Peter Zanoni was not just a passive investor or brand owner in poker. He founded Concord Card Casinos in 1993 and over the following decades, built it into a network that became one of the most prominent names in Austrian poker. Even in 2019, at CCC’s 26th anniversary, the brand was highlighted as one Zanoni had fostered over a quarter century, becoming a natural hub for thousands of players for tournaments and cash games.
For players from Central Europe, Concord wasn't just any card room. It was a destination for bigger live poker events, offering an atmosphere and the sense of stepping into a true poker environment. At a time when today’s regional offerings weren't as wide, Concord held an almost cult status for many players. This significance was built not on a single tournament or series but through years of continuous market presence.
This was Zanoni's strength. He didn't just create a venue; he established a whole poker infrastructure. Reports often emphasized that Concord wasn't a small local initiative but a substantial structure with a long tradition and hundreds of employees. At a press conference in November 2019, it was noted that the Concord Card Casino group employed over 600 people in Austria, where protecting the company and jobs was a central theme of his public efforts.
However, his story was never just about growth. In recent years, Peter Zanoni became a leading face in the fight for poker's legal status in Austria. As conditions tightened and private card rooms faced extreme pressure, he refused to accept that a model built over decades should simply end. In public appearances and interviews, he openly criticized the tax system and the market's monopolistic setup, repeatedly stating that he would not give up the fight for poker.
Conversely, his story also highlights the harshness of this battle. After 26 years, Concord Card Casino reached the end of its journey, and Zanoni became a symbol of the fall of a grand poker era. What once was a dominant brand in Austrian live poker gradually succumbed to the realities of legislation, disputes, and economic pressure. His name remains tied not only to Concord's growth but also to its final major struggle.
As such personalities depart, the poker community is reminded that the history of this game is not only shaped by tournament winners, bracelets, and leaderboards. It is also created by those who build the venues, provide the infrastructure, and sustain the spaces where the community can gather. Peter Zanoni was undeniably one of these influential figures. Regardless of different views on his battle, his impact on Austrian and Central European poker cannot be overlooked.
Photo Credits - Card Casino Bratislava, PokerFirma
