Our Mission

To grow the game at a local level by connecting clubs, players, and organisers — celebrating the community spirit that makes North East Poker unique. We believe in fair games, friendly competition, and keeping the fun in every hand.

The Early Years — East Durham Poker

What began as a small weekly pub league has grown into one of the North East’s most recognised and respected names in grassroots poker. Since 2014, I’ve been organising local games with one clear goal — to bring people together around the tables and deliver great nights of poker in a friendly, competitive environment.

East Durham Poker was officially founded on 2 November 2015, born from that same weekly pub league that first sparked the idea. The early days were simple — a handful of regulars, a few tables, and a shared passion for the game. Word spread, the fields got bigger, and before long our tournaments had become a staple of the local poker scene, with games running twice a week.

As interest grew, so did our ambitions. In June 2018, we moved into a dedicated, fully-equipped card room inside Peterlee Central Club. That space became our home, offering a true “club-level casino experience” for players of all levels and budgets. Whether it’s a low-stakes rebuy or a deep-stack tournament, our aim has always been to make poker accessible, enjoyable, and well-run.

Our community has been built on more than just the cards — it’s about the people who sit behind them. From long-standing regulars to first-time players, East Durham Poker has always prided itself on creating nights that are competitive, organised, and great fun.

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The Next Step — The North East Poker Schedule

In February 2023 I began developing a new idea: a platform to connect poker players and tournament organisers across the region. That idea became The North East Poker Schedule — a community-driven hub designed to make it easier for players to discover games and for directors to promote their events.

The project went on pause for a while, but in late 2025 it was revived with a clear vision — to bring the North East’s poker scene together in one place. With support from local clubs, directors, and players, we aim to grow a central space for everything poker in the region: from pub tournaments to larger independent series.

My hope is that it sparks new friendships, healthy rivalries, and a stronger network for everyone. And who knows — maybe it’ll even get me out of the card room to play a few more hands again.

See you at the tables,
Chris
Founder, East Durham Poker
Creator, The North East Poker Schedule