The European Poker Tour (EPT) has returned to Paris, France. After a hiatus in 2025 due to regulatory changes, EPT Paris is back after a year, kicking off the 2026 season with a spectacular return. The 12-day event, running from February 18 to March 1, will be held at Le Palais des Congrès in the heart of Paris.
Why Paris Has Become a Core Stage for the EPT
Paris has quickly established itself as a key EPT host city. This is due to its strategic location in the heart of Europe, coupled with its infrastructure that can accommodate large tournament spaces and events across various buy-in levels. Notably, this event will be operated in partnership with Club Barrière Paris, promising a world-class tournament environment.
Le Palais des Congrès is more than just a tournament venue; it's a space capable of hosting an entire poker festival. Located in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, the venue offers excellent accessibility, allowing participants to enjoy Paris's culture, cuisine, and tourist attractions during the event.
Diverse Buy-ins, a Stage for All Skill Levels
This EPT Paris will be divided into the PokerStars Open and the main EPT events. The PokerStars Open kicks off on February 18, with its Main Event buy-in set at €1,650. Alongside this, the €825 PokerStars Open Cup and a €2,700 High Roller event will run concurrently.
The main EPT tournaments will commence on February 23. The most anticipated event is the €5,300 EPT Main Event, running until March 1. This tournament is considered the most realistic opportunity for regular players to vie for an EPT title.
Events for high-stakes players are also on the schedule. These include the €100,000 EPT Super High Roller and the €10,300 EPT High Roller. The €3,250 EPT Mystery Bounty event, in particular, is drawing significant attention not only for its prize pool but also for the exciting element of random additional rewards.
From Online to Live: Spin & Go Championship Live
EPT Paris continues its efforts to blur the lines between online and offline poker. This event will feature the Spin & Go Championship Live. This is a special event offering players who enjoy Spin & Go tournaments on PokerStars online the chance to participate in a live tournament.
The top 1,000 players who accumulate leaderboard points online throughout January will qualify for a freeroll tournament on January 26. Nine winners will be selected from this freeroll, and they will receive a package to Paris. The top 9 players from the spin-off tournament held in Paris on February 22 will ultimately advance to the Spin & Go Championship Live.
This championship offers a guaranteed prize pool of €315,000, with the final table prize money alone reaching €150,000. Spin-off qualifiers will also receive 4 nights' accommodation in Paris and €500 for expenses.
The Kick-off for the 2026 EPT Season
EPT Paris is the first event of the 2026 EPT season. This is not merely a resumption but also an indicator of the direction the European Poker Tour will take throughout the new year. A successful event in the iconic city of Paris is expected to pave the way for subsequent tournaments in other major cities like Barcelona and Monte Carlo.
Furthermore, this tournament is an opportunity to once again prove that the EPT remains at the heart of the European poker scene after its hiatus in 2025. It will serve as a testament to the EPT's ability to operate stably even after changes in French government regulations.
How to Participate and On-site Facilities
To participate in EPT Paris, a Club Barrière Paris membership card is required. This card can be obtained for free on-site, and pre-registering by downloading the Barrière Play app in advance can reduce waiting times. Tournament buy-ins can be paid for in various ways, including cash, debit/credit card, or through a PokerStars account.
During the event, cash games will also be running daily from 1 PM to 5 AM at Club Barrière Paris. A free shuttle bus will be provided from Le Palais des Congrès to the club located on the Champs-Élysées.
EPT Paris is more than just a tournament; it's a festival. This event, where poker, culture, and the Parisian night converge, will be the stage to declare the revival of European poker.
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