VIRGIN GORDA, BVI — Strong winds and rough sea conditions were not enough to keep boaters away from the 22nd Annual Leverick Bay Poker Run, as more than 45 vessels and over 500 participants took part in one of the British Virgin Islands’ most anticipated fundraising events on May 24.
Organizers hailed this year’s turnout as a testament to the popularity and resilience of the longstanding community event, which remains one of the largest charitable boating gatherings in the Territory.
Despite weather conditions that posed challenges for participants throughout the day, crowds gathered at five stops across the Virgin Islands as boaters navigated the route in hopes of building the winning poker hand.
“The Poker Run continues to demonstrate its enduring appeal,” organizers said in a statement. “Even with strong winds and high seas, participants turned out in large numbers to support the event and the charitable causes it benefits.”
The annual event invites participants to travel by boat to designated stops throughout the Territory, collecting playing cards along the way. At the end of the run, specialized software calculates the highest-ranking poker hands based on cards recorded by volunteer dealers at each location.
This year’s route included stops at Foxy’s Taboo, Pirate’s Bight, Oceans 7, Loose Mongoose and Leverick Bay, where the popular Mr. Nice Guy Fashion Show and prize-giving ceremony were held.
A total of $15,000 in prize money was distributed among the top three finishers, with first place receiving $8,000, second place $4,000 and third place $3,000.
However, the results did not come without controversy.
Following the prize presentation, one participant challenged the outcome, prompting a review by the Poker Run committee. Organizers said an investigation conducted over a 72-hour period revealed several reporting errors at one of the stops. While most of the discrepancies had no impact on the final standings, one error resulted in a change to the rankings.
The review ultimately confirmed that the participant who lodged the complaint had in fact earned second place. Organizers said a cheque for $4,000 would be issued to correct the error.
The event continues to be a significant fundraiser for charitable causes throughout the Virgin Islands. Net proceeds from the 2026 Poker Run will be distributed through the Virgin Gorda Charitable Trust, with beneficiaries including the Raw Skillz Track Club and other local organizations.
Since its inception in 2001, the Leverick Bay Poker Run has raised and donated more than $200,000 to charitable causes across the Territory.
While participation levels have fluctuated over the years due to weather conditions, economic factors and boating activity, organizers noted that attracting more than 500 participants in challenging marine conditions underscores the event’s continued popularity more than two decades after its launch.
The Poker Run remains one of the signature events on the Virgin Islands boating calendar, drawing residents, visitors and boating enthusiasts from across the region.
Organizers have already announced that the 23rd Annual Leverick Bay Poker Run is scheduled for May 30, 2027.