WPF + TDA Summit: 200+ Global Leaders Ignite Poker Excellence in Brazil

Kai Cocklin is a poker journalist and live reporting manager who has worked with PokerNews at major festivals including the World Series of Poker and the European Poker Tour. He has managed multiple live reporting teams at the World Series of Poker and trained individual reporters to develop their skills. He now oversees Somuchpoker’s editorial and live coverage, ensuring consistent quality and engaging content across the Asian poker scene.

Updated: 2025.12.01

Following the massive success of the Asia Edition, the world of poker governance is shifting its focus to the Americas. On December 1st, 2025, the game’s top minds will descend upon Brazil for the TDA + WPF Continental Summit: Latin America Edition. Hosted at the prestigious Sheraton Sao Paulo WTC Hotel, immediately following the iconic BSOP Millions, this isn’t just a meeting; it’s a strategic summit dedicated to professionalizing and elevating poker standards across the entire continent.

The atmosphere is already electric. With registrations blowing past initial forecasts, over 150 key professionals are confirmed, and more than 200 participants are expected. This gathering will unite tournament directors, organizers, and industry representatives from across Latin America, alongside influential guests traveling from as far as Asia and Europe, cementing the event’s stature as a truly global initiative.

By and For the Builders of Poker

Latin America, and specifically Brazil, has exploded into one of the most mature and operationally excellent poker environments globally. This summit is designed to leverage that strength, serving as the critical moment for regional alignment. The goal is simple: to unify rule interpretations, advance technical knowledge, and foster unparalleled collaboration among the institutions that drive poker’s expansion.

As Leonardo Cavarge, CEO of the World Poker Federation, explains, this event is a direct reflection of the WPF’s mission to “connect, professionalize, and elevate poker worldwide.” It’s an essential platform to build collaboration and provide the necessary recognition for those who strengthen the game daily.

The Expert Collective: Guiding the Future

The Latin America Edition is powered by an unmatched roster of experts who have personally engineered the structural credibility of the region’s major circuits.

Devanir “DC” Campos (TDA Board Member): As one of the founders of the BSOP, a long-standing ADTP member, and the CEO of Stack Eventos (the force behind the BSOP and LAPT), “DC” brings his invaluable experience in building world-class tournament operations, ensuring Brazil remains a global benchmark.

Alberoni “Bill” Castro (CBTH President & WPF Sports Director): Bill is instrumental in strengthening governance and connecting the Brazilian ecosystem directly to the global poker community, ensuring institutional cooperation is at the forefront of the sport’s growth.

They will be joined by the operational titans of the region: Roberto Soares “Bob,” Head Tournament Director of the BSOP and part of the PCA staff, and Marcus Júnior, a respected Tournament Director at the BSOP. This group offers unparalleled practical experience managing the largest and most complex poker festivals in the hemisphere.

Critical Content: Shaping the Modern Game

Running from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the day is packed with structured, high-impact content. Attendees will dive into the most pressing topics facing the industry:

2024 TDA Rule Updates: A deep-dive presentation and discussion on the latest mandates from the global authority, ensuring Latin America is immediately aligned with international standards.
Pacing and Integrity: Crucial discussions on maximizing efficiency through the use of shot clocks and navigating the complex challenges of managing disruptive player behavior and table talk.
The Workshop: A dedicated session for “Analysis of Complex Situations,” offering practical content on real-world scenarios, including seating rules and critical hand decisions.

Adding to the global perspective, the WPF Women’s Committee will also be participating, continuing its mission to support the development of more inclusive structures within the game, building on the momentum of global initiatives like the WPF Ladies Weekend.

With major industry support from partners like PokerWeb, H2Bet, BSOP, and Real Poker, the TDA + WPF Summit is poised to be the most influential event for poker regulation in Latin America’s history. This is the ultimate opportunity for the region’s leaders to align, share knowledge, and collectively strengthen poker’s structure for the future.