The European Poker Tour (EPT) is on its way to Monaco once again and there are countless reasons to be very excited. Here are just a handful of things to look out for as the tour descends again on Monaco. We call it Five Things to Look Out for at EPT Monte Carlo.

1. THE MAIN EVENT

Through 16 previous iterations of the EPT Monte Carlo Main Event (including the PokerStars Championship year), total prize pools have topped €89 million and winners have taken nearly €19 million between them.

The buy-in is €5,300 these days, so the €2 million-plus winners cheques are unlikely to return. However, Mike Watson landed €750K after a heads-up deal last year, beating a field of 1,098 entries, and a seven-figure winner is certainly possible this time around.

All of this is reason to point, as usual, to the Main Event as being the star attraction once again this year in Monte Carlo. It begins on April 28 and runs through May 4, which gives plenty of opportunity for shocks, upsets and for the cream of the poker crop to rise to the top.

And there’s also the usual full slate of side events, with buy-ins ranging from €330 to €100,000, if the Main Event is a bust.

CHECK OUT THE FULL EPT MONTE CARLO SCHEDULE

2. SEVEN DAYS OF TOURNAMENT STREAMING

The award-winning PokerStars live streaming operation has had a busy 2024 already, but we’re assured all the key components made it back safely from the Irish Open in Dublin and is all set for Monte Carlo.

As ever, the peerless coverage will focus predominantly on the EPT Main Event, following it from Day 2 through to its conclusion. That means all the fun of the bubble, then the gradual ratcheting of the tension as the final table approaches.

The final step will be to find the successor to Mike Watson — and the 17th champion to be crowned in Monaco.

But that’s not all. Viewers will also be able to watch the thrilling climax of the €1K France Poker Series Main Event, followed by the final of the €100K Super High Roller. Full schedule is below.

James Hartigan and Joe Stapleton will slip comfortably in behind the anchor mics, with Nick Walsh and Griffin Benger among the roster of experts who will be dropping by to break up the jokes and songs with some top-drawer analysis. You know the drill…

Sunday April 28 – 13:00 CEST
EPT MONTE CARLO: €1K FPS MAIN EVENT – FINAL TABLE

Monday April 29 – 13:00 CEST
EPT MONTE CARLO: €100K SUPER HIGH RILLER – FINAL TABLE

Tuesday April 30 – 12:30 CEST
EPT MONTE CARLO: €5K MAIN EVENT – DAY 2

Wednesday May 1 – 12:30 CEST
EPT MONTE CARLO: €5K MAIN EVENT – DAY 3

Thursday May 2 – 12:30 CEST
EPT MONTE CARLO: €5K MAIN EVENT – DAY 4

Friday May 3 – 12:30 CEST
EPT MONTE CARLO: €5K MAIN EVENT – DAY 5

Saturday May 4 – 13:00 CEST
EPT MONTE CARLO: €5K MAIN EVENT – FINAL TABLE

WATCH ON POKERSTARS’ YOUTUBE OR TWITCH CHANNELS

3. THE ROOF OPENING

In the opinion of pretty much everyone, the Salle des Etoiles, at Monte Carlo’s Sporting Club, is the most spectacular tournament room in world poker — and that’s even before the roof rolls back to expose the brilliant blue sky.

While poker has come a long way from its origins in the secret backrooms of roadside bars, it is never more apparent than when setting foot in this place. Floor-to-ceiling windows curve around the playing area, while the feature tables sit on either an underlit dance-floor or a capacious stage.

But the real star is the retractable roof, which peels all the way open at least once or twice at start of play during each EPT Monte Carlo festival. It will slide back into place before play begins, but be sure to get to your seat early if you’re playing to experience this unique moment on the poker calendar.

READ EVEN MORE ABOUT THE SPECTACULAR SALLE DES ETOILES

4. SPORTS CAR RIDES

Difficult to believe, but Monte Carlo has a history that pre-dates even the European Poker Tour. Central to that glorious heritage is the Formula 1 Grand Prix, which is close to celebrating its centenary season.

Ever since 1929, the leading drivers in the fastest cars have burned through the streets of the Principality — and you can follow in their tyre marks when you visit the EPT thanks to the offer of free high performance car rides.

The specific models of car tends to change year by year, but it’s fair to expect a Ferrari or a Lamborghini waiting just outside the Sporting Club for players and their guests to experience. Unfortunately you’re required to follow the speed limit on the public roads, so no need for motion sickness pills. Regardless, this is a must-do activity when you’re in Monte Carlo.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EPT MONTE CARLO OFF-THE-FELT ACTIVITIES

5. ALL IN SHOOTOUTS

More than anything these days, the European Poker Tour offers the chance for winners of Power Path tournaments on PokerStars the chance to turn their minuscule investments into the trip of a lifetime. And maybe even a major payday.

As an indication of the way in which Power Path winners get encouraged to make the absolute most of their trips to the big leagues, a series of All In Shootouts are taking place in Monte Carlo with massive ticket bundles as prizes.

Every day for almost the entire EPT Monte Carlo festival, there’s a free-to-enter crazy pineapple shootout with amazing prizes. You can win a Silver Power Path ticket bundle for absolutely no investment at all!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EPT ALL IN SHOOTOUTS

MORE ABOUT THE EPT

EPT official site
EPT Monte Carlo activities guide
Remember last years’ EPT Monte Carlo

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