New addition strengthens player pathways from grassroots to elite competition
PokerStars has added two major stops to its 2026 live poker calendar as it continues to build a more connected European circuit delivering a wide range of buy-ins and opportunities, from entry-level events through to flagship European Poker Tour (EPT) tournaments.
The latest additions include:
- The return of EPT Prague: Dec 2-13
- A new PokerStars Open in Aix-en-Provence, France: Nov 2-8
Together, these dates illustrate the PokerStars Live approach of giving players clear progression from low buy-ins to multi-million Euro prizepools across a single, connected PokerStars Live season.
2026 POKERSTARS LIVE LEAGUE
Both the EPT Prague and PokerStars Open Aix-en-Provence events will contribute points towards the PokerStars Live League, where players earn points – and bragging rights – throughout the year with the chance to win thousands in PokerStars LIVE buy-ins.
Players competing in European PokerStars Live events accumulate points across three different leaderboard tiers: High, Medium, and Low. At the end of the year, more than €150,000 in PokerStars LIVE credit will be awarded across the top three finishers of each leaderboard. There’s also a special live freeroll featuring a €100,000 prize pool at the first EPT of 2027 for the top 30 finishers in each tier.
All EPT and PokerStars Opens are eligible for points in the leaderboards, with the next opportunity to pick up valuable points at PokerStars EPT Monte Carlo (April 30 – May 10).
EPT RETURNS TO PRAGUE: DEC 2-13
One of the most iconic stops on the PokerStars EPT calendar is confirmed to return. EPT Prague is booked in at the Hilton Prague from December 2-13. Last year’s festival attracted players from all over the world, with more than 1,200 entries in the Main Event generating a prize pool of more than €5.9 million. The EPT Prague Main Event title was won by 44-year-old former journalist Matan Krakow from Israel for more than €770,000.
Thousands of players are anticipated to descend once again on Prague this winter for the 11-day festival. Headline events from the schedule include the buy-in High Roller and the EPT Main Event, alongside a full slate of side events and formats.
POKERSTARS OPEN AIX-EN-PROVENCE HEADS TO SOUTHERN FRANCE: NOV 2-8
The PokerStars Open Tour continues its expansion with a stop in Aix-en-Provence in partnership with Texapoker, running from November 2 – 8 at the Pasino GRAND Partouche Aix-en-Provence set in the heart of Southern France, just north of Marseilles. Known for its strong regional appeal and international reach, the PokerStars Open festival will deliver a full week of poker action featuring a packed schedule of tournaments, combining accessible buy-ins with high quality production and an enhanced player experience.
“We’re delighted to bring players two more incredible live events and welcome the return of EPT Prague,” said Cédric Billot, Associate Director, Live Events. ”Each stop offers a unique experience and world-class competition and strengthens an already exciting 2026 schedule. We look forward to welcoming everyone for another standout year of live poker.”
CONFIRMED 2026 POKERSTARS LIVE EVENTS CALENDAR
Live events also confirmed for 2026 include:
- EPT Monte Carlo, April 30 – May 10: High stakes action and prestige on the sparkling shores of the Mediterranean Sea, bringing world-class competition to the crown jewel of the EPT tour.
- PokerStars Open Namur, May 27 – June 7: Belgium’s biggest poker festival turns Namur Casino into a poker summer hotspot for all of Europe to enjoy.
- PokerStars Open Malaga, June 22-28: Taking place at the Gran Madrid | Casino Torrequebrada, Malaga, the festival is set to deliver everything players loved last year including a packed schedule and an unbeatable mix of poker, parties, and poolside vibes.
- EPT Barcelona, August 16-29: EPT Barcelona shuffles up an action-packed schedule with incredible prize pools in August 2026. Thousands of players are anticipated to descend once again on Casino Barcelona from August 16-29 for 14 days of competition and a vibrant festival atmosphere.
For more details head to the PokerStars Live website or visit the PokerStars blog.
