Festival founder and poker player Robbie Strazynski cites travel restrictions as the reason
The Vegas Mixed Game Festival XIII has been called off after its organizer was unable to leave Israel due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The series had been scheduled to run March 8-12 and March 15-19 at Resorts World Las Vegas. Instead, players learned this week that the event would not move forward as planned.
🚨 PSA 🚨
Very regretfully, I have had to make the decision to cancel Mixed Game Festival XIII at @PokerRoomRWLV.
Details in the just-published article on @PokerLifeMedia.
To the players, sponsors, room staff and supporters, please accept my apologies.https://t.co/Du6KTAN1co pic.twitter.com/JNKraeSJVs
— Robbie Strazynski (@cardplayerlife) March 2, 2026
Festival founder Robbie Strazynski said travel restrictions made it impossible for him to attend. Israel’s airspace has been closed indefinitely, and major carriers quickly suspended flights. British Airways canceled his ticket, and Israel’s national airline, El Al, is prioritizing bringing stranded citizens home rather than booking new departures.
Strazynski explored backup options, including running the event without being physically present. After reviewing those possibilities, he concluded the logistics were not workable. The decision was ultimately made to cancel rather than risk a disorganized or incomplete festival.
The Mixed Game Festival is known for its low-stakes dealer’s choice cash games and a variety of mixed-game tournaments. It attracts recreational players and mixed-game enthusiasts looking for a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere. For many regulars, the Vegas stop is one of the highlights of the year.
The cancellation may not be the only disruption on the poker calendar. Attention now turns to the WPT Prime Cyprus Championship, which begins March 5. Recent security concerns in the region have raised questions among traveling players, even though reported incidents occurred far from the tournament venue.
Poker events often rely on international travel, making them vulnerable to global instability. For now, organizers and players alike are watching developments closely, hoping future stops can proceed without further interruption.
