The 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris festival is less than a fortnight away, with the latest edition taking place between February 14-25. Paris became the 13th capital city to host an EPT stop when thousands of players packed into the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile in February 23, and although the attendance figures were impressive, the player experience was not up to the EPT’s high standards.
It is fair to say the 2023 EPT Pairs festival was not without teething problems. While the €5,300 Main Event, with its 1,606 entrants, was one of the largest EPT Main Events on record, the sheer number of wannabe poker champions overwhelmed the venue, much to the disdain of EPT regulars and newcomers alike.
PokerStars’ Associate Director of Live Events operations Cedric Billot eluded to the issues that the inaugural EPT Paris faced in a recent exclusive PokerNews interview.
“Last year, we saw some great numbers, which had consequences,” said Billot. “But the issues weren’t just down to the large number of players. The entrance to the venue and the logistical access to the venue were both a nightmare. There were temporary fixes last year, and eventually, during the second week, we improved the process, and it became way smoother. But we absolutely knew we needed to change for 2024.”
And change they have. The 2024 edition of EPT Paris takes place at an entirely new venue. Palais des Congres, a state-of-the-art conference center in the heart of the French capital, has increased capacity for tables and more space overall and promises a quicker check-in and registration process.
2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Paris Schedule
All the extra capacity and a streamlined process will be required if the bustling 2024 PokerStars EPT Paris schedule is anything to go by. It boasts 46 events and satellites over 12 days of intense live poker action, and PokerNews will bring you live updates from ten of the largest tournaments.
PokerNews Brings You Coverage From Ten EPT Paris Events
PokerNews‘ coverage from EPT Paris starts on February 14 with a pair of tournaments. February 14 may be Valentine’s Day, but there will be no love lost at the baize as the €1,100 FPS Main Event and €10,200 Mystery Bounty events shuffle up and deal.
Last year’s FPS Main Event was nothing short of huge, with Frenchman Alan Goasdoue outlasting 2,070 opponents on his way to scooping a €287,830 prize. Expect a turnout for the 2024 edition.
Our live reporting coverage continues with a pair of €25,000 No-Limit Hold’em one-day events on February 16 and 17 before the €2,200 FPS High Roller shuffles up and deals on February 18. Mohamed Mokrani is this event’s reigning champion, having helped himself to €305,300 in 2023.
Another stellar field is expected in the €50,000 EPT Super High Roller from February 18. Chris Brewer topped a 68-strong field last time around and came away with €959,520 to show for his efforts.
PokerStars Qualifier Razvan Belea Cruises to Victory in 2023 EPT Paris €5,300 Main Event
February 19 is when Day 1A of the €5,300 EPT Paris Main Event occurs, and you’re in for a treat if the 2023 EPT Paris Main Event is anything to go by. Some 1,606 players bought in and created a whopping €7,708,800 prize pool, of which, €1,170,000 headed to the bank account of Romanian Razvan Belea.
The Main Event runs through to February 25 but that is not the final tournament PokerNews‘ live reporters will be covering. While the Main Event continues narrowing down its field, you can enjoy live updates from the €3,000 Mystery Bounty, the €10,300 EPT High Roller, and another €25,000 No-Limit Hold’em event.
PokerNews EPT Paris Live Coverage Schedule
Dates | Event |
---|---|
Feb 14-19 | €1,100 FPS Main Event |
Feb 14-15 | €10,200 Mystery Bounty |
Feb 16 | €25,000 NL Hold’em I |
Feb 17 | €25,000 NL Hold’em II |
Feb 18-19 | €2,200 FPS High Roller |
Feb 18-20 | €50,000 EPT Super High Roller |
Feb 19-25 | €5,300 EPT Paris Main Event |
Feb 21-23 | €3,000 Mystery Bounty |
Feb 23-25 | €10,300 EPT High Roller |
Feb 24-25 | €25,000 NL Hold’em III |
Win Your Way Into the EPT Paris Main Event
If you are looking to win your way into the EPT Paris Main Event for a fraction of the €5,300 buy-in, PokerStars is where you should head. The online poker giant has satellites starting from €1.10 and increasing to €530, the latter awarding a €5,300 EPT Paris Main Event seat and €1,200 cash for every €6,500 in the prize pool.
Those who manage to secure a Gold Power Path Pass can redeem it for one of two incredible EPT Paris packages worth $10,300.
The first package grants you a €5,300 EPT Paris Main Event seat, a €1,100 FPS Main Event seat, and an entry to the FPS Paris Cup worth €550. The money left over from the $10,300 is credited to your PokerStars account for expenses.
Gold Pass package number two gives you a €5,300 EPT Paris Main Event seat and eight nights’ accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile hotel worth €2,040, with the remaining value credited as expenses.
Here is to seeing you in Paris this February.