Palais des Congrès de Paris: EPT Paris Tournament Venue

Le 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.

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.