About FIDPA

The Federation Internationale de Poker Association (FIDPA) is an international governing body for the game of poker and the recognized leader in promoting and developing the game of poker's growth. As the world’s largest independent organization providing support and information for the poker industry and its players, FIDPA educates, elevates, and connects the poker world on a global level.

FIDPA is focused on broadening and increasing participation in the game of poker by establishing an international standard. With the cooperation from leading industry professionals and players, FIDPA wrote, maintains, promotes and implements “The International Poker Rules” for use in card rooms and tournaments worldwide. “The International Poker Rules” were created for the benefit of the new, novice and professional poker players and the industry.

FIDPA provides a way for people to learn and play, as well as master and experience the poker games, in the fairest and most enjoyable environments. FIDPA assists in developing and endorsing the world’s finest card rooms, sanctioning world class competitions and is the official resource for tournament organizers.

FIDPA's Vision

As the world’s largest independent, international organization, FIDPA takes an active role to ensure the integrity, fairness and a level of standards for the industry and the players. Through awareness, communication and education, FIDPA will serve as a resource for card room operators, tournament organizers and players. We will provide knowledge and support to ensure that the industry will provide the most professional, player-friendly service as they operate in a fair and enjoyable environment.

As we strive to achieve our vision, we will:

  • Maintain, promote and implement “The International Poker Rules.”
  • Encourage card rooms and tournament organizers to operate at a level of high standards.
  • Educate players to ensure knowledge and fairness of the game, at every level.
  • Provide support, knowledge and communication to the poker industry, federations and players, around the world.

FIDPA's Mission

  • To promote the game of poker worldwide
  • To ensure fairness of the game on every level
  • To elevate the standards throughout the poker industry
  • To globally connect the poker world
  • To establish poker for the enjoyment of everyone

The Federation Internationale de Poker Association (FIDPA) is the recognized leader in promoting and developing the game of Poker. As poker’s global ambassador, we strive to provide international support as a lateral liaison throughout the poker community. We seek to elevate the standards on a global level for recreational and professional poker players in tournaments, in card rooms and online. Our goal is to represent, preserve and increase the level of fairness and integrity of the game.  FIDPA writes, interprets and maintains “The International Poker Rules” along with leading authorities from around the world, to promote and implement in tournaments worldwide, as a way to protect the mutual interest of the game and its' players worldwide.

History of FIDPA

FIDPA was established in 2007, by professional poker players, Marcel Luske, Founder and President and Michelle Lau, Co-Founder. In 2002, as the founding father of the International Poker Federation (IPF), Marcel Luske successfully created and developed a governing body for the European poker world, raising standards and bringing awareness to the game of poker. With the international growth of poker, Marcel Luske decided to restructure this European organization to expand his vision worldwide and the former IPF reemerged as FIDPA.

Marcel Luske and Michelle Lau began FIDPA’s mission with the creation of “The International Poker Rules,” with cooperation from The Poker Tournament Directors Association (TDA), Bob Ciaffone, author of “Robert’s Rules of Poker,” and many other authorities, and resources from around the world.

In January 2008, FIDPA introduced “The International Poker Rules” to provide uniformity and guiding principle for poker tournaments worldwide.  Today, FIDPA continues to maintain, promote and implement “The International Poker Rules,” by working with The Bellagio Hotel and Casino, The World Series of Poker, as well as other leading industry card rooms and organizers.  With permission from The Poker Tournament Directors Association, The International Poker Rules incorporates, references, and are compatible with the latest version of the TDA Rules.