After nearly two years of uncertainty, EPT Paris is making a dramatic comeback, set to run from February 18 to March 1, 2026, at the iconic Le Palais des Congrès. The festival will feature 52 events, marking the start of the 2026 EPT season and signaling a new era of poker stability in France.
Main Event and Defending Champion
The crown jewel of the festival, the €5,300 Main Event, runs February 23–March 1, with poker legend Barny Boatman returning to defend his title. Boatman, who became the oldest EPT champion at 68 in 2024, triumphed over 1,717 entrants for €1,287,800, a record that still stands.
PokerStars Open and Upgraded Super High Roller
The 2026 EPT Paris introduces the PokerStars Open (PSO) branding for mid-stakes events, offering points toward the PokerStars Live League. Highlights include:
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PokerStars Open Main Event: €1,650, Feb. 18–23
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PSO High Roller: €2,700, Feb. 22–24
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Super High Roller: €100,000, Feb. 22–24 (up from €50,000 in 2024)
The Spin & Go Championship LIVE also returns, with 81 players competing in this fast-paced, mystery-prize format after qualifying online. This marks only the third time the live Spin & Go event has been staged.
Key EPT Events at a Glance
| Tournament Series | Event Name | Dates | Buy-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| PokerStars Open | Main Event | Feb. 18-23 | €1,650 |
| PokerStars Open | Cup | Feb. 21-22 | €825 |
| PokerStars Open | High Roller | Feb. 22-24 | €2,700 |
| EPT | Super High Roller | Feb. 22-24 | €100,000 |
| EPT | Main Event | Feb. 23-Mar. 1 | €5,300 |
| EPT | Mystery Bounty | Feb. 25-27 | €3,250 |
| EPT | High Roller | Feb. 27-Mar. 1 | €10,300 |
Why EPT Paris Was Cancelled in 2025
The 2025 festival was cancelled due to a temporary casino law in Paris expiring on Dec. 31, 2024, combined with political gridlock and a government collapse. With all seven Paris-area gaming venues shuttered for two months, PokerStars made the tough call to cancel the event.
Regulatory Stability in 2026
Thanks to new legislation granting permanent legal status to gaming clubs in Paris, EPT Paris now enjoys a stable environment for poker operations. This regulatory clarity bodes well for the long-term future of the festival and the broader French poker scene.
