EPT Paris Returns to the 2026 PokerStars Live Calendar

Back After a One-Year Hiatus

EPT Paris made its debut in 2023 and quickly cemented itself as a favorite among players. That first edition drew over 1,600 players to the Main Event, followed by even larger turnout in 2024 when 1,747 entries created a prize pool of €8.3 million. Boatman walked away with the win and just over €1.2 million, becoming the oldest player ever to claim an EPT Main Event title.

The 2025 edition was cancelled amid shifting licensing requirements in France. That issue now appears resolved, as PokerStars has confirmed the stop’s return for 2026 in partnership with Club Barrière.

What To Expect from EPT Paris 2026

While a full schedule hasn’t been published yet, the press release confirms the return of several headline events:

• PokerStars Open Main Event
• Women’s Event
• High Roller
• EPT Main Event

The venue remains the same: Le Palais des Congrès, situated in central Paris. Given the turnout in 2024 — more than 16,000 total tournament entries across all events — expectations will likely be high. PokerStars Live staff indicated they anticipate similar or even bigger numbers for the upcoming edition.

Four More Stops Already Locked In

Alongside Paris, four additional events have already been confirmed for the first half of 2026. Each one returns after a strong showing this year:

PokerStars Open Campione – January 23 to February 1

Held on the shores of Lake Lugano, the PokerStars Open (PSO) Campione kicks off the 2026 live season. The 2025 edition drew 2,423 entries to its €1,100 Main Event — more than double the event’s €1M guarantee. Romania’s Adrian State took the top prize of €363,000, outlasting a prize pool that eventually swelled to €2.32 million. The event is returning with a similarly packed schedule and a picturesque setting in northern Italy.

Irish Poker Open – March 26 to April 6

Europe’s longest-running poker tournament is back on familiar ground. The 2025 Irish Open saw a field of 4,562 players generate a €4,447,950 prize pool — nearly doubling its €2.5M guarantee. Simon Wilson walked away with €600,000, winning one of the most celebrated titles in European poker. In 2026, the event returns to Dublin with its usual mix of big fields and off-the-table energy.

EPT Monte Carlo – April 30 to May 10

One of the most prestigious events on the EPT circuit, Monte Carlo never fails to draw a top-tier field. In 2025, 1,195 players entered the €5,300 Main Event, producing a €5.79 million prize pool. Aleksandr Shevliakov from Russia took home €1 million after coming out on top. The 2026 edition will return to the Sporting Monte Carlo for ten days of high-stakes poker on the French Riviera.

PokerStars Open Namur – May 27 to June 7

Namur’s place on the calendar is once again secured after another big turnout in 2025. The €1,100 Main Event at PSO Namur saw 1,572 entries and a €1.49 million prize pool. Jean-Vincent Lehut took down the title and banked €238,000. The event has established itself as Belgium’s largest poker festival and is expected to build on that status next year.