- Number of Events
- 52 (87)
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.
EPT Paris 2026 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.
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.
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.
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ParisLe Palais des Congrès de Paris is a premier international convention center and the cornerstone of major poker festivals in the French capital . Located at Porte Maillot in the 17th arrondissement, this iconic venue has redefined the scale of European poker, serving as the high-capacity home for the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris. The venue is celebrated for its modern, modular infrastructure, providing the massive floor space necessary to host thousands of players in a single world-class arena.
Why Palais des Congrès de Paris?
- Season-Opening Powerhouse: The venue hosts the prestigious EPT Paris, traditionally kicking off the EPT season with a massive 12-day festival of high-stakes action.
- Massive Capacity: After outgrowing previous venues, the Palais des Congrès now accommodates record-breaking fields, with over 130 tables and the capacity for Main Events to exceed 1,700 entries.
- Strategic Urban Hub: Perfectly situated with direct links to major airports and walking distance from the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe.
PRIMARY FOCUS
Elite Tournaments
BUY-INS
€550 to €100,000
ACCESS
Porte Maillot (Line 1)
The EPT Paris Experience
The poker action at the Palais des Congrès is almost exclusively tournament-driven, centering on the flagship EPT Paris festival held annually in late February. The venue transforms into a professional arena with dozens of events spanning a 10-day period, including the €1,650 PokerStars Open, the €5,300 EPT Main Event, and the prestigious €100,000 Super High Roller. The atmosphere is electric, blending the prestige of the PokerStars brand with the fervent passion of the French poker community.
The facility is designed for comfort and efficiency, featuring professional RFID feature tables for global streaming and a floor staff trained to international standards. While cash games are not a permanent fixture, the venue provides a unique live Spin & Go championship and serves as the hub for the French poker scene throughout the festival. Players also benefit from a dedicated shuttle service connecting the Palais des Congrès to the nearby Club Barrière Paris for additional gaming options.
Venue Logistics
📍 Location: 2 Place de la Porte Maillot, 75017 Paris. The center is integrated into a larger complex with high-end shopping and services.
🏨 Accommodations: The venue is directly adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile and surrounded by numerous luxury and business hotels.
📝 Entry & Requirements: All players must be 18+ and present a valid government-issued passport or ID. Membership in the Club Barrière Paris is mandatory to enter the tournament room and can be created on-site.
♠️ Official Event Updates
Stay connected for the latest EPT schedules, satellite information, and results.
