker as a legitimate sport. This moment helped shift public perception. It also opened the door for broader acceptance.
Celebrity Influence and Global Expansion
The growing popularity of poker in Brazil has also been fueled by celebrity participation. High-profile figures such as Ronaldo Nazário, Neymar Jr., Maurren Maggi, and Rodrigão have all taken part in BSOP events. This has further elevated the series’ visibility.
Today, BSOP stands as the largest poker circuit in Latin America, attracting players from around the world. Its global recognition, including accolades from the Global Poker Awards, highlights its impact on the international poker scene.
As BSOP continues its upward trajectory, its growth curve suggests that future milestones may arrive even sooner than expected. This will further solidify Brazil’s position in the global poker landscape.
