Why EPT Paris is the most eagerly anticipated tournament in years
Absence makes the heart grow fonder. And when you also throw the city of Paris into the mix, the yearning only becomes more intense.
That’s certainly the feeling among poker players as they return to the French capital next week.
By the time the curtain rises at Le Palais des Congrès, it will have been two years since poker players will have gathered in Paris for an event on the European Poker Tour (EPT).
As has been well documented, this event was building up a tremendous head of steam having debuted in 2023, but some political shenanigans in France meant a regrettable cancellation of EPT Paris in 2025.
It was a real blow to players, fans and staff alike, for whom Paris had instantly become an EPT classic, seemingly certain to become a Barcelona-like fixture on the tour. But, as promised, EPT Paris has indeed returned to the schedule now the regulatory landscape is in better shape, and all that anticipation will finally be worth it.
Here are four reasons EPT Paris is the most eagerly anticipated tournament in years.
A WELCOME RETURN
EPT Paris’ debut in 2023 was so popular it outgrew the venue essentially on its first day. Of course, no one was proud of the long lines at registration and the tournament rooms bursting at their seams, but it was plain (and exciting) to see how immediately popular this stop could be.
The Main Event attracted 1,606 entries that first time around, with Razvan Belea ending Romania’s long wait for an EPT champion. After the move to the bigger Palais des Congres the following year, the field swelled to 1,747, and Barny Boatman claimed a famous triumph.
Expect another huge field in Paris
The sky seemed to be the limit for 2025, and one can only hope the interruption hasn’t affected the momentum too much. The field may once again push close to 2,000 entries, with the successor to Belea and Boatman waiting to be crowned. (Unless Barny can do the unthinkable and defend it, of course.)
A SPECTACULAR VENUE
When the capacity issues became apparent at the first EPT Paris, the tour’s logistics team began looking for alternatives. It didn’t take long to land on the perfect alternative venue: the Palais des Congres was right next door.
This cavernous venue, which had previously hosted the Eurovision Song Contest and the UEFA Euro 2016 final draw (plus the Cesar Awards, which celebrate the French film industry), was clearly just the ticket. It just needed the correct licensing approval.
EPT Paris found a brilliant new home
Through more than 20 years, the EPT has done more than any other organisation in the world to discover perfect venues for huge poker tournaments and, more significantly, then get the correct licensing in place. It did it again to allow the EPT to move into the Palais des Congres. The 2024 event was perfectly comfortable for everyone.
The venue has numerous huge rooms, allowing for tournaments of all sizes. They will surely be full to bursting again this time around.
SPIN N GO CHAMPIONSHIP
On the subject of momentum, there’s no event more eagerly anticipated at the moment than the third renewal of the Spin & Go Championship. Having debuted in Prague in 2024, excitement grew through the second event in Barcelona last summer. It is now at fever pitch as we head to Paris.
With only 81 seats available, and no direct buy-in, this is an event tailored specifically to the most capable players in the thrilling three-handed, fast-paced format. And with more than €300,000 in the prize pool, there’s a huge incentive to get involved and play well.
They’ll be Spinning and Going again in Paris
We’ve been getting to know many of the qualifiers over the past few weeks. Remember the action will be screened live on the Staruniv Twitch and YouTube channels, so be sure to tune in.
THE CITY OF LOVERS
Remember that EPT Paris takes place in one of the most appealing cities in the whole world. And that’s hardly a controversial opinion. In 2025, more than 18.3 million people visited Paris. It regularly ranks in the top five for city break destinations.
As always, the EPT offers a wide slate of off the felt activities for you to join while in Paris. But this is hardly a place where it’s difficult to find entertainment. Whether it’s sight-seeing, people watching, sports, gastronomy, culture or simply strolling the streets, there’s no better place to be.
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