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

The European Poker Tour (EPT) returns to the French capital, Paris, again in 2026. The festival dates fall between February 18 and March 1, 2026. The venue will be the spacious Le Palais des Congrès de Paris. A marked change for players is that obtaining Club Barrière membership is mandatory for entry. Guaranteed prize pools and field sizes are expected to break records in Europe once again.

Highlighted Events

The schedule for EPT Paris 2026 is set to feature the tour’s most prestigious tournaments, drawing elite players from across the globe. While the specific dates for every side event are currently being finalized, the marquee events are guaranteed to provide high-stakes action throughout the festival.

Full Tournament Schedule

The EPT Paris 2026 is expected to offer a wide variety of tournaments to suit every bankroll. Although the official calendar is still being updated by PokerStars Live, players can certainly count on classic Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha events. Based on past years’ experience, popular formats like Short Deck or Open-Face Chinese Poker will likely find a place in the lineup.

Click here for the full schedule of EPT Paris 2026

Satellites & Qualification

Access to EPT events is traditionally easiest via the PokerStars online client, where players can win their seats for a fraction of the cost. Direct qualifiers and the “Power Path” system provide accessible opportunities for players to win full packages including travel and accommodation. Live satellites are also expected to run directly at the venue, Le Palais des Congrès, throughout the duration of the festival.

Live Stream & Coverage

The PokerStars Live (PSLive) team is expected to broadcast the key events live, ensuring global fans don’t miss a hand. Coverage will likely include the final days of the EPT Main Event with cards-up coverage and expert commentary. The streams will be available on the PokerStars YouTube and Twitch channels.

Poker & Travel Guide

Paris, the capital of France, is one of the world’s most visited cities, making travel arrangements straightforward but requiring attention to detail. The city offers a unique blend of high-stakes poker and world-class tourism opportunities. For more details about the country, visit the France poker guide .

Official Poker Guide (Rules, Structures)

Before participating in tournaments, every player should carefully study the official PSLive tournament rules. Most events use a “Big Blind Ante” structure to speed up play. Additionally, please pay close attention to the specific local regulations regarding identification and venue access described below.

Critical Local Rule:
Only members of Club Barrière may enter the tournament room.
You can create your Club Barrière membership cards at Club Barrière Paris or at the venue, Le Palais des Congrès.
Every player must possess a valid photo ID (passport or national ID card).

Registration & Buy-in Information

Registering for the tournament is designed to be as smooth as possible, offering multiple options for players. Below you will find the essential details regarding payment methods and mandatory requirements.

• How to register: Online beforehand via the PokerStars client, or on-site.
• Mandatory Membership: Don’t forget to get your Club Barrière membership upon arrival!
• Payment methods: Cash (EUR), credit card (named), or PokerStars account balance (subject to conditions).
• Currency: All transactions take place in Euros (€).

Destination Guide & Must See

Paris offers an endless array of cultural and historical experiences outside the poker room. Whether you are looking for fine dining or sightseeing, the location at Porte Maillot provides excellent access to the best of the city.

• About the City: Le Palais des Congrès is located at Porte Maillot, just minutes from the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
• Must See Recommendations:
  • Arc de Triomphe: Walking distance from the venue.
  • Eiffel Tower: An iconic symbol of Paris.
  • Louvre: If you have a free day between tournaments.
• Accommodation: For official player rates and the most convenient hotels (like the directly connected Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile), visit the official PokerStars Travel site.

Travel Essentials

Getting to the venue is straightforward thanks to the city’s extensive transport network. We have compiled the critical logistics to help you plan your journey from the airport to the tables.

• Airport Transfer:
  • By Air: The main airports are Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Orly, and Beauvais. Regular flights to Paris depart from almost all major international airports.
  • Transfer Tip: Buses departing from Beauvais airport arrive directly at Porte Maillot (the tournament venue). CDG and Orly are accessible via taxi or RER train to the city.
• By Train: Major train stations in Paris include Gare de Lyon, Gare de l’Est, Gare du Nord, and Gare Montparnasse. The venue is easily accessible from these via metro.
• City Transport: The venue (Porte Maillot) is excellently served by Metro Line 1 and RER C.
• Finances: The official currency is the Euro (€).

Past Results & Champions

Previous Festival Highlights

The 2024 EPT Paris took place with record-breaking attendance, cementing its status as a premier stop on the tour. The Main Event registered 1,749 entries, ranking as the largest EPT tournament in the history of France. The festival proved that Paris is one of the most important stops on the calendar.

Past Champions

The champion of the latest EPT Paris Main Event was the legendary Barny Boatman, who showcased incredible skill to take the title. With this victory, he wrote himself into the history books as the oldest EPT champion to date.

The Venue: Le Palais des Congrès de Paris

Le Palais des Congrès is a vast conference and event center in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. It is directly connected to a metro station and a shopping mall, so players don’t have to go far for food or services. Remember that Club Barrière membership is required to enter the tournament room.

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

France (FR)

Currency[EUR] €

Time ZoneUTC-10:00

Palais des congrès de ParisParisviparis.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.