EPT 2026 Complete Player's Guide: Schedule, Travel, Structures, and Tips

The European Poker Tour is one of Europe's premier live poker circuits, and the 2026 season features three major stops across the continent. Whether you are mapping out your tournament calendar or planning a single trip, this guide covers the essentials — schedules, structures, travel logistics, lodging, food, money movement, and practical player tips.

The 2026 EPT season features three confirmed stops: EPT Paris (February 18 – March 1), EPT Monte Carlo (April 30 – May 10), and EPT Barcelona (August 16–29). Each festival offers 50+ events, headlined by a €5,300 Main Event, with buy-ins ranging from a few hundred euros to €100,000 at the super high roller level.

EPT 2026 at a Glance

The European Poker Tour launched in 2004, founded by poker player and television producer John Duthie during the online poker boom. Barcelona has been on the schedule every season since the tour's inception, making it the longest-running EPT stop. PokerStars has owned and controlled the EPT since 2011.

EPT Paris returns in 2026 after the 2025 stop was cancelled amid uncertainty around French gaming club legislation. With that resolved, Paris opens the 2026 calendar, followed by Monte Carlo and Barcelona.

Here are the key facts for each stop:

Detail	EPT Paris	EPT Monte Carlo	EPT Barcelona
Dates	Feb 18 – Mar 1, 2026	Apr 30 – May 10, 2026	Aug 16–29, 2026
Venue	Le Palais des Congrès de Paris	Sporting Monte-Carlo	Casino Barcelona
City	Paris, France	Monte Carlo, Monaco	Barcelona, Spain
Main Event Buy-in	€5,300	€5,300	€5,300
Expected Events	52+	50+	50+
Buy-in Range	~€200–€100,000	~€1,100–€100,000 (estimated)	~€550–€100,000
Official Site	pokerstarslive.com/ept/paris	pokerstarslive.com/ept/montecarlo	pokerstarslive.com/ept/barcelona

2026 Schedule Overview: What to Play

Each EPT festival follows a similar rhythm. The first half of the schedule is built around the PokerStars Open — a €1,650 buy-in Main Event with its own €825 Cup and a High Roller. The second half escalates to the marquee events: the €5,300 EPT Main Event, the €10,300 EPT High Roller, the €3,250 Mystery Bounty, and the €100,000 Super High Roller.

Events by Buy-in Tier

Tier	Buy-in Range	Typical Events
Budget-friendly	€200–€600	Satellites, Deep Stacks, €550 side events, Women's Championship
Mid-range	€600–€2,000	PokerStars Open Main Event (€1,650), PokerStars Open Cup (€825), PLO events
Premium	€2,000–€10,000	EPT Main Event (€5,300), Mystery Bounty (€3,250), 8-Game Mix
High Roller	€10,000+	EPT High Roller (€10,300), Super High Roller (€100,000)

Signature Events Worth Targeting

EPT Main Event (€5,300) — The flagship event at every stop. It offers a deep structure and typically attracts fields in the 1,000–2,000+ entry range. The EPT Paris 2026 Main Event drew 1,474 entries and generated a €7,075,200 prize pool, won by Jorge Abreu for €1,148,600. EPT Barcelona regularly pushes past 2,000 entries — the 2025 edition drew 2,045 for a €9.9M prize pool.

PokerStars Open Main Event (€1,650) — Excellent value and massive fields. The PokerStars Open Barcelona 2025 generated a €7,251,840 prize pool and drew approximately 5,036 entries.

Mystery Bounty (€3,250) — A fan-favorite format where each eliminated player pulls a random bounty envelope, with the chance of a massive "gold envelope" payout regardless of final placement.

Super High Roller (€100,000) — A high-stakes event with small fields, elite competition, and enormous amounts in play.

Re-entry and late registration policies vary by event, so check the official schedule at pokerstarslive.com/ept before making travel decisions based on specific start times.

Tournament Structure Analysis

The EPT Main Event structure is widely respected among live tournament players. Players start with 30,000 chips at blinds of 100/100 with a 100 big blind ante — that is 300 big blinds to start, giving you substantial room for post-flop play and patient decision-making.

Day 1 features ten 60-minute levels, which keeps the pace measured while still moving the tournament along. From Day 2 onward, levels extend to 90 minutes. The big blind ante format simplifies the math and eliminates the smallest-stack-posts problem that traditional antes create.

At this depth, the early levels reward patience, selectivity, and post-flop skill. You will not feel short-stacked pressure until well into Day 2 unless you take significant hits early. For a deeper breakdown of how structure affects strategy, see our guide on how to read tournament structures like a pro.

The PokerStars Open (€1,650) typically runs a slightly faster structure suited to its lower buy-in, while the High Rollers and Super High Rollers feature even deeper starting stacks and longer levels.

Getting to the EPT: Travel by Stop

EPT Paris — Le Palais des Congrès

Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is approximately 35 km from the venue. Orly (ORY) is an alternative, roughly 25 km south.

Ground transport from CDG:

• RER B + Metro Line 1: Take the RER B to Châtelet–Les Halles, transfer to Metro Line 1 toward La Défense, and exit at Porte Maillot. The Palais des Congrès sits directly above the Porte Maillot metro station. Expect approximately 49–50 minutes and around €12–€15 for the journey.
• Taxi / rideshare: Approximately €60–€75, taking 40–60 minutes depending on traffic. Paris traffic can be unpredictable — budget extra time during rush hours.
• RER E: Runs from Magenta (Gare du Nord area) directly to Porte Maillot, which can be faster if you are connecting from the Gare du Nord.

International travel: France is in the Schengen Area. US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can generally enter visa-free for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period (ETIAS was not yet in force as of March 2026). Bring your passport — you will need it for Club Barrière registration (see Venue section below).

EPT Monte Carlo — Sporting Monte-Carlo

Airport: Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) is the nearest international airport, approximately 28 km by road from Monte Carlo.

Ground transport from Nice:

• Helicopter shuttle: Monaco's famous heli transfer takes about 7 minutes, with fares often in the €150–€200 range. Not necessary, but undeniably memorable.
• Train: SNCF trains run from Nice-Ville station to Monaco-Monte Carlo station regularly. The train ride is approximately 30–37 minutes and costs about €3–€9 — one of the best bargains on the Riviera. From the station, Sporting Monte-Carlo is a short taxi ride or 15-minute walk.
• Taxi / rideshare: Approximately €95 from Nice to Monte Carlo, 30–40 minutes depending on traffic along the coastal road.
• Bus / shuttle: Direct bus service runs from Nice airport to Monaco, taking 45–60 minutes.

International travel: Monaco is surrounded by France and uses the euro. Schengen visa rules apply. Same passport and visa requirements as EPT Paris.

EPT Barcelona — Casino Barcelona

Airport: Barcelona–El Prat (BCN) is approximately 19 km from Casino Barcelona at Port Olímpic.

Ground transport from El Prat:

• Taxi / rideshare: Approximately €35–€50, taking 20–35 minutes. The most straightforward option.
• Aerobus + Metro: Aerobus to Plaça Catalunya (approximately €7, 35 minutes), then transfer via Metro Line 4 to Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica. From there, Casino Barcelona is a 10-minute walk along the waterfront. Note that the Aerobus does not go directly to Casino Barcelona — you will need the Metro connection.
• Train: RENFE suburban train from the airport to Passeig de Gràcia or Barcelona Sants, then transfer to Metro Line 4.

International travel: Spain is in the Schengen Area. Same visa-free rules apply for US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

Currency note: All three EPT stops use the euro (€) for tournament buy-ins and daily expenses. Monaco technically uses the euro despite not being an EU member. This simplifies things considerably compared to touring circuits that cross currency zones.

Where to Stay

EPT Paris

On-site: The Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile has direct access to Le Palais des Congrès. Room rates vary sharply by date and room type — sampled March 2026 listings started around $190/night and rose substantially for premium rooms. Book early — it is the closest option and tends to fill quickly during EPT stops.

Mid-range (€120–€200/night): Hotels along Avenue de la Grande Armée and around the Porte Maillot area offer good proximity. The 17th arrondissement has numerous 3-star options within a 10-minute walk.

Budget (€80–€130/night): Look toward Neuilly-sur-Seine or along the Metro Line 1 corridor west of the Arc de Triomphe. Airbnb apartments near Porte Maillot can offer better value for stays longer than a week.

EPT Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo is one of the more expensive EPT stops for lodging. The venue itself does not have attached hotel rooms.

Premium (€250–€500+/night): Hotels in the Monte Carlo district — the Fairmont Monte Carlo, Hôtel Hermitage, and Hôtel de Paris — are within walking distance of Sporting Monte-Carlo.

Mid-range (€120–€250/night): Look in Beausoleil (the French town directly adjacent to Monaco) or Cap-d'Ail for significantly lower rates, still within a short taxi or bus ride of the venue.

Budget (€70–€140/night): Nice offers the widest selection of affordable accommodation. The 20-minute train ride to Monaco is cheap and reliable, making Nice a practical base for budget-conscious players.

EPT Barcelona

Near-venue (€100–€250/night): Hotels in the Vila Olímpica and Barceloneta neighborhoods put you within walking distance of Casino Barcelona. The Hotel Arts Barcelona (adjacent to the casino) is the premium choice but books up fast during EPT.

Mid-range (€80–€150/night): The Eixample and Born neighborhoods are 10–15 minutes by Metro or taxi and offer excellent restaurant and nightlife options.

Budget (€50–€100/night): Hostels and budget hotels in Gràcia, Poble Sec, or along the L4 Metro line keep you connected to the venue at lower rates. Barcelona has a strong Airbnb market for extended stays.

Prices are directional estimates based on March 2026 data. Rates during EPT festivals may be higher — book early for best availability.

Eating at and Around the EPT

EPT Paris

Le Palais des Congrès includes a food court and several cafés. The Porte Maillot area also has bakeries, brasseries, and fast-casual restaurants within a short walk, and La Défense offers additional dining options nearby. For sit-down meals, the 17th arrondissement offers excellent bistros. Paris is outstanding for dietary accommodations — vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and halal options are widely available across the city.

EPT Monte Carlo

Sporting Monte-Carlo offers on-site dining, and the Monte Carlo district has numerous restaurants ranging from casual to Michelin-starred. Budget-conscious players should note that Monaco restaurants carry a significant premium. For better value, eat in Beausoleil (a 5-minute walk across the border into France) or grab meals in Nice if staying there. Dietary accommodations in Monaco are generally good, though halal and kosher options are more limited — Nice has better selection for both.

EPT Barcelona

Casino Barcelona has an on-site restaurant, and the Port Olímpic area surrounding the venue is lined with seafood restaurants and casual dining. The Barceloneta beachfront offers quick-service options. For serious dining, the Born and Eixample neighborhoods deliver at every price point. Barcelona is exceptionally accommodating for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Kosher options are easiest to find in Eixample, and halal restaurants are available across the city.

Late-night dining: All three cities offer late-night eating — Barcelona and Paris especially so. Barcelona's dining culture runs late by default (dinner at 9–10 PM is standard), which aligns well with poker tournament schedules.

Practical Info: Venue, Registration, and Amenities

Registration and Payment

EPT tournaments use a combination of registration methods depending on the stop:

EPT Paris: A Club Barrière membership is mandatory to enter the tournament area. Download the "Barrière Play – Mon Casino" app and pre-register before you arrive to avoid queues. Physical cards can be collected at Club Barrière Paris (Champs-Élysées) or at the venue with a valid passport or ID. Payment methods include Club Barrière Card (loaded via cash or wire), Luxon Pay, credit/debit card, and PokerStars account (COM/EU/UK/DE/FR clients only).

EPT Monte Carlo: Registration through the casino cage. Buy-ins accepted in cash (EUR), casino chips, or wire transfer (arrange in advance). Luxon Pay accepted for payouts.

EPT Barcelona: Registration at Casino Barcelona desks or through the casino's online registration page (closes the night before the festival starts). Cash and credit/debit cards accepted at registration.

For all stops: Online satellite qualifiers run on PokerStars through the Power Path system, a four-step qualifying ladder starting at just $0.50. Winning a Gold Power Pass ($10,300 value) covers the EPT Main Event buy-in plus travel and accommodation allowance. Standard satellites also run daily on PokerStars, starting from a few euros.

Phone and Device Policies

Phone use at the table is generally permitted during EPT events when you are not in a hand. You can check your phone, take notes, or use apps between hands. When cards are dealt to you, put the phone away. Headphones are typically allowed. If you track hands during a series, log key spots as soon as practical and review them between flights or after the day ends.

Wi-Fi is available at all three venues, though reliability varies during peak tournament hours. Charging stations are often limited — bring a portable battery pack.

Venue Amenities

Le Palais des Congrès (Paris): Massive convention center with 100+ table capacity during EPT. Connected to the Hyatt Regency hotel and a shopping mall. Player lounges and rest areas available. The venue is modern and well-equipped.

Sporting Monte-Carlo: One of the most scenic poker venues in the world, set on a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean with a retractable roof. Smaller and more intimate than Paris or Barcelona. Part of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer complex.

Casino Barcelona: Located on the Port Olímpic waterfront. The EPT tournament area is separate from the regular casino floor. Steps from the beach. Entry is 18+. PokerStars' EPT guidance specifies a casual dress code with no sportswear or shorts, while Casino Barcelona's general visitor policy is somewhat less restrictive.

All three venues require a valid government-issued passport or national ID for entry and registration. Minimum age is 18.

Money Movement: Funding Buy-Ins and Cashing Out

Funding Your Buy-Ins

The simplest approach across all three stops is to bring cash (EUR) and register at the cage or registration desk. For larger amounts or those who prefer electronic payments, Luxon Pay is widely accepted across EPT venues for both registration and payouts. Set up your Luxon Pay account before you travel.

PokerStars account holders on eligible client versions (COM, EU, UK, DE, FR) can use their PokerStars account balance to register directly at EPT Paris. Check availability for Monte Carlo and Barcelona closer to those events.

Cash Handling

If you are carrying significant cash across borders, be aware of customs declaration requirements: anyone entering or leaving the EU with €10,000 or more must declare it. Keep cash in your hotel safe when not in use. All three venue hotels offer safe deposit facilities.

Cashing Out

Winners are typically paid via cash, wire transfer, Luxon Pay, or PokerStars account credit. Wire transfers may take several business days to process. For large amounts, arrange wire details with the cage in advance to avoid delays at the end of the festival.

Tax Considerations

Tax treatment of poker winnings depends on your country of residence. Monaco does not withhold tax on gambling winnings, while France and Spain may withhold for certain non-residents depending on applicable tax treaties. Consult a tax professional familiar with gambling income in your home jurisdiction before traveling.

Tips from EPT Veterans

1. Book the venue hotel — or as close to it as possible. The convenience of walking from your room to the tournament area in five minutes is worth the premium, especially during multi-day events. EPT festivals run long days, and minimizing commute time gives you more rest.

2. Pre-register for everything you can. At EPT Paris, get your Club Barrière membership set up before you arrive. At Barcelona, register online before the festival starts. Avoid spending tournament-morning time standing in registration lines.

3. Download PokerStars and set up Power Path early. Even if you are buying in directly, having the PokerStars app lets you track schedules, check results, and enter last-minute satellites. The Power Path qualifier structure offers genuine value if you start weeks before the event.

4. Bring a portable phone charger. Outlet access at the tables is inconsistent across all three venues. A full phone battery matters when you are using it for hand logging, schedule checking, and communication across 10+ hour days.

5. Plan your meals around the break schedule. EPT tournaments typically run 60–90 minute levels with 15–20 minute breaks. Learn where the fastest food options are near your table area on Day 1. Being late back from a break costs you hands and blinds.

6. Explore the city on your days off. Paris, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona each offer plenty to enjoy away from the tables. Build in at least one non-poker day per stop if your schedule allows. You will play better when you are not grinding 14 straight days at the felt.

7. Manage the currency situation. All three stops use the euro, which simplifies things. But ATM withdrawal fees and dynamic currency conversion can eat into your bankroll. Bring enough cash for your planned buy-ins, use a multi-currency debit card for daily expenses, and decline "convert to your home currency" offers at ATMs.

8. Watch the EPT Paris results for 2026 baseline data. EPT Paris already ran (February 18 – March 1). Use its attendance numbers and structure sheets as your baseline for Monte Carlo and Barcelona planning. Paris can serve as a useful baseline, but Monte Carlo and Barcelona should still be expected to vary based on schedule, travel demand, and field composition.

EPT 2026 FAQ

What is the EPT Main Event buy-in? The EPT Main Event buy-in is €5,300 at all three 2026 stops (Paris, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona).

How many events are on the EPT 2026 schedule? Each EPT festival features approximately 50+ events. EPT Paris 2026 ran 52 events. Monte Carlo and Barcelona are expected to offer similar or larger schedules.

Can I qualify for the EPT online? Yes. PokerStars runs online satellites and the Power Path qualification system, starting at $0.50. A Gold Power Pass ($10,300 value) covers the Main Event buy-in plus a travel and accommodation allowance.

Do I need a Club Barrière membership for EPT Paris? Yes. A valid Club Barrière / Le Carré VIP Barrière Loyalty account is mandatory to enter the EPT Paris tournament area. Download the Barrière Play app and pre-register before arriving.

What currency do EPT tournaments use? All 2026 EPT stops use the euro (€) for buy-ins and payouts. Monaco uses the euro despite not being an EU member.

Can I use my phone at the table during EPT events? Generally yes, when you are not involved in a hand. Put it away when you are dealt cards. Headphones are typically permitted. Policies may vary slightly by stop — check with floor staff on Day 1.

What is the best hotel for EPT Paris? The Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile has direct access to Le Palais des Congrès, making it the most convenient option. Book well in advance.

How do I register for EPT tournaments? Registration methods vary by stop. Paris uses Club Barrière. Monte Carlo uses cage registration. Barcelona accepts cash and card at casino desks or pre-registration through Casino Barcelona's website. Power Path online qualifiers are available for all stops through PokerStars.

Is there a dress code at EPT venues? Dress codes are generally casual, but venue-specific rules still matter. PokerStars' EPT guidance for Barcelona specifies no sportswear or shorts, Sporting Monte-Carlo tends toward a casual-smart standard, and Le Palais des Congrès is the least restrictive of the three.

Do I need a visa to attend the EPT? US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can generally enter all three EPT countries visa-free for short stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period under Schengen Area rules (ETIAS was not yet in force as of March 2026). Check visa requirements for your specific nationality well in advance.

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