Argentinian midfielder Leandro Paredes has presented “Se Pica," a national Truco tournament offering ARS60m ($38,700) in cash prizes.
The first edition will run from November 28 to December 6 at venues in Buenos Aires, with ESPN broadcasting the final.
Truco is a traditional Argentinian card game played with a Spanish deck. It combines strategy, bluffing, and point-based betting, commonly played among friends and family, particularly during social gatherings.
Truco is also closely associated with Argentina's national team. Paredes, Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and the rest of the team regularly play the card game during training camps, a tradition that became particularly visible during the squad's 2021 Copa América campaign.
The tournament will follow the traditional three-versus-three format, with six players at each table. Matches will be played to 30 points, divided into 15 “malas” and 15 "buenas." The rules provide for referees, official scoreboards and video reviews.
The opening stage will take place on November 28 at BA Ferial in Costa Salguero. The round of 16 and quarterfinals will follow on December 5 at ESPN's studios, with the semifinals and final scheduled for December 6.
Each team must pay ARS345,000 to enter. The winning team will receive ARS45m, while the runners-up will collect ARS15m. Third and fourth place will receive free entry to the 2027 AMBA tournament.
A recent case involving Mercado Pago's “Fixture 2026” competition illustrates the regulatory scrutiny that similar initiatives may face. Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the platform launched a free prediction game, where participants could agree on symbolic amounts to be paid to the winner.
The Association of State Lotteries, Pools and Casinos (ALEA) questioned whether this feature amounted to unauthorized betting and warned that it could fall under Argentina's gambling legislation. Mercado Pago subsequently amended the terms and conditions, removing the monetary references from the format.
It remains to be seen whether LOTBA, Buenos Aires City's gambling regulator, will consider “Se Pica” to fall within its regulatory framework and whether it will require any form of authorization.
Argentina has a history of organized truco competitions, including a National Truco League launched in 2022 with more than 70 clubs
