EPT Paris Returns as PokerStars Announces 2026 Live Stops

On-line poker powerhouse PokerStars has introduced the primary wave of stay stops for its 2026 season, far sooner than it normally makes such bulletins. Nevertheless, maybe probably the most notable information is the confirmed return of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris.

Earlier this 12 months, EPT Paris, which had been anticipated to kick off the season in February, was “cancelled”: as a consequence of regulatory hurdles in France. This specific cease, which made its debut in 2023, had beforehand loved sturdy attendance in earlier editions. Whereas it didn’t happen this 12 months, the operator had assured gamers that it will actually be again.

It has now been formally confirmed that EPT Paris can be held from February 18 to March 1, 2026, on the identical venue supposed for the 2025 version — Le Palais des Congrès in Paris — in partnership with Membership Barrière.

Along with Paris, PokerStars has revealed a number of extra confirmed stops for 2026, together with EPT Monte Carlo (April 30 to Could 10), in addition to the return of the PokerStars Open (Campione in January and Namur in Could) and the Irish Poker Open (March).

“We’re delighted to have Paris again on the EPT schedule in 2026 and to have the ability to collaborate as soon as once more with Group Barrière”, mentioned Cédric Billot. Affiliate Director, Dwell Occasions at PokerStars. “It’s a participant favorite for a lot of causes, the distinctive environment, it’s an ideal location accessible from throughout Europe and on the subject of having fun with your time away from the poker tables, nicely, Paris is a metropolis that takes some beating. We will’t wait to be again within the French capital and welcome gamers to the Palais des Congrès this February.”

EPT Paris has develop into a key spotlight of PokerStars’ prestigious stay tour and was noticeably missed in 2025. The cease debuted in 2023 and was thought-about an ideal success regardless of sure venue-related challenges. That 12 months, the €5,300 Primary Occasion attracted 1,606 entries, constructing a prize pool of €7.7 million.

In 2024, the competition moved to Le Palais des Congrès, a bigger house able to accommodating extra tables and gamers. The venue change proved to be a clever choice, with the Primary Occasion drawing 1,747 entries and producing a complete prize pool of €8.3 million. The match was finally gained by British poker legend and former PokerStars Staff Professional Barny Boatman. Throughout the complete 2024 schedule, greater than 16,000 entries have been recorded.

The 2025 version was initially scheduled for February 12 on the identical venue, however needed to be cancelled as a consequence of political points in France. In December 2024, PokerStars expressed confidence that it will “100%” return, stressing it was “a postponement slightly than a everlasting cancellation.”

“The political state of affairs in France, and particularly the shortcoming of legislators to comply with an extension of licenses for Paris gaming golf equipment (“Golf equipment de Jeux”), meant that PokerStars had no possibility however to place the competition on ice,” the operator defined.

“As quickly because the French legislature resolves its crises, there’s each purpose to hope that licensed and appropriately organised poker can return,” Billot additional added.

4 Extra Stops Confirmed

As for the remainder of the confirmed schedule, the PokerStars LIVE 2026 season will open with PokerStars Open Campione from January 23 to February 1 at Casinò di Campione. In 2025, this cease broke information when its Primary Occasion attracted 2,423 entries and created €2.3 million in prize cash, making it the biggest Primary Occasion ever held at a non-EPT PokerStars competition.

Following EPT Paris, the PokerStars-sponsored Irish Open will happen from March 26 to April 6. The earlier version was additionally record-breaking, with the competition producing almost €15 million in complete prize cash and the €1,150 Primary Occasion drawing a document 4,562 entries.

Subsequent, EPT Monte Carlo will run from April 30 to Could 10. The 2025 Primary Occasion featured 1,194 entries, producing a €5.7 million prize pool.

Lastly, the primary wave of confirmed stops will conclude with PokerStars Open Namur from Could 27 to June 7. Thought-about Belgium’s largest poker competition, it’s held at Namur On line casino. The 2025 version’s €1,100 Primary Occasion attracted 1,572 gamers and constructed a prize pool of €1.4 million.

In the meantime, the EPT 2025 season picks again up subsequent week in Barcelona, adopted by EPT Malta in October and EPT Prague later within the 12 months. The PokerStars Open will even proceed with stops in Manchester this October and Cannes in mid-December.

PokerStars LIVE 2026 Confirmed Stops