PokerStars and Membership Barrière have introduced the cancellation of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris 2025, which was initially scheduled to run from February 12-23 at Le Palais des Congrès.
The cancellation is a part of a broader uncertainty surrounding Paris’s gaming panorama. Current developments point out that gaming golf equipment within the metropolis, which have operated underneath strict rules since 2019, are vulnerable to closure by the top of the yr.
A Sudden Change in Plans
The announcement comes as a shock, notably after the information comes precisely a month because the unveiling of the 2025 EPT schedule.
EPT Paris was slated to kick off the tour’s new season, returning for its third yr after record-breaking attendance in 2024. Final yr’s France Poker Collection Essential Occasion drew 4,149 entries, whereas the EPT Essential Occasion attracted 1,224 gamers from 69 nations, with Barny Boatman topped champion.
Nonetheless, shifting licensing necessities have created an excessive amount of uncertainty for the February occasion to proceed. PokerStars famous that whereas they’re exploring choices to reschedule EPT Paris, no timeline has been set.
PokerStars had already had begun providing on-line satellites to the competition, together with packages that included buy-ins, lodging, and journey bills, with choices for each the EPT Essential Occasion and the France Poker Collection Essential Occasion.
For gamers who had already secured on-line packages for the occasion, PokerStars has stated that they may attain out to anybody affected to deal with considerations and have offered some useful FAQs on their web site.
PokerStars is urging gamers to contact [email protected] in the event that they require any additional help.
The Way forward for the EPT
Regardless of this setback, PokerStars and Membership Barrière stay optimistic about working with French authorities to ascertain a extra steady regulatory framework, doubtlessly paving the way in which for a return to Paris sooner or later.
Whereas a return to the town of lights is off the desk for now, the remainder of the 2025 European Poker Tour schedule stays intact.
The tour will head to Monte-Carlo from April 30 to Might 10, with its glamorous match room overlooking the Mediterranean. Then, from August 18-31, EPT Barcelona will deliver its signature power, giant fields, and big prize swimming pools again to On line casino Barcelona.
However the cancellation of EPT Paris leaves an sudden hole within the 2025 calendar. It additionally raises hypothesis in regards to the potential addition of latest stops later within the yr. Each Cyprus, which joined the EPT circuit in 2023, and longtime favourite Prague, had been notably absent from the preliminary schedule. Maybe they could nonetheless have a job to play within the second half of 2025.
PokerStars has promised to offer updates on any developments relating to EPT Paris or different potential occasions as they come up. For now, the poker neighborhood should wait to see how the tour evolves within the wake of this sudden change.
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