The City of Lights is ready to shuffle up and deal once again, as PokerStars officially announces the return of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris in 2026. After a one-year hiatus caused by regulatory uncertainty, the event will be back February 18 – March 1, 2026, bringing poker’s elite — and a healthy dose of glitz — to the French capital.
Paris Returns to the Poker Calendar
The hiatus in 2025 left a noticeable gap in the European live poker scene, but with the green light from French regulators, PokerStars is going big for Paris’s comeback.
“We’ve missed the magic of Paris, and we know the players have too,” said a PokerStars spokesperson. “This return is about celebrating poker in one of the most iconic cities in the world.”
The 12-day poker festival will be packed with a Main Event, a Women’s Event, the popular High Roller, and the PokerStars Open Main Event. The last EPT Paris Main Event in 2024 drew a whopping 1,747 entries from over 16,000 tournament participants, with Barny Boatman claiming €1.2 million in the spotlight.
2026 PokerStars Live Schedule (First Half)
| Event | Location | Dates |
| PokerStars Open Campione | Italy | Jan 23 – Feb 1 |
| EPT Paris | France | Feb 18 – Mar 1 |
| Irish Poker Open | Dublin | Mar 26 – Apr 6 |
| EPT Monte Carlo | Monaco | Apr 30 – May 10 |
| PokerStars Open Namur | Belgium | May 27 – Jun 7 |
More Than Just a Tournament
EPT Paris is more than just cards and chips. With events at stunning venues, the poker action blends with Parisian culture, offering players and fans a taste of world-class competition and world-class croissants. 2026’s edition will also feature a Women’s Event, emphasising inclusivity and spotlighting the growing number of female players making waves on the live scene.
The Global Lineup
PokerStars isn’t slowing down after Paris. The first half of 2026 also locks in EPT Monte Carlo and the Irish Open, alongside PokerStars Open stops in Italy and Belgium. The remainder of 2025 is still loaded, with Women’s Summer Festival London, EPT Barcelona (Aug), EPT Malta (Oct), and EPT Prague (Dec) still to come.
“The EPT is a celebration of skill, community, and travel,” said Matt Hansen, poker journalist. “Paris’ return is proof that poker has never been more alive in Europe.”
Why Paris?
Aside from being a global tourist hotspot, Paris offers a unique combination of prestige, history, and atmosphere. The EPT Main Event trophy in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower? That’s the kind of poker photo op that never gets old.
Also Read: PokerStars Announces Mixed Game Expansion for Future EPT Events
FAQs About EPT Paris 2026
1. When is EPT Paris 2026?
February 18 – March 1, 2026.
2. Why was there no EPT Paris in 2025?
French gaming regulation uncertainties caused PokerStars to pause the event.
3. Where will the Main Event be held?
Exact venue details will be confirmed soon, but expect a premium location in central Paris.
4. Who won the last EPT Paris Main Event?
Barny Boatman, taking home €1.2 million in 2024.
5. How can I qualify?
Online satellites will run on PokerStars in the months leading up to the festival.
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