EPT Paris 2026 the Ultimate Guide | Feb 18 - Mar 1 | Palais des Congrès

The European Poker Tour (EPT) makes a triumphant return to the French capital in 2026, reclaiming its spot as one of Europe’s premier poker festivals. Running from February 18 to March 1, 2026, the series will once again be hosted at the expansive Le Palais des Congrès de Paris in the 17th arrondissement. Players must note a critical requirement: a valid Club Barrière membership is mandatory for entry into the tournament area. Following the regulatory pause of 2025, anticipation is at an all-time high, with field sizes and prize pools expected to shatter previous records.

Highlighted Events

The 12-day festival schedule is anchored by the prestigious EPT events and the newly introduced PokerStars Open tournaments, catering to players of all bankrolls. The action kicks off with the €1,650 PokerStars Open Main Event, which replaces the regional tours, followed by the crown jewel of the series, the €5,300 EPT Main Event.

Full Tournament Schedule

The EPT Paris 2026 schedule features over 50 tournaments, offering a robust mix of game types from early morning satellites to late-night turbos. While No Limit Hold’em dominates the lineup, mixed game enthusiasts will find plenty of action in the Pot Limit Omaha and 8-Game events.

• Texas Hold’em
• Pot Limit Omaha
• Short Deck
• 8-Game Mix

Click here for the full schedule of EPT Paris 2026

Satellites & Qualification

Qualifying for EPT Paris is accessible through the PokerStars client, utilizing the innovative “Power Path” system. Players can start their journey for as little as $0.50 and work their way up to a Gold Pass worth $10,300, which includes the Main Event buy-in and travel expenses. Additionally, daily live satellites running at Le Palais des Congrès offer “Win Your Seat” formats, allowing players on-site to win entry for a fraction of the cost.

Live Stream & Coverage

Fans around the world can follow the high-stakes action from Paris through professional broadcasts and real-time updates. The coverage ensures that the excitement of the French capital reaches a global audience.

SoMuchPoker Live Coverage

Our team will be on the tournament floor, providing live updates and exclusive insights from the Main Event and High Roller tournaments. Follow our live blog and social media channels for behind-the-scenes content and coverage of Asian and international players.

Official Event Stream

The PokerStars Live production team is expected to stream the action starting from Day 2 of the Main Event. The broadcast, featuring cards-up coverage with a 30-minute security delay and expert commentary, will be available on the official PokerStars YouTube and Twitch channels.

Poker & Travel Guide

Paris is not only a top tourist destination but also a unique regulatory environment for poker players. The city’s specific gaming laws require players to be well-prepared regarding registration and payment methods. For a broader look at poker in the region, check out our France poker guide .

Official Poker Guide (Rules, Structures)

EPT Paris operates under a distinct cashless system, meaning cash cannot be used directly at the tournament registration desks. Players must load funds onto their Club Barrière membership card at the club or specific desks at the venue. Tournaments generally utilize a Big Blind Ante structure to ensure a smooth pace of play.

Critical Local Rule:
Only members of Club Barrière may enter the tournament room.
It is highly recommended to download the “Barrière Play – Mon Casino” app and pre-register to avoid long queues. Physical cards can be collected at Club Barrière Paris (Champs-Élysées) or at the Le Palais des Congrès venue upon presentation of a valid passport or ID.

Registration & Buy-in Information

The registration desk opens one hour before the first tournament of the day and remains open until the late registration period of the last event closes.

• Payment Methods: Club Barrière Card (loaded via cash/wire), Luxon Pay, Credit/Debit Card, PokerStars Account (COM/EU/UK/DE/FR only).
• Currency: All buy-ins and payouts are in Euros (€).
• Important: Cash is NOT accepted directly at the tournament registration tables.

Destination Guide & Must See

Located in the 17th arrondissement, the venue is just a short walk from the Arc de Triomphe and the bustle of the Champs-Élysées. The winter atmosphere in February adds a distinct charm to the city.

• Arc de Triomphe: A monumental landmark within walking distance.
• Eiffel Tower: Easily accessible via Metro Line 6 (from Charles de Gaulle – Étoile).
• Louvre Museum: A quick ride on Metro Line 1 takes you directly to the world’s most famous museum.

Travel Essentials

Paris is served by two main international airports, and getting to the venue at Porte Maillot is straightforward if planned correctly.

• Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Located about 30km away. Official taxis offer a fixed rate of €56 to the Right Bank (Rive Droite), where the venue is located.
• Orly (ORY): Located south of the city. Official taxis charge a fixed rate of €45 to the Right Bank.
• Public Transport: The venue sits above the Porte Maillot station (Metro Line 1, RER C), providing excellent connectivity.
• Shuttle: A free shuttle service runs between the venue and Club Barrière from 11:00 to 02:00.

Past Results & Champions

Since its debut in 2023, EPT Paris has quickly established itself as a player favorite, despite initial logistical challenges that were resolved by moving to a larger venue. The 2026 edition marks the festival’s return after a regulatory pause in 2025.

Previous Festival Highlights

The 2024 EPT Paris was a record-breaking success, with the Main Event attracting a massive field of 1,747 entries. It generated a prize pool of nearly €8.4 million, confirming Paris as a premier stop on the tour.

Past Champions

The list of winners includes legendary names and rising stars, highlighting the tough competition found in Paris.

• 2024: Barny Boatman (UK) – €1,287,800 (1,747 entries)
• 2023: Razvan Belea (Romania) – €1,170,000 (1,606 entries)
• 2025: Cancelled due to regulatory changes.
• 2026: Confirmed schedule for 2026.

Champions (Current)

The list of 2026 champions will be updated here as the tournaments conclude.

The Venue: Le Palais des Congrès

Le Palais des Congrès de Paris is a massive convention center that solved the capacity issues of the inaugural event. It features a tournament room capable of holding over 100 tables, spacious player lounges, and direct indoor access to the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile hotel and a shopping mall with various dining options.

Palais des Congrès de Paris Poker: EPT Tournament Venue & Guide

France (FR)

Currency[EUR] €

Time ZoneUTC-10:00

Palais des congrès de Paris

Paris

viparis.com/en/our-venues/palais-des-congres-de-paris-en

Experience the Heart of French Poker at Palais des Congrès

Are you ready for the biggest action in the capital? The Palais des Congrès de Paris has established itself as the ultimate destination for huge poker events in Paris. As the chosen venue for prestigious festivals like the EPT Paris (European Poker Tour), this iconic location at Porte Maillot transforms into a massive arena for elite Texas Hold’em and Omaha action.

Whether you are a professional chasing a title or an enthusiast soaking up the atmosphere, our guide covers everything you need to know about this premier live poker venue. From tournament schedules organized by Club Barrière Paris to essential entry requirements, get ready to shuffle up and deal at the most exciting poker tournament in France.

The Palais des Congrès de Paris is not a permanent casino but a massive event center. In the poker world, it is famous for hosting major international festivals, most notably the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris.
Because the permanent poker clubs in downtown Paris (like Club Barrière or Club Circus) have limited space, these huge tournament series are moved to the Palais des Congrès.

• The Experience: During these festivals, the conference halls are transformed into a gigantic poker room with hundreds of tables.

• Games: Primarily No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha tournaments.

• Stakes: Buy-ins range widely, typically from €1,100 (FPS events) to €5,300 (Main Event) and up to €50,000 for High Rollers.

• Atmosphere: It feels more like a major sporting event than a traditional dark casino. It attracts a mix of the world’s best professionals and recreational players.