Berlin becomes the stage for the dealer elite
The German Dealer Championship (GDC) celebrates its fourth anniversary and moves to the capital for the first time. From April 28 to 30, 2026, Spielbank Berlin will host the national championship featuring Germany’s best croupiers. As organizer and host, the renowned casino at Potsdamer Platz provides the perfect setting for this competition, which has become a fixture in the gaming industry since its debut in 2023.
The invited participants include qualified dealers, two jury members, and two representatives from each participating casino – a platform that not only fosters sporting ambition but also strengthens professional exchange within the industry.
Over the past years, the GDC has established itself as a highlight of the German casino scene. Each year, the country’s top croupiers compete to showcase their skills. After the inaugural edition in Schenefeld (2023), the second in Baden-Baden (2024), and the third in Bad Wiessee (2025), the event now moves to Berlin, continuing the tradition of rotating venues. The winners qualify for the European Dealer Championship (EDC), where participants from more than 20 nations take part.
Stage for skill, precision and passion
The German Dealer Championship is far more than a competition. It celebrates a profession that combines manual dexterity, mathematical thinking and charming presence. A “good dealer is an entertainer, host and game director all at once. They embody precision and style – and play a decisive role in turning a visit to the casino into a true experience,” explains Mehmet Celikoglu, Managing Director of Spielbank Berlin. In addition, the event offers both young talents and seasoned professionals a platform to showcase their skills and maintain contacts within the casino industry.
Disciplines and evaluation criteria
At vibrant Potsdamer Platz, not only the skills of the dealers are celebrated, but also a genuine passion for the game. At the heart of the GDC are the main events American Roulette and Black Jack, where participants must demonstrate their core competencies. The evaluation focuses on hospitality, manual skills and command of the game – qualities that elevate a croupier from a mere game operator to a true host. These are complemented by five side events that test specific abilities:
-
Best Chipper (sorting chips by colour and stacking them in blocks of 20)
-
Best Cutting Chips (re-arranging chips according to a given pattern)
-
Best Pushing Stacks (pushing chips precisely across the roulette table)
-
Best Card Handler (dealing and managing cards)
-
Best Mathematician (fast and accurate payout calculations)
These disciplines reflect the daily reality in a casino: precision under pressure, mathematical accuracy and charming interaction with guests. As in previous years, they demand a blend of craftsmanship, intelligence and social skills. The jury, made up of industry experts, acts as a neutral body and ensures fair decisions that recognise the professionalism of the occupation beyond the pure competition.
The three-day schedule in Berlin
The schedule combines competition with exclusive experiences and makes optimum use of Berlin’s vibrant atmosphere. Three days full of highlights await. On 28 April, the event kicks off with the draw of the disciplines at the Grand Hyatt Berlin, directly opposite Spielbank Berlin at Potsdamer Platz. The day concludes with a networking event that creates space for informal conversations – a tradition that has helped participants prepare in the best possible way at previous editions. On 29 April, the actual competitions take place at Spielbank Berlin, where the candidates compete against each other in rounds and side events. The finale and awards ceremony on 30 April bring the event to a close: a festive occasion with guests of honour, prizes and Berlin joie de vivre that appropriately celebrates the winners – including prize money, trophies and tickets for the EDC.
Significance for industry and city
The choice of Berlin underlines the growing role of Spielbank Berlin as an event venue. Its modern setting, international appeal and close ties to the city make it an ideal location. With its contemporary poker floor and a tradition at Potsdamer Platz dating back to 1998, it has established itself as a hotspot for events ranging from poker tournaments to anniversaries. The GDC benefits from this infrastructure and from Berlin’s international aura, which attracts participants from all federal states.
For the industry, the championship represents an appreciation of the croupier profession: many start as students and develop into professionals who turn a casino visit into an experience. Organisers such as Spielbank Berlin thereby emphasise responsibility and excellence, including prevention programmes against gambling addiction. Under the slogan “Berlin is’ ne Reise wert!”, the 4th GDC promises excitement, precision and networking – an event that further advances the German casino scene.
