PokerStars has confirmed plans to expand Mixed Games into future events, including the EPT schedule, pokerfuse can exclusively confirm.
This announcement follows the successful debut of the Mixed Game Main Event at the recently concluded 2024 EPT Prague. While mixed game events are not new, it marked the first time a live operator hosted a Main Event for a Mixed Game variant, awarding the iconic shard trophy, which is usually reserved for No-Limit Hold’em Main Events and High Rollers.
We’re excited to refine and expand Mixed Games in future events, continuing to add variety to the EPT schedule.
The inaugural Mixed Game Main Event at EPT Prague 2024 proved to be “a great success,” attracting 83 entries, including 28 re-entries, and generating a prize pool of €159,300.
The event, which featured a 10-game rotation of various poker variants, was won by France’s Paul-Francois Tedeschi, who claimed the top prize of €44,900. He defeated Germany’s Ali Abdulzahra, who secured nearly €29,000 for second place.
The event attracted several well-known poker personalities, including two PokerStars ambassadors Parker “tonkaaaa” Talbot and Georgina “GJ Reggie” James, who played a pivotal role in bringing the event to life.
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Other notable players in the tournament included NAPT 2023 Main Event champion Sam Bechached, Walter Treccarichi (who has nearly $2 million in live earnings according to The Hendon Mob), Bulgaria’s Ivan Zhechev, and Norway’s Tobias Leknes (known as “Senkel92” on PokerStars, and regarded as one of the top mixed game players), who also contributed to making the event possible.
GJ Reggie, winner of the 9-Game Event at the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP), was among the chip leaders on Day 1 but couldn’t convert her deep run into an ITM finish, ultimately ending in 18th place, just outside the money. Eleven places were paid, with the minimum cash totaling nearly €4,000.
PokerStars Pleased with Mixed Game Main Event Turnout
Following the success of the Mixed Game Main Event, PokerStars Tournament Director Toby Stone told pokerfuse that they are excited to enhance and introduce more Mixed Games in future events, continuing to diversify the EPT schedule.
Stone also noted that this Mixed Game event, which is usually held in Vegas, drew new players to the Prague stop. However, the operator has clarified that while more Mixed Games are confirmed for 2025, it is not yet decided if they will return under the title of a “Mixed Games Main Event.”
“Adding a Mixed Games Main Event for the first time has been a great success, with 83 entries and fantastic feedback from players,” Stone told pokerfuse. “The format is typically only played in Vegas, so many are thrilled to have the opportunity to play elsewhere. It’s brought new players to PokerStars Live Events while boosting interest in non-No Limit Hold’em games. We’re excited to refine and expand Mixed Games in future events, continuing to add variety to the EPT schedule.”
Besides the Main Event, the operator also held half a dozen other mixed game or draw events and most of them did well.
“The Mixed Games in Prague were a big win overall,” GJ Reggie told pokerfuse. It’s clear there’s a growing interest in these events, and I think they’ll keep getting more popular.”
As per GJ Reggie, event #27, a €550 H.O.R.S.E. tournament, saw 138 players, resulting in a €66,240 prize pool, which is the biggest field in an EPT HORSE event. The €1100 8-Game attracted 65 entries, generating a prize pool of €62,400. The High Roller €5200 8-Game event drew 40 entries, building a prize pool of €194,000 — which is the largest since the event was launched in EPT Cyprus in 2023.
Event #61, a €550 8-Game on Saturday, drew just over 100 entries to build a prize pool of almost €50,000.
“The vibe at the tables has been awesome, and I really hope to see this become more regular, where the focus is on Mixed Games,” GJ Reggie further told pokerfuse.
Possible Expansion of Mixed Game in 2025
PokerStars has confirmed three stops for EPT 2025 — Paris (February), Monte Carlo (April), and Barcelona (August). However, the EPT Paris 2025 stop was canceled due to the ongoing government crisis in France, which has left no authority body to renew poker club licenses. Despite this, the operator remains hopeful that EPT Paris will return later in 2025.
Additionally, there is a strong possibility that the EPT Cyprus and Prague stops could also make a comeback next year.
The Mixed Game Main Event is expected to return in 2025, likely at the popular Barcelona or Prague stops, along with more mixed game events throughout the EPT schedule.
