Sublime Shenanigans in Campione
Large-scale PokerStars Main Event in Campione attracts more participant count compared to the town's total population.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Lugano lies the picturesque Italian enclave, Campione. Surrounded by the Swiss Canton of Ticino, it boasts a captivating blend of Swiss politeness and Italian flair. Its labyrinthine streets, adorned with well-preserved frescoes and sculptures, whisper stories of its vibrant history.
Over the centuries, Campione has transformed into a intriguing fusion of cultures. A stroll through its picturesque town reveals a delightful array of quaint cafes, eccentric bars, and even an unorthodox pizzeria serving up sushi. The Michelin-starred food scene caters to every palate, offering both traditional Italian fare and Swiss specialties like fondue and raclette.
Casino di Campione, a gambling mecca hidden within the town's hillside, has long been the enclave's lifeblood. Founded over a century ago, this casino has provided substantial economic benefit to the residents, who enjoy an exceptional quality of life thanks to the fusion of influences.
Fortune and Downfall
In 2007, the city invested heavily in a ten-story casino complex designed by renowned Swiss architect Mario Botta. Simultaneously, the rise of online gambling was changing the gambling landscape. The years that followed saw significant financial challenges, culminating in the casino's bankruptcy filing in 2018.
Residents were left disillusioned, with many believing that the city had failed to appropriately diversify its income sources. The casino's closure led to the loss of jobs for 490 employees and a noticeable decline in the local economy. The economic downturn was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which imposed a significant strain on the enclave.
Resurgence and Rebuilding
In January 2022, the casino reopened its doors, marking a significant step towards economic recovery. In its first year of operation, it surpassed expectations, welcoming 220,000 players. A partnership with PokerStars, established in September 2024, bolstered the casino's position, resulting in the launch of an "always on" poker room at Campione di Campione.
Mario Venditti, Chairman of Casino di Campione, was thrilled with the partnership: "This is a further step forward in the development of our company, which will undoubtedly increase its visibility." The collaboration between the casino and PokerStars paved the way for a boom year in 2023.
Fast-forward to March 2025, Campione di Campione hosts its first ever PokerStars Open, featuring an impressive 2,423-runner field. As the champion of this inaugural event is crowned, the true story lies not with the winner, but the resilient community that weathered tough times and prepared for a future filled with annual poker extravaganzas.
Casino di Campione, in the midst of its resurgence, partnered with PokerStars in September 2024, resulting in the launch of an "always on" poker room, a move that brought about a boom year in 2023. The boom culminated in Campione di Campione hosting its first ever PokerStars Open in March 2025, showcasing an impressive 2,423-runner field, a testament to the casino's strong comeback and the enduring allure of casino-games, particularly poker, within casino-culture.
