Rumors of the demise of EPT Prague, muttered and whispered in certain corners of the poker world, have happily proven to be just that: rumors.
PokerStars, the operator of the European Poker Tour (EPT), has confirmed that the much-loved stalwart of the EPT circuit will be returning at the end of this year, taking up its traditional place in the calendar as the pre-Christmas festival of choice for European players, and many more besides.
The Hilton Prague will once again play host to the EPT stop from December 3-14. Previous Main Event winners have included the UK’s Roberto Romanello, Germany’s Martin Finger and Ireland’s Padraig O’Neill, while last year’s record-breaking Main Event field was topped by Pedro Marques of Portugal who banked €963K for finishing first of 1,458 entrants.
PokerStars Open Cannes takes end-of-year slot
2025 marks the launch of the new PokerStars Open series of regional poker festivals, replacing previous national championships such as the France Poker Series and the Estrellas Poker Tour. And it is a PokerStars Open event which will see out the year, rather than the traditional curtain-closer of EPT Prague.
PokerStars Open Cannes will now run from December 15-21, marking the final stop of the calendar year. As with other EPT and PokerStars open events, Cannes will award points for the PokerStars Live League, giving live players the chance to win buy-ins, as well as the opportunity to audition for a spot on the PokerStars Team Pro roster.
Malta returns to the EPT after nine years out
Another addition to the live poker calendar comes in the form of EPT Malta, returning for the first time since 2016.
The InterContinental Malta will provide the venue from October 1-12 for close to two weeks of live poker events, including the €5.3K Main Event.
With EPT Paris cancelled due to regulatory issues in the French capital, the next stop on the European Poker Tour will be in Monte Carlo, marking 20 years since the first EPT stop to take place in the famous principality.
Images courtesy of Danny Maxwell Photography/Rational Intellectual Holdings Ltd
