GRND Live XI: Felix Schneiders Brings Poker Festival to Grand Casino Aš

The poker world is looking toward the German-Czech border this November. Felix 'xflixx' Schneiders, one of Germany's most prominent poker streamers, is returning to Grand Casino Aš with his expanding GRND community. Under the banner 'GRND Live XI – This is the way,' the most ambitious festival of this partnership to date will take place from November 4 to 15, 2026. The eleventh edition of the series not only promises a diverse array of tournament formats but also sets new standards for the venue in terms of prize money. A total of 450,000 euros in guaranteed prize pools will be distributed, highlighting the increasing significance of these community events in the European tournament calendar.

Spanning twelve days, the festival is explicitly aimed at players seeking professional structures at affordable stakes. The GRND community, which originated in Cologne, has long since grown into a staple across the German-speaking region. This is reflected in the schedule, which offers a blend of classic tournaments and special formats. Beyond the competitive aspects, the community spirit is central, evidenced by events like the Kroko Cup or the Snowman Special. Those unable to attend in person can follow the action through comprehensive media coverage.

Numbers and facts

The festival's structure is divided into two phases. The first weekend is headlined by the High Roller event on November 6 and 7. The buy-in is set at 320 euros plus a 30-euro fee, with a 40,000-euro guarantee. Simultaneously, the Death Star GRND Mystery is expected to draw significant attention. With an entry fee of 100 euros plus a 40-euro bounty and a 20-euro fee, 50,000 euros are guaranteed in the prize pool. During the second week, the focus shifts to multi-flight tournaments. The GRND Cup offers a 30,000-euro prize pool for an 85-euro plus 15-euro entry. The absolute highlight remains the GRND Main Event, which guarantees a substantial 200,000 euros for a buy-in of 180 euros plus 20 euros.

Paul Panther will provide live commentary for seven days, bringing the atmosphere directly to viewers' homes. A special highlight is the Poker Talk Special on November 9. For on-site players, the casino offers the Blue All-in Experience for 25 euros, which includes a buffet and drinks. Cash games start at moderate blinds of 1/2 euros for No Limit Hold'em and 2/2 euros for Pot Limit Omaha, making the event accessible to a wide range of players.

Background

Felix Schneiders has successfully built a loyal following through platforms like Twitch, encouraging players to transition from virtual felt to physical tables. Grand Casino Aš (GCA) serves as a strategic partner, flexibly responding to the needs of a modern poker community. The November 2026 festival represents the peak of this collaboration so far. The combination of low buy-ins and high guarantees is a business model finding more imitators in the industry, as it lowers barriers for recreational players.

„GRND Live XI – This is the way. Satte € 450.000 an Preisgeldern warten und natürlich jede Menge Community Action.“ - Pokerexklusiv Editorial Team, poker news specialists

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the event at Grand Casino Aš is particularly attractive due to its location right on the border. However, participants must remain aware of the legal framework. In Germany, the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) strictly regulates online gaming. Online poker rooms on the GGL whitelist must enforce limits, such as the 1,000-euro monthly deposit limit via the LUGAS system and the 1-euro spin limit for slots. While these specific German online rules do not apply directly at the live tables in Czechia, the tax treatment of winnings remains relevant. Generally, poker winnings for recreational players in Germany are tax-free unless the activity is considered professional. GGL licensing ensures a safe environment in Germany, which many players have come to expect from live events as well.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Events like GRND Live XI put pressure on licensed German operators to enhance their own live offerings or partnerships. GGL-licensed casinos and poker rooms must leverage security and transparency to compete with neighboring foreign venues. While operators with MGA or Curacao licenses often operate with lower player protection standards, German regulation offers the highest safety level, an important factor for the GRND community. Grand Casino Aš operates under Czech licensing, meeting EU standards and making it a reputable alternative for German poker tourists seeking legal entertainment.