European Poker Tour (EPT)

One of Europe’s most prestigious live poker tours, hosted by PokerStars. Discover its history, recent EPT Barcelona & Monte-Carlo results, upcoming festivals, travel advice, and FAQs for players.

Overview & History

The European Poker Tour (EPT) was created in 2004 by John Duthie, and since then has become Europe’s richest and most popular poker circuit under the PokerStars umbrella. It is known for its iconic venues such as Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Prague. Currently in its 21st season (2025), the tour continues to draw large international fields and record prize pools.

Recent Events & Highlights (2024-2025)

  • EPT Monte-Carlo 2025: Aleksandr Shevliakov won the Main Event in early May 2025, taking home €1,000,000.
  • EPT Barcelona 2025: Thomas Eychenne won the Main Event with 2,045 entries and a prize pool of ~€9.9 million, making it one of the biggest EPT Barcelona fields ever.
  • Paris 2025 event was scheduled but cancelled due to regulatory licensing issues in France.

Structure & Buy-Ins

EPT festivals usually run around 9-14 days, with multiple side events, High Rollers, and a marquee Main Event. Venues are often high profile casinos or large convention centers. For Monte Carlo, a typical Main Event buy-in is €5,300.

2025 Schedule Preview

  • Monte-Carlo: April 30 - May 10, 2025
  • Barcelona: August 18 - August 31, 2025
  • Malta: October 1 - October 12, 2025
  • Prague: December 3 - December 14, 2025

Travel & Planning Tips

  • Book accommodation early in cities like Barcelona and Monte-Carlo — prices rise sharply during major festivals.
  • Check visa requirements if traveling from outside Europe.
  • Currency: Events are in euros. Plan for exchange / card usage ahead of time.
  • Review event structures ahead of time — blind levels, re-entries, side events can vary widely.
  • Bring valid identification and proof of funds if needed (especially for High Roller or large buy-in events).

Why Play EPT?

  • Prestige — the EPT is one of the flagship poker tours in Europe, with strong legacy.
  • Big fields with massive prize pools — especially at marquee stops like Barcelona and Monte-Carlo.
  • Top-level competition — attracts many pros, televised final tables, international players.
  • Variety — from accessible buy-ins to high buy-in events, plus plenty of side events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Main Event buy-in at EPT?
At major stops like Monte-Carlo, the buy-in tends to be around €5,300. Smaller or side events may have lower buy-ins.
How many players entered EPT Barcelona 2025?
Barcelona 2025 saw about 2,045 entries, creating one of the largest-ever prize pools for that stop.
Why was EPT Paris 2025 cancelled?
Due to regulatory and licensing challenges in France, the Paris stop in February 2025 was cancelled.
How can I qualify for EPT events?
You can qualify via online satellites on PokerStars, live satellites, or direct buy-ins at the events.
Are EPT events open to international players?
Yes. Players from around the world participate. Just make sure to meet the age, ID, or visa requirements of the host country.