The RunGood Poker Series and The Caribbean Poker Series will host three ring events in Aruba this September, offering $175,000 in guarantees and a rare chance for U.S. players to compete in a major tournament outside the mainland
For the first time, the RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) is taking its signature ring events beyond U.S. borders, landing in Aruba with $175,000 in combined guarantees and a schedule that puts destination poker front and center. The move marks a significant expansion for RGPS, which typically sticks to familiar U.S. venues, and signals a growing appetite for international poker experiences among American players.
Key Dates and Tournament Structure
RGPS will anchor its Caribbean debut with three $400 buy-in ring events, each carrying a substantial guarantee. The action begins September 17 with the $400 Welcome to Aruba NLH Ring Event, offering a $25,000 prize pool. That same day, the $400 RunGood in Aruba Ring Event NLH launches its first of four starting flights, with a $100,000 guarantee—the largest of the series. Flights continue through September 19, with Day 2 scheduled for September 20. The final RGPS ring event, the $400 TCPS Island Ring Event NLH presented by RunGood, starts September 21 and features a $50,000 guarantee across three starting flights, culminating on September 23.
All tournaments will be held at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, placing players in the heart of the island’s resort district. PokerNews is set to provide live coverage of the $400 RunGood in Aruba Ring Event NLH, ensuring real-time updates for those tracking the action remotely.
Player Logistics and Travel Options
Unlike most RGPS stops, the Aruba series requires players to consider travel and lodging logistics. Two hotel options are highlighted: the Wyndham Aruba, a six-minute walk from the venue at $251 per night, and the Hilton Aruba itself at $390 per night. RGPS recommends arriving September 16 and departing September 24 for those planning to play the full schedule. Interested players can submit their details through the RGPS Aruba page to connect with a Caribbean Poker Series hotel specialist for booking assistance.
This approach mirrors the logistical planning seen in other major poker events, such as those recently reported earlier in Texas, where travel and accommodation are integral to the player experience.
Festival Scope and Additional Events
The RGPS ring events are just a portion of the broader Caribbean Poker Series, which runs from September 17 to 27 and guarantees $750,000 across its full schedule. Beyond the headline No-Limit Hold’em tournaments, the festival includes Pot-Limit Omaha, Seniors, Tag Team, Ladies, and Turbo events, offering a diverse slate for players of varying preferences. The extended schedule is designed to attract both serious competitors and recreational players seeking a poker vacation in a resort setting.
With the RGPS partnership, the Caribbean Poker Series aims to draw a wider U.S. audience, leveraging the established reputation of RunGood events while providing a rare opportunity for American players to compete for major prizes in a tropical locale.
For players considering the Aruba stop, understanding tournament guarantees is essential. A tournament guarantee is the minimum total prize pool promised by organizers, regardless of the number of entries. If player buy-ins fall short, the organizer covers the difference—a scenario known as an overlay. Conversely, if entries exceed expectations, the prize pool grows beyond the guarantee. Guarantees are a key factor in tournament selection, offering players a baseline expectation for potential winnings and helping to gauge the event’s value relative to travel and lodging costs.
