EPT Paris Returns in 2026 With Main Event at Palais des Congrès

PokerStars is bringing the European Poker Tour back to Paris in 2026 after a one-year break, with the festival set for February 18 to March 1 at Le Palais des Congrès. The €5,300 no-limit hold’em main event will run from February 23 to March 1, anchoring a packed schedule that also includes the PokerStars Open main event, a women’s event, and multiple high roller tournaments.

Good to Know

• Paris last hosted an EPT in 2024, which drew 16,000+ entries.
• 2025’s event was cancelled due to changes in French government policy.
• Group Barrière will once again serve as PokerStars’ local partner.

Cédric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events at PokerStars, says the city is a natural fit:

“We’re delighted to have Paris back on the EPT schedule in 2026 and to be able to collaborate once again with Group Barrière. It’s a player favorite for many reasons, including the unique atmosphere, great location accessible from all over Europe, and when it comes to enjoying your time away from the poker tables, well, Paris is a city that takes some beating. We can’t wait to be back in the French capital and welcome players to the Palais des Congrès this February.”

The return follows the cancellation of EPT Paris 2025 due to government policy changes, an announcement made in late 2024. The 2024 edition proved hugely successful, with 1,747 main event entries creating a prize pool of more than $9 million. Barny Boatman claimed the trophy and nearly $1.4 million in first-place winnings.

Clément Martin Saint Léon, Executive VP of Gaming at the Barrière Group, says the comeback will be a highlight for both local and international players:

“The return of the European Poker Tour in Paris is a major event in the French capital that will bring together the world’s poker elite and players from all over France. Barrière is very proud to once again partner with PokerStars for what is the biggest tournament in France and the second largest in Europe after Barcelona. This edition promises to be particularly exceptional and exciting, with incredible enthusiasm that will be heightened by the return, at last, of players in Paris.”

EPT 2026 Schedule So Far

EPT Paris will join an already busy PokerStars live events calendar for the year, which includes:

• PokerStars Open Campione – Jan. 23 to Feb. 1
• Irish Poker Open – March 26 to April 6
• EPT Monte Carlo – April 30 to May 10
• PokerStars Open Namur – May 27 to June 7

Before Paris returns to the spotlight, the EPT still has several major stops left in 2025, including Barcelona (Aug. 18-31), Malta (Oct. 1-12), and Prague (Dec. 3-14).

With its mix of world-class competition, an iconic venue, and the charm of the French capital, EPT Paris 2026 is shaping up to be one of the year’s must-play poker festivals.

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