Poker Writer
The European Poker Tour (EPT) will return to Paris in 2026, PokerStars confirmed in its announcement of the first half of next year’s tour schedule. Legal uncertainties quashed the event after it appeared on the 2025 schedule. With those now presumably cleared up, EPT Paris 2026 will run from Feb. 18 to March 1 at the Palais des Congrès.
The French capital served as a marquee stop on the 2023 and 2024 tours, with a different venue hosting each year. Unfortunately, PokerStars abandoned plans for the 2025 event, blaming a change in government policy. It appears that PokerStars has sorted out where poker stands with respect to the French government, clearing the way for EPT’s return.
Barny Boatman notably won the 2024 EPT Paris Main Event in memorable fashion for $1.38 million, becoming the oldest EPT winner at 68.
The great thing about being the oldest ever EPT winner is that every time I play I’ll have a shot at breaking the record.
— Barny Boatman (@barnyboatman) February 26, 2024
Cedric Billot, the associate director of live events for PokerStars, expressed excitement for the return of the EPT to his home country’s capital.
We’re delighted to have Paris back on the EPT schedule in 2026 and to be able to collaborate once again with Club Barriere. It’s a player favorite for many reasons: the unique atmosphere, it’s a great location accessible from all over Europe, and when it comes to enjoying your time away from the poker tables, well, Paris is a city that takes some beating. We can’t wait to be back in the French capital and welcome players to the Palais de Congres in February.
More Details For First Half Of 2026 PokerStars Live Season
While the return of EPT Paris was the biggest news in the announcement, PokerStars revealed other stops for both the 2026 EPT and the PokerStars Open Tour.
The latter, the operator’s live lower-stakes offering, will return for a second running. Its inaugural 2025 season has produced strong numbers in most locations.
PokerStars outlined plans for the following events during its first-half schedule.
- The 2026 season will begin Jan. 23 to Feb. 1 with PokerStars Open Campione at a regular PokerStars hotspot in Northern Italy.
- After EPT Paris, PokerStars will once again sponsor the Irish Open from March 26 to April 6 in Dublin. The 2025 Irish Open broke records as it has continued to establish itself as a top tournament destination.
- The other EPT Tour stop announced was the annual EPT Monte Carlo. In 2026, it runs April 30 through May 10, occupying its normal time slot from prior years.
- Then, PokerStars Namur Open in Belgium runs from May 27 to June 7.
PokerStars will announce additional stops to fill out the second half of 2026 in the coming months.
