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Monaco, Monte Carlo
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EPT Monte-Carlo 2026 | April 30 - May 10 | Sporting Monte-Carlo
The European Poker Tour (EPT) returns to the glittering shores of the French Riviera for EPT Monte-Carlo 2026, taking place from April 30 to May 10, 2026. Hosted at the legendary Sporting Monte-Carlo , this festival remains the crown jewel of European poker, combining high-stakes action with unparalleled luxury.
Known for its massive prize pools and elite fields, the 2026 edition features a packed schedule including the €5,300 EPT Main Event, the €100,000 Super High Roller, and the accessible PokerStars Open. Whether you are chasing the prestigious Golden Shard trophy or simply soaking in the opulent atmosphere of Monaco, this guide provides everything you need to plan your trip.
EPT Monte-Carlo 2026 Highlighted Events
The schedule for EPT Monte-Carlo is always packed with exciting tournaments, but a few key events stand out as the biggest draws. From the prestigious Main Event to the high-stakes Super High Roller, these are the dates every player needs to mark in their calendar. Below is a list of the major tournaments you won’t want to miss.
Full Tournament Schedule
The 2026 festival promises action for every bankroll, from the PokerStars Open to the nosebleed High Rollers . The schedule is packed with a variety of formats including the classic Texas Hold’em freezeouts and action-heavy Pot Limit Omaha events.
Satellites & Qualification
Online qualifiers for EPT Monte-Carlo are typically available exclusively on PokerStars. Players can win full packages (including buy-in, accommodation, and travel expenses) or seat-only prizes for a fraction of the cost. Satellites run daily in the months leading up to the event, often starting from as little as a few Euros or via the “Power Path” system. Live satellites will also be running at the venue on the days leading up to the Main Event.
Live Stream & Coverage
For poker fans unable to attend in person, following the action is easier than ever thanks to extensive media coverage. The European Poker Tour is renowned for its high-quality broadcasts, bringing the excitement of the tables directly to screens around the world. Whether through live streams or social media updates, you can stay connected to every major hand.
Official Event Stream
PokerStars Live usually provides broadcast-quality coverage of the EPT Monte-Carlo. You can expect cards-up coverage with commentary for the €100,000 Super High Roller final table and the deep stages of the €5,300 Main Event (Days 2-6).
Poker & Travel Guide
Monaco is the second-smallest independent state in the world, synonymous with wealth, luxury, and history. Located on the French Riviera, it offers mild spring weather, stunning Mediterranean views, and world-class dining. For poker players, it is a bucket-list destination where the game’s elite gather annually at the Salle des Etoiles.
Official Poker Guide (Rules & Structures)
Before sitting down at the tables, it is essential to be familiar with the specific rules and structures used in Monte-Carlo. While standard EPT rules apply, there are local nuances regarding currency and taxation that players should be aware of. The following details outline the key logistical aspects of playing in Monaco.
- Currency: All buy-ins and payouts are in Euros (€).
- Format: EPT events typically use a Big Blind Ante structure.
- Tax: Monaco does not withhold tax on gambling winnings for players, but you should check the tax laws of your country of residence.
Registration & Buy-in Information
To ensure a smooth start to your tournament experience, the EPT offers multiple ways to register and pay for your seat. Whether you prefer using cash, casino chips, or your online PokerStars account, the process is designed to be as convenient as possible. Here is a breakdown of the accepted payment methods and entry requirements.
- Payment Methods: Buy-ins are accepted in Cash (EUR), Casino Chips, or via Wire Transfer (requires prior arrangement with the casino). Players with a PokerStars account (COM/EU/UK/FR) can often buy in directly using their online balance via the “Luxon Pay” or direct account transfer options available at the registration desk.
- ID Requirements: A valid Passport or National ID Card is strictly required for entry.
- Age Limit: You must be 18 years or older to enter the casino and participate in the tournament. Citizens of Monaco are not permitted to play.
Destination Guide & Must See
While the poker action is the main attraction, a trip to Monte-Carlo offers much more than just time at the tables. The principality is rich in culture, history, and stunning scenery, making it the perfect place to explore during your downtime. We have curated a list of must-visit locations to help you make the most of your stay.
- Casino Square (Place du Casino): The iconic heart of Monte-Carlo, surrounded by Belle Époque architecture and luxury cars. A perfect photo op.
- Oceanographic Museum: Built into the cliffside, this world-renowned museum offers stunning aquariums and sea views.
- Prince’s Palace: The official residence of the Grimaldi family. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony daily at 11:55 AM.
- F1 Grand Prix Track: Walk the famous streets that form the Formula 1 circuit, including the Fairmont Hairpin and the Tunnel.
Travel Essentials
Getting to Monte-Carlo is easier than you might think, despite the lack of an airport within the principality.
- By Air: The nearest international hub is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) in France , located approximately 22km (14 miles) away.
- Airport Transfers:
- Helicopter (Recommended): For a breathtaking arrival, take a helicopter transfer from Nice to Monaco. It takes just 7 minutes and offers stunning views of the Riviera. Transfers leave every 30 minutes. To book your transfer, visit PokerStars Travel or call +34 93 325 6777. You can also book directly via the BLADE website.
- Bus: The Rapides Côte D’Azur buses (Line 80) run regularly from Nice Airport terminals to Monte-Carlo.
- Taxi/Car: A taxi takes about 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
- By Train: The Monaco-Monte-Carlo station is well connected. The high-speed TGV from Paris takes under 7 hours. Local trains from Nice run frequently along the coast.
Past Results & Champions
EPT Monte-Carlo has a rich history of crowning elite champions, with each festival attracting the biggest names in poker to the Salle des Etoiles. The 2025 edition continued this tradition, delivering high-stakes action and record-breaking prize pools on the French Riviera.
Previous Festival Highlights
The 2025 edition of EPT Monte-Carlo was a record-breaking success, distributing millions in prize money across the festival. The highlight was the €5,300 Main Event, where Russia‘s Aleksandr Shevliakov bested a massive field of 1,195 entries to claim the prestigious title and a €1,000,000 top prize. High-stakes action was equally intense, with Germany ‘s Chris Nguyen taking down the €100,000 Super High Roller for a staggering €2,022,000, emerging victorious from a tough field of 74 elite competitors. The festival also saw huge turnouts in the opening events, as Norway ‘s Jon Kyte navigated through 2,387 entries in the PokerStars Open to win €340,000. Other notable champions included Ben Tollerene in the €25,000 High Roller and Kayhan Mokri in the Mystery Bounty event. These impressive numbers solidify Monte-Carlo‘s status as a premier stop on the European Poker Tour.
The Venue: Sporting Monte-Carlo
The tournament is held at the Sporting Monte-Carlo in the spectacular Salle des Etoiles (Room of the Stars). This is one of the most stunning poker rooms in the world, famous for its retractable roof that can open to reveal the night sky. The venue is located on the Larvotto peninsula, a short distance from the main Casino Square.
Dress Code: Smart Casual. No shorts, sportswear, or flip-flops are allowed in the tournament area.
![Monaco [MCO]](/assets/images/flags/1x1/mc.svg "Monaco [MCO]"){kind=small}
Sporting Monte-Carlo is the glamorous crown jewel of Monaco’s elite gaming and social scene. Located on the stunning Larvotto peninsula, this massive 1,600 square meter complex is more than just a casino; it is a legendary hub for international high rollers and global stars. Famous for hosting the world-renowned European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte-Carlo, the venue provides a breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. Whether you are coming for the high-stakes poker festivals in the Salle des Étoiles or a night of luxury at the Monte-Carlo Summer Festival, Sporting Monte-Carlo offers a level of prestige and sophistication that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.
Why Sporting Monte-Carlo?
- The World’s Stage: As the primary home for the EPT Monte-Carlo and the Triton Poker Series, it features one of the most famous tournament rooms in poker history.
- Star-Studded Entertainment: The venue is part of a larger complex that includes the Salle des Étoiles, where the biggest international music stars perform during the summer months.
- Exclusive Nightlife: Home to Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo, one of the most iconic nightclubs in the world, and high-end restaurants like COYA, offering a complete luxury experience.
GAMES
NLHE & High Stakes PLO
STAKES
€2/€5 to Nosebleed
VIBE
Ultra-Luxury
The Sporting Poker Experience
The poker action at Sporting Monte-Carlo is defined by its scale and prestige. While the historic Casino de Monte-Carlo offers daily games, the Sporting complex is where the massive poker festivals take place. The room is professionally managed by the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) and features world-class dealers. During major events like the EPT, Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha games run at every imaginable stake. For the true high rollers, the stakes can reach levels that are rarely seen elsewhere, with minimum buy-ins often starting in the thousands of Euros.
What makes playing at Sporting Monte-Carlo truly unique is the environment. The Salle des Étoiles features a retractable roof, allowing players to compete under the stars of the French Riviera. The service is impeccable, with a dedicated staff ensuring every player receives the “Monaco treatment.” Between tournament sessions, you can enjoy the lush 5.5 hectares of gardens surrounding the venue or visit the nearby Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. It is a professional environment built for those who want to experience poker at its absolute highest level.
Venue Logistics
📍 Location: 26 Avenue Princesse Grace, 98000 Monaco. Located on the Larvotto peninsula near the border with France.
🏨 Accommodations: The venue is adjacent to the 4-star Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort and very close to the 5-star Hôtel de Paris, which offers world-class luxury for visiting players.
📝 Entry & Requirements: Guests must be at least 18 years old and present a valid photo ID or original passport (Monegasque citizens are not allowed to play). Entry fees vary by event.
♠️ Official Sporting Monte-Carlo Updates
Contact the venue for major poker festival schedules, VIP table bookings, and gala event info.
