Copag

COPAG – Brazilian Excellence at the Service of World Poker

1. Introduction

COPAG is much more than a simple playing card manufacturer: it's a global reference in the poker world. Originating in Brazil, the brand has earned its place on poker tables across the world thanks to its 100% plastic PVC cards, renowned for their durability and smooth handling. Whether you're a casual player or a professional, you've likely come across COPAG cards in a tournament, a casino, or a friendly game.

2. Origins and History

Founded in 1908 in São Paulo, COPAG stands for Companhia Paulista de Artes Gráficas. Originally a general printing company, it began specializing in playing cards in the 1940s.

The company gradually grew in Brazil and Latin America by focusing on high-quality printing, attention to detail, and large-scale production capabilities. It remained a family-owned business for many decades before significantly expanding internationally in the 2000s.

3. International Expansion

The major turning point came in 2005 when COPAG became the official playing card supplier for the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas — a major milestone in the professional poker scene. This partnership placed COPAG among the top players in the industry, alongside American and European giants.

Today, COPAG exports to over 100 countries and is widely distributed across Europe, particularly in France via specialist retailers like cartes-production.com.

4. Manufacturing Process

COPAG cards are manufactured in Brazil in state-of-the-art facilities. Their key feature: they are made from 100% plastic PVC, offering:

• High resistance to bending
• Long-lasting performance
• Ideal smoothness for poker play

Each deck undergoes a rigorous quality control process: precision laser cutting, opacity checks, rounded corner uniformity, and flawless print quality.

5. Signature Designs and Editions

COPAG offers a wide range of decks, from standard styles (bridge size, 2-index or jumbo 4-index) to fully customized casino editions.

Popular models include:

• COPAG WSOP: used in major tournaments
• COPAG 1546: the brand's iconic classic design
• COPAG Neo: a more modern and colorful range
• COPAG EPOC: poker format with contemporary patterns

The card backs often feature elegant, minimal or retro designs, and are always perfectly symmetrical to prevent any possibility of marking or cheating.

6. Position in the Poker World

COPAG enjoys an outstanding reputation among professional players:

• Used at the WSOP for over a decade
• Praised for its durability, clarity, and handling comfort
• A direct competitor to brands like Modiano or Fournier, and often preferred by players seeking 100% plastic cards over paper

In private or club games, COPAG remains a trusted brand, often recommended by poker associations for its reliable performance.

7. COPAG Today

Since 2005, COPAG has been part of the Cartamundi Group, the Belgian leader in playing card manufacturing. This gives it global reach while maintaining production in Brazil.

Today, COPAG continues to innovate:

• Recyclable packaging
• New card textures
• Custom branding services for clubs, casinos, and businesses

8. Fun Facts & Trivia

• COPAG was one of the first brands to make 100% plastic cards widely available to the general public — long before it became a standard.
• COPAG cards are washable with warm water, making them perfect for frequent use.
• Some films and TV shows have featured COPAG cards in poker scenes due to their professional appearance.

9. Conclusion

With over a century of experience, meticulous manufacturing, and a commitment to consistent quality, COPAG has built a lasting reputation. From the WSOP to your home game, the brand remains a symbol of excellence for poker fans everywhere.

If you're looking for a deck that is durable, elegant, and pleasant to handle, COPAG is a timeless, international choice.