What’s new? 5 things to look out for as EPT Paris returns

Find out what's new as the EPT returns to Paris -- and organisers learn from the inaugural event last year

February 14, 2024

Poker

by Howard Swains

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5 Minute Read

INTRO
NEW VENUE
NEW SIGN-UP PROCESS
NEW MERCH
NEW SCHEDULE
NEW ACTIVITIES

The eyes of the poker world are back on Paris this week a year after the stunning debut in the French capital of the European Poker Tour (EPT).

It had been eight years since the EPT last went to France, and it had never before been to Paris (previous events were in Deauville). But it really didn’t take long for this relationship to become an instant hit. Record numbers arrived in numerous events.

But what’s new as the tour returns? Here are five new things to look out for at the SECOND renewal of EPT Paris.

WHAT’S NEW? NEW VENUE

Le Palais des Congrès

The early days of last year’s inaugural EPT Paris had a few teething problems. The short version is that the venue was just too small to accommodate the droves of players who arrived.

It did not go unnoticed.

Over the past 12 months, EPT organisers went searching for a new venue big enough to make everyone comfortable. They found Le Palais des Congrès, right next door to last year’s venue, but significantly bigger.

The official address is 2 Pl de la Porte Maillot, 75017 Paris, France, with the casino licence for the premises held by Club Barrière Paris. Only members of the Club Barrière Paris can enter the tournament room.

The main tournament room at Le Palais des Congrès has more than 70 regular tournament tables, plus three on the feature stage. The secondary room has another 48. So this is one enormous venue.

There’s free wifi across the venue (Name: Players Password: PSPLAYER) and plenty of places to relax away from the tables. These include bars, restaurants and player lounges.

Take some time to familiarise yourself with the venue on arrival and enjoy your stay!

WHAT’S NEW? NEW SIGN-UP PROCESS

Get your Barriere card on site

As stated, EPT Paris is run in conjunction with Club Barrière Paris, and players will need to be members of Club Barrière Paris before joining the action.

In a change from last year’s arrangements, this time you’ll be able to join Club Barrière at two venues: both at the Club Barrière Paris at 104 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, or, more conveniently, at Le Palais des Congrès itself.

So, yes, you don’t need to head elsewhere to get signed up this time around. You can do all the necessary admin beside the tournament room. And remember, if you signed up last year, bring your membership card again and skip out this part altogether.

Cash games are still hosted at the Champs-Élysées location (click for full details) and there’s a free shuttle bus that runs between both locations from 9am through 2am every day.

WHAT’S NEW? NEW MERCH

Check out the full range in Paris

PokerStars’ designers are constantly coming up with some beautiful new ideas for the most sought-after poker room apparel in the world. And some fancy new threads hit the streets for the first time this year in Paris.

As always, there are stylish new hoodies and T-shirts, as well as beanie hats and even socks. You can check out the full range at the exclusive Stars Store in Paris.

Alternatively, head over to the online PokerStars Store now and check out the whole range. And if anything takes your fancy, you can order online using the promotional code “EPTPAR24” and get 10% off, plus free postage.

WHAT’S NEW? NEW SCHEDULE

Plenty of room for a full schedule

There are 46 events on this year’s full EPT schedule, including satellites to some of the most popular events.

It means that you can sit down an play for as little as €250 (the buy-in for qualifiers to the €1,100 FPS Main Event), or pony up €50,000 for a bullet in the Super High Roller.

In between, there are tournaments to suit everyone, including a wide spread of the ever-popular Mystery Bounty events. There were “only” 39 tournaments on last year’s schedule, and those well-publicised capacity issues, so this time everything will be bigger.

Check out the full results from last year’s festival, and know that it’s only going to be more exciting this time around.

WHAT’S NEW? NEW ACTIVITIES

Learn the art of the croissant

A visit to the European Poker Tour is never only about the poker. The full EPT experience also includes parties, socialising and exclusive events open to everyone, including all players and their guests.

This year at EPT Paris, the extremely hard-working events team has laid on trips to Moulin Rouge, cruises down the Seine and even a croissant-baking class. That’s in addition to a spectacular Player’s Party.

Remember: these events are open to all. PokerStars wants its events to be more than just poker-focused, so please invite guests too and make the most of the hosts’ generosity.