The tournament, if not canceled again, will take place in February of next year
PokerStars has confirmed that the European Poker Tour (EPT) will return to Paris in February 2026, marking a comeback for the event after its abrupt cancellation earlier this year. The third edition of EPT Paris is now scheduled for February 18, 2026, and will once again take place at the Palais des Congrès in partnership with Group Barrière.
The 2025 stop was unexpectedly scrapped less than two months before it was set to begin, with organizers citing changes in French gambling regulations as the reason. While there was speculation that the tournament could be rescheduled later in the year, it ultimately did not happen, making this announcement the first official confirmation of its return.
Though still a relatively new addition to the EPT calendar, the Paris stop has already produced two memorable champions. In 2023, online qualifier Razvan Belea claimed the title and €1,170,000. The following year, poker veteran Barny Boatman secured the win and €1,287,800, a victory that later led to his sponsorship deal with PokerStars.
The 2026 EPT Paris is one of only two confirmed EPT stops so far for the year, with EPT Monte Carlo also on the schedule. While EPT Prague appears to be absent from next year’s lineup, PokerStars has indicated that other events — such as the PokerStars Open Campione, the Irish Open, and the PokerStars Open Namur — will be part of the broader live poker calendar.
Cédric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events at PokerStars, said the team is excited to bring the tournament back to the French capital. Highlighting Paris’s accessibility, atmosphere, and appeal beyond the poker room, Billot described it as a destination that offers players both competitive action and world-class leisure opportunities.
With its return now set, EPT Paris 2026 is expected to draw strong interest from players across Europe and beyond.
