PokerStars is raising the stakes for European poker players with the announcement of a brand-new tournament series, the PokerStars Open. This bold move follows the cancellation of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris and speculation about the future of EPT Prague, offering players an exciting new opportunity to compete across Europe.
A Fresh Deal for European Poker
The PokerStars Open, set to debut in 2025, will consist of six major stops, including three brand-new destinations. These stops replace a number of established tours like the UK and Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT), Eureka Poker Tour, Estrellas Poker Tour (ESPT), and France Poker Series (FPS). By consolidating these events into a single series, PokerStars aims to create a unified and more flexible calendar that caters to players’ growing appetite for international competition.
The tournament series will feature €1,100/£1,100 main events with an impressive €1M/£1M guaranteed prize pool at each stop, ensuring high stakes and intense competition.
The Stops and Highlights
The 2025 PokerStars Open schedule includes six confirmed stops, each promising unique experiences and top-tier poker action:
- PokerStars Open Campione
- Location: Casino Municipale, Campione, Italy
- Dates: March 10–16
- The Irish Open
- Location: The Royal Dublin Society, Dublin, Republic of Ireland
- Dates: April 10–21
- Highlight: The 45th edition of this iconic tournament.
- PokerStars Open Namur
- Location: Circus Casino Resort, Namur, Belgium
- Dates: May 28–June 9
- PokerStars Open Malaga
- Location: Gran Madrid Casino Torrequebrada, Malaga, Spain
- Dates: June 16–22
- PokerStars Open Manchester
- Location: Casino Manchester235, Manchester, UK
- Dates: October 20–26
- PokerStars Open Cannes
- Location: Casino Barriere Le Croisette, Cannes, France
- Dates: December 8–14
Bridging Local Tours with Global Prestige
PokerStars Open introduces a fresh twist to the European poker scene, bridging the gap between local tours and the prestigious EPT. Cédric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events Operations at PokerStars, explained:
“Our PokerStars Open stops are going to provide players with incredible experiences, with each location having its own unique feel that will come together as a European series that both ladders up to the EPT and stand up in their own right.”
This strategic shift allows PokerStars to offer large-scale, guaranteed events across Europe, moving beyond the constraints of national tours. Players can now look forward to more diverse locations and bigger prize pools, enhancing the overall appeal of the series.
A Glimpse at the Numbers
To put this new series into perspective, let’s examine what it means for poker enthusiasts:
| Event | Main Event Buy-In | Prize Pool Guarantee | New/Established Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campione, Italy | €1,100 | €1M | New |
| Irish Open, Dublin | €1,100 | €1M | Established |
| Namur, Belgium | €1,100 | €1M | New |
| Malaga, Spain | €1,100 | €1M | New |
| Manchester, UK | £1,100 | £1M | Established |
| Cannes, France | €1,100 | €1M | Established |
The high prize pools and affordable buy-ins make the PokerStars Open accessible to a wide range of players, from seasoned pros to ambitious amateurs.
A New Era for Live Poker
The PokerStars Open is more than just a tournament series—it’s a chance for players to explore Europe while chasing their poker dreams. With stops in picturesque cities like Cannes, Dublin, and Malaga, it offers not only competitive gameplay but also an opportunity for unforgettable travel experiences.
PokerStars’ decision to combine smaller tours into a larger, more versatile series reflects a growing trend in live poker. The aim is clear: create events that draw players from around the world while maintaining a local flavour that resonates with regional audiences. This new format promises to reinvigorate the European poker scene and provide a platform for players to showcase their skills on a grand stage.
Leave a Reply