The European Dealer Championship 2026, Europe’s leading competition dedicated to the professional excellence of casino dealers, concluded last night at the iconic Casino Baden-Baden in Germany. The prestigious title of European Dealer Champion 2026 was awarded to Temin Joguncic from the host casino, Baden-Baden. The competition also featured two representatives of Hit Group. Next year, the European Dealer Championship will take place in Nova Gorica, Slovenia, hosted by Hit Group.
Organised by the European Casino Association (ECA), the European Dealer Championship brings together the best casino dealers from across Europe and highlights the skill, precision, professionalism and elegance that define the dealer profession. The 2026 edition focused on American roulette and Black jack, with contestants assessed in key areas including hospitality, technical skills and game control. Participants also competed in dedicated side events showcasing chip handling, card handling and mathematical accuracy.
Hit Group was represented at this year’s championship by Nina Rijavec from Park, Hotel & Entertainment and Martin Drašček from Perla, Resort & Entertainment. Through their knowledge, technical ability, composure and professionalism, they contributed to the visibility of Slovenian casino expertise within the wider European gaming industry. Their participation once again underlined the importance of well-trained, highly skilled dealers in delivering a premium land-based casino experience.
At the closing ceremony, the best-performing contestants of the 2026 edition were announced. Temin Joguncic from Casino Baden-Baden was named European Dealer Champion 2026. Second place went to Robin Stepanek from Casino Stuttgart, while Manon Martire from Casino de Monte-Carlo took third place. Awards were also presented to the winners of the individual skill categories.
A delegation from Hit Group attended the championship, supporting both Hit representatives and following the competition with great interest. This year’s edition held particular significance for the company, as Sandi Brataševec, President of the Management Board of Hit Group, officially accepted the handover for the organisation of the European Dealer Championship 2027, which will be hosted in Nova Gorica.
“We are proud and excited to welcome Europe’s best dealers to Slovenia — and to our Hit Universe of Fun, where hospitality, professionalism and unforgettable experiences take centre stage. Together, we will create an exceptional event to celebrate the very best of our industry,” said Sandi Brataševec, President of the Management Board of Hit Company.
Hosting the European Dealer Championship 2027 represents an important recognition of Hit Group’s international standing and its long-standing role in the European land-based casino industry. The event also supports the Group’s strategic ambition to strengthen its visibility, competitiveness and position as a leading provider of gaming, hospitality and entertainment experiences in Europe.
With Nova Gorica preparing to welcome the European dealer community in 2027, Hit Group will bring the championship to a destination where gaming tradition, professional excellence, hospitality and entertainment come together in a unique cross-border environment.
