Friday, 29th March 2024 12:16
Home / Live Poker / Things to do at EPT Prague — including news of an exclusive World Cup Fan Zone

The European Poker Tour (EPT) is returning to Prague this December, reuniting poker players and their guests with the most celebrated city in Central Europe.

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is beautiful at any time of the year, but it comes vividly alive in the run-up to Christmas, when its glorious Old Town is lined with market stalls, Christmas trees and shimmering lights — and filled with visitors enjoying cheap and delicious food and drink.

Of course, poker players can be forgiven for missing most of this. Their focus will rightly be on the tournament room at the Prague Hilton, where there is a packed schedule of tournaments and cash games.

It might also be the case that players and their guests are obsessing about something happening more than 2,500 miles away: namely, the football World Cup in Qatar, taking place at the same time as the EPT.

But PokerStars has got all bases covered.

If you’re looking for poker, EPT Prague has proven itself time and again as the place to be.

If you want to keep up with the World Cup, the exclusive Fan Zone inside the Prague Hilton will screen all of the major encounters, with refreshments provided, so you can join other fans in showing your support. (EPT Prague draws players from across the globe, and the atmosphere in the Fan Zone should be second to none.)

And during downtime between the poker and the football, there are a host of activities on offer to both players and their guests.

Here’s the full list of what’s on offer.

WORLD CUP FAN ZONE

It can’t have escaped anyone’s notice that the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be taking place this November and December in Qatar. The unusual timing (World Cups are usually played during the European summer) has meant disruption to football leagues across the world, but presented a rare opportunity for poker players heading to Prague for the EPT.

The late stages of the World Cup tournament — including the quarter finals, semi-finals and final — will take place when poker is under way at EPT Prague, but football fans should not worry that they are going to miss any of the action.

The Fan Zone will be outside the Hop House bar

Quite the contrary.

The PokerStars Fan Zone will be set up outside the Hop House Sports bar in Hilton lobby, with all the football shown on big screens. All PokerStars players are welcome.

Bar snacks and drinks will be provided during match times too, so the Fan Zone will be the place to meet to watch the matches.

Games covered are:

December 9th: 4pm & 8pm – Quarter finals 1 & 2

December 10th: 4pm & 8pm – Quarter finals 3 & 4

December 13th: 8pm – Semi-final 1

December 14th: 8pm – Semi-final 2

December 18th: 4pm – Final

PLAYER PARTY

December 11th, 8pm-midnight

It wouldn’t be an EPT without a Player Party and for EPT Prague 2022, players and their guests should head to the Cloud 9 bar on the top floor of the Hilton Prague for all of the usual goodies.

There will be a live band, followed by a DJ, with an open bar.

There will also be a Christmas market on site to sample all of Prague’s famous delicacies, without ever needing to brave the cold.

The Cloud 9 bar offers spectacular views all the way across the city, and the party is not to be missed.

ACTIVITIES

THRILL PARK HAUNTED HOUSE
December 10th, 6pm

Dare you enter the Thrill House?

If you think it’s scary facing a four-bet out of position, but can somehow find a five-bet to get your opponent to fold, you’re the perfect candidate to head to the Thrill Park Haunted House, in the centre of Prague.

This tourist attraction has been chilling visitors to the Czech Republic for several years, and it’s become a firm favourite among EPT players. Sign up at the PokerStars Travel desk, hop in the free transportation to the venue, and prepare to be chilled to the bone.

SIP AND PAINT
December 12th – 1pm-3pm
December 17th – 7pm-9pm

While EPT players are doing battle in the Hilton, their guests are invited to something far more relaxing: a “Sip & Paint” session, on December 12th and December 17th.

This is a group painting lesson accompanied by wine and snacks, led by a professional artist in a social, fun environment. You don’t have to be a skilled painter at all, just someone interested in a relaxing, creative way to pass a few hours — perhaps exploring a potential new hobby while getting to know new people.

The lead of the class will offer a demonstration on some painting techniques, which everyone will then be invited to follow. The emphasis is very much on socialising, and refreshments are provided.

Sign up at the PokerStars Travel desk and then the group will head to the venue together.

PRAGUE RIVER CRUISE AND/OR BUS TOUR
December 16th – 12pm-2pm

The city of Prague spreads out from the banks of the River Vltava, the longest river in the Czech Republic. One of Prague’s most iconic sights, the spectacular 15th century Charles Bridge, spans the river in the Old Town — and the river affords a peerless view across many of the city’s other best-known areas.

All the more reason to hop aboard an exclusive river cruise, open to all players at EPT Prague. Lunch is provided as the boat makes its way through the centre of Prague — perhaps even as far as the Prague Hilton, which occupies a fine spot on the Vltava, east of the city centre.

There are 30 spaces available on the two-hour trip, which departs at noon on December 16th. Sign up at the PokerStars Travel desk and reserve your place.

The PokerStars Travel desk also has complimentary tickets for a Prague City Bus tour, if you want to see the sights from dry land.

NOTE: You can reach out to your liaison to pre-secure your spot at any of the activities, or visit the PokerStars Travel desk onsite to book.

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

Here’s a full calendar of activities for EPT Prague:

9th – 4pm – 8pm Quarter Final World Cup match @ Hop bar/ lobby Hilton
10th – 4pm –8pm Quarter Final World Cup match @ Hop bar/ lobby Hilton
10th – 6pm – Thrill Park Haunted House – https://thrillparkprague.com/ x20
11th – 8pm – midnight – Player Party Christmas Markets & Entertainment @ Cloud 9 top floor of Hilton
12th – 1pm – 3pm Sip & Paint x30
13th – 8pm – Semi Final World Cup match @ Hop bar/ lobby Hilton
14th – 8pm Semi Final World Cup match @ Hop bar/ lobby Hilton
16th – 12-2pm River Cruise with lunch x30 open tickets
17th – 7pm-9pm time Sip & Paint x30
18th – 4pm – World Cup final @ Hop bar/ lobby Hilton

PLAYER BENEFITS

The EPT prides itself on its player experience, and there are numerous extra freebies/bonuses on offer to all players. PokerStars qualifiers and players in the €25K+ events can look forward to some additional bonuses too.

Here’s what’s on offer:

PokerStars Online qualifiers

Qualify for the EPT Main Event online and you will receive:

  • Complimentary transfer to hotel on arrival (full package winners only)
  • Unique EPT merchandise
  • Dedicated liaison hosts throughout the event
  • F&B vouchers to spend in the venue
  • Christmas advent calendar in room gift

€25K players

Play any of the events with a buy-in of €25K or over and receive:

  • Complimentary transfer on arrival
  • Free F&B during play (€25k+ events)
  • Three nights free hotel when playing €50k event (and booking via PokerStars Travel)
  • 50% rake refund when pre reg/seated at the start of €25k+ events
  • Dedicated VIP host liaison

All players will receive exclusive PokerStars merchandise, and can also complete a player satisfaction survey to Spin the Wheel for additional prizes.

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