In an unexpected announcement, PokerStars and Club Barrière have canceled the 2025 European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris, originally scheduled to run from February 12 to 23 at Le Palais des Congrès. PokerStars’ press release attributed the cancellation to evolving regulatory changes in France.
“This decision comes as a result of unforeseen changes in French government policies and ongoing regulatory developments in Paris, which are entirely beyond our control,” the statement read. “While we are closely monitoring the evolving legal landscape, the current uncertainty surrounding licensing requirements has left us with no alternative but to cancel the February event.”
The decision comes as a big blow to the European poker calendar, as Paris had quickly established itself as one of the premier poker destinations. Since their inaugural series in 2023, EPT Paris has become a bellowed stop on the tour with a debut that saw 1,606 entries in the €5,300 Main Event, with Romania’s Razvan Belea taking home €1,170,000.
This year’s edition saw a field of 1,747 entries and Barny Boatman claiming the top prize of €1,287,800. Even more impressive was the FPS Main Event, which attracted a record-breaking 4,149 entries. Mateusz Moolhuizen emerged victorious and pocketed €470,830 after defeating Blaž Žerjav in a heads-up.
This cancellation comes just three weeks after PokerStars unveiled the first three stops of the 2025 European Poker Tour season. Paris was set to kick-off the schedule in February, followed by Monte Carlo in April/May and EPT Barcelona in August. With no plans to replace EPT Paris, the season will now begin on April 30 with EPT Monte Carlo in the iconic Salle des Etoiles.
PokerStars and Club Barrière are exploring the possibility of rescheduling EPT Paris for a later date. In the meantime, players who won seats via satellites or EPT Paris Gold Passes, will receive T-Money equivalent to their packages directly in their PokerStars accounts.
“We understand the disappointment this news will bring to our players and the wider poker community,” PokerStars stated. “Our team will reach out directly to those affected with further information. Players with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to contact us at [email protected].”
While the poker world is still processing this news, the EPT is currently hosting its final stop of the 2024 season in Prague. The €5,300 Main Event has advanced to Day 4, with only 53 players remaining from the record-breaking field of 1,458 entries and a first-place prize of €1,146,500. This is the third consecutive year of breaking attendance records at EPT Prague, highlighting the appeal of EPT brand in European poker market.
* Images courtesy of PokerStars.com
