5 Popular Poker Runs Across the U.S.
Poker runs have evolved into major destination events that blend boating or motorcycle riding with entertainment, charity fundraising, and tourism. From the Florida Keys to the mountain roads of Colorado, these gatherings attract thousands of enthusiasts each year. Here are five of the most popular poker runs in the United States, based on media coverage, participant turnout, and long-standing reputation.
1. Key West Offshore Poker Run – Miami to Key West, Florida
Often regarded as the most famous poker run in the country, the Key West Offshore Poker Run—organized annually by the Florida Powerboat Club—draws between 200 and 250 performance boats each November. Participants travel from Miami through the Florida Keys, collecting cards along the way before arriving in Key West during the Offshore World Championships weekend. The event effectively transforms Key West Harbor into a massive floating showroom of high-horsepower catamarans, center consoles, and luxury yachts. Its combination of scenic waterways, national media presence, and multi-day festivities makes it a bucket-list run for powerboaters.
2. Tickfaw 200 Poker Run – Springfield, Louisiana
The Tickfaw 200 is one of the largest and most charitable powerboating events in the Gulf South. Based out of Blood River Landing, the run spans approximately 200 miles of Louisiana’s bayou network and includes up to 17 card stops at marinas, riverfront bars, and secluded waterways. Participation often surpasses 150 boats, with proceeds supporting local fire departments, law enforcement, and community organizations. With its choose-your-own-route structure and social atmosphere, the Tickfaw 200 has become a signature event for both Louisiana boaters and out-of-state visitors.
3. Poly Lift Lake of the Ozarks Poker Run – Missouri
Held during the early portion of Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Week, the Poly Lift Poker Run is a marquee event within one of the largest performance boating gatherings in the nation. Dozens of the lake’s most prominent marinas and waterfront venues participate as card stops, attracting an impressive fleet of offshore catamarans and V-bottoms. The wider Shootout charity events have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars annually—recent totals topping $700,000—solidifying the run’s reputation for blending recreation with meaningful community support. Its central location and energetic lake culture make it a favorite among Midwest performance boaters.
4. Emerald Coast Powerboat Week Poker Run – Destin & Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Produced by the Florida Powerboat Club, the Emerald Coast Powerboat Week features a high-profile Saturday poker run along the Gulf of Mexico’s emerald waters. Hundreds of participants enjoy a mix of sandbar meetups, beach parties, and scenic cruising from Destin Harbor to Fort Walton Beach. The event has grown steadily thanks to media coverage, multi-episode recaps, and its appeal among owners of high-performance boats who prefer a more relaxed but visually stunning run compared to the adrenaline-heavy Key West event. Its timing at the end of summer also draws a large regional crowd.
5. Realities Ride & Rally – Fort Collins, Colorado
Recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest motorcycle poker run, the Realities Ride & Rally regularly brings thousands of riders together every Memorial Day weekend. The event set a world record in 2013 with nearly 1,500 riders participating in a single-venue poker run and continues to raise funds for Realities For Children, an organization that supports abused and neglected youth throughout northern Colorado. Beyond the ride itself, the weekend includes concerts, vendors, exhibitions, and ceremonies honoring charitable partners. Its impact and scale make it one of the most influential charity poker runs in the U.S.
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