Celebrating the Players and Community Since 2006

Founded in 2006 by Gene Dudek and Bill Phillips, Gulf Coast Poker (GCP) began as a passion project to provide poker players in the Gulf Coast region with a centralized hub for information. What started as a niche website has since evolved into an international brand, now encompassing the highly regarded GCP Tour and other poker-related ventures. GCP remains dedicated to highlighting the Gulf Coast’s vibrant poker scene, fostering community, and providing opportunities for players to shine on and off the felt.

As Bill Phillips puts it, "The Gulf Coast boasts a lot of great players and is kind of underrated nationally. Considering we are the birthplace of this great game, it's a bit of a shame more of the national spotlight hasn't been put on us." From Biloxi to Baton Rouge, Lafayette to Tallahassee, the Gulf Coast is home to an incredible array of talent. Players from across the region—and those who frequently travel here—continue to thrive, proving their skill on the national stage. GCP is proud to champion these players and this dynamic poker community, ensuring the legacy of poker along the Gulf Coast remains strong and celebrated.

Emily R., Baton Rouge, LA

"The tournaments are well-organized, and the atmosphere is electric. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, the Gulf Coast Poker community makes you feel right at home."

More Than a Tournament—A Celebration of Poker

At Gulf Coast Poker, we don’t just host tournaments—we create unforgettable experiences that celebrate the game, the players, and the thrill of competition. From custom trophies and exclusive player rewards to innovative tournament formats and top-tier event coverage, we are committed to making each stop on our tour special.

Our goal is simple: maximize player experience by working with venues to keep rake low while increasing prize pools. We believe poker should be both challenging and fun. That’s why we’ve introduced player-friendly structures and exciting formats, including:

• Double & Triple Bag Bonus Events
• Mystery Bounty Events
• Women, Seniors, and Rookies Only Events

Customized Schedules for Every Venue

Whether you want to smash records over two weekends like Pearl River or test the waters with a single long weekend like Bossier City/Shreveport, we’ll work with your venue to optimize tournament scheduling for maximum attendance and success.

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  Dedicated Media Coverage

  We’ve seen firsthand how seat giveaways and word-of-mouth marketing build momentum before an event. Many players have turned free entries into massive cashes, creating strong loyalty to the host venue.

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  Partner Loyalty & Commitment

  When we run an event for a casino or venue, we stay loyal to that market—no competing tournaments at nearby locations. We’ve built strong partnerships with Southern Poker and top casinos across the Gulf Coast, always working together to expand and improve the poker scene.

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  Want to Bring a Tournament to Your Venue?

  Let’s talk! We specialize in creating high-impact poker events that drive player engagement and revenue. Contact Us today to get started.

Join the GCP Facebook Community!

Stay connected with everything Gulf Coast Poker by joining our vibrant Facebook community. Get the latest updates on tournament happenings, results, and exclusive giveaways, including chances to win seats to upcoming events.