EPT Paris Returns as PokerStars Announces 2026 Live Stops

Online poker powerhouse PokerStars has announced the first wave of live stops for its 2026 season, far earlier than it usually makes such announcements. However, perhaps the most notable news is the confirmed return of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris.

Earlier this year, EPT Paris, which had been anticipated to kick off the season in February, was “cancelled”: due to regulatory hurdles in France. This particular stop, which made its debut in 2023, had previously enjoyed strong attendance in earlier editions. While it did not take place this year, the operator had assured players that it would certainly be back.

It has now been officially confirmed that EPT Paris will be held from February 18 to March 1, 2026, at the same venue intended for the 2025 edition — Le Palais des Congrès in Paris — in partnership with Club Barrière.

In addition to Paris, PokerStars has revealed several more confirmed stops for 2026, including EPT Monte Carlo (April 30 to May 10), as well as the return of the PokerStars Open (Campione in January and Namur in May) and the Irish Poker Open (March).

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“We’re delighted to have Paris back on the EPT schedule in 2026 and to be able to collaborate once again with Group Barrière”, said Cédric Billot. Associate Director, Live Events at PokerStars. “It’s a player favourite for many reasons, the unique atmosphere, it’s a 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.”

EPT Paris has become a key highlight of PokerStars’ prestigious live tour and was noticeably missed in 2025. The stop debuted in 2023 and was considered a great success despite certain venue-related challenges. That year, the €5,300 Main Event attracted 1,606 entries, building a prize pool of €7.7 million.

In 2024, the festival moved to Le Palais des Congrès, a larger space capable of accommodating more tables and players. The venue change proved to be a wise decision, with the Main Event drawing 1,747 entries and generating a total prize pool of €8.3 million. The tournament was ultimately won by British poker legend and former PokerStars Team Pro Barny Boatman. Across the full 2024 schedule, more than 16,000 entries were recorded.

The 2025 edition was originally scheduled for February 12 at the same venue, but had to be cancelled due to political issues in France. In December 2024, PokerStars expressed confidence that it would “one hundred percent” return, stressing it was “a postponement rather than a permanent cancellation.”

“The political situation in France, and specifically the inability of legislators to agree to an extension of licenses for Paris gaming clubs (“Clubs de Jeux”), meant that PokerStars had no option but to put the festival on ice,” the operator explained.

“As soon as the French legislature resolves its crises, there is every reason to hope that licensed and correctly organised poker can return,” Billot further added.

Four More Stops Confirmed

As for the rest 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 stop broke records when its Main Event attracted 2,423 entries and created €2.3 million in prize money, making it the largest Main Event ever held at a non-EPT PokerStars festival.

Following EPT Paris, the PokerStars-sponsored Irish Open will take place from March 26 to April 6. The previous edition was also record-breaking, with the festival generating nearly €15 million in total prize money and the €1,150 Main Event drawing a record 4,562 entries.

Next, EPT Monte Carlo will run from April 30 to May 10. The 2025 Main Event featured 1,194 entries, producing a €5.7 million prize pool.

Finally, the first wave of confirmed stops will conclude with PokerStars Open Namur from May 27 to June 7. Considered Belgium’s largest poker festival, it is held at Namur Casino. The 2025 edition’s €1,100 Main Event attracted 1,572 players and built a prize pool of €1.4 million.

Meanwhile, the EPT 2025 season picks back up next week in Barcelona, followed by EPT Malta in October and EPT Prague later in the year. The PokerStars Open will also continue with stops in Manchester this October and Cannes in mid-December.

PokerStars LIVE 2026 Confirmed Stops