PokerStars Live: All You Need to Know – EPT, APPT & History

PokerStars Live is the umbrella brand for some of the world’s most prestigious live poker series, including legendary tours like the European Poker Tour (EPT) and the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) . This global organization guarantees the highest standard of player experience, massive prize pools, and action at the world’s most exclusive casino venues. Whether it is the record-breaking PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC) or regional championships, PokerStars Live events represent the pinnacle of the poker calendar for recreational players and professional High Rollers alike.

At a Glance

• Founded: 2004 (Launch of EPT)
• Region: Europe,Asia,South America
• Currency: Euro (EUR), US Dollar (USD), Brazilian Real (BRL)
• Key Venues:
  • Casino Barcelona
  • Hilton Prague
  • Monte-Carlo Casino
  • Okada Manila

History & Prestige

The history of PokerStars Live is closely intertwined with the explosive growth of modern live poker. The brand’s cornerstone was the European Poker Tour (EPT), conceived by John Duthie in 2004, which elevated European poker into a world-class spectacle through televised broadcasts . Over the years, PokerStars expanded its influence to other continents, establishing the Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT), Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) and the North American Poker Tour (APT) to ensure global coverage.

The organization is also responsible for one of the most impactful tournaments of all time, the PokerStars Players Championship (PSPC), where hundreds of amateur players competed against pros for multi-million dollar top prizes thanks to the “Platinum Pass” system. PokerStars Live events are renowned for their strict but fair tournament rules and professional operations, making the brand the “gold standard” of the industry.

Events & Structure

The PokerStars Live portfolio is incredibly diverse, offering opportunities for every bankroll, from regional festivals to global championships.

• European Poker Tour (EPT): One of the world’s most popular series, featuring iconic stops such as Barcelona, Prague, and Monte-Carlo.
• Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT): The premier series in the Asian region, bringing world-class poker to venues in Manila ( Philippines ) and Cambodia .
• Structure & Experience: Main Event tournaments typically feature a deep structure (Deepstack) with 60-90 minute blind levels, favoring strategic play. Festivals also include essential High Roller tournaments and increasingly popular Mystery Bounty formats.

Online Qualification

The most direct route to PokerStars Live events is through the PokerStars online client, where the “Power Path” system and direct satellites allow players to win full packages (buy-in + accommodation + expenses) for a small fraction of the cost .

However, for successful tournament players, diversification is key. Building a bankroll and gaining tournament experience requires familiarity with other major networks.

Players can find numerous online satellites and tournaments on the GGPoker, WPT Global, and Natural8 platforms.