PokerStars live events 2026: Paris back as first wave of events revealed
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Getting the PokerStars live events 2026 announcement at this point in the poker calendar is like being halfway through a delicious, world-class, so-good-you-want-to-bring-all-your-friends-next-time meal, then having the waiter give you a sneak peek at tomorrow’s specials.
Oh boy. You will be back. Oh yes, you will be back.
The first wave of PokerStars live events 2026 has been announced, and it’s safe to say that absolutely no one will be disappointed…
EPT PARIS RETURNS
One of the most popular (and highly missed) stops on the European Poker Tour (EPT) schedule will return in 2026. Yep, EPT Paris is back after its unfortunate cancellation last year, meaning PokerStars Ambassador Barny Boatman–the oldest player ever to win an EPT Main Event–finally gets the chance to defend his title.
Boatman topped a 1,747-entry field to win just over €1.2 million—the lion’s share of a €8.3 million prize pool. But it wasn’t the main in Paris that was huge; the entire festival saw over 16,000 tournament entries. It was must-play poker.
Boatman’s EPT win was arguably the most popular ever seen on the tour
Expect the same, if not bigger, in 2026. Thousands of players are anticipated to descend on Le Palais des Congrès from February 18 to March 1 for 12 days of competition, plus a vibrant atmosphere on and off the tables. Headline events from the schedule include the PokerStars Open Main Event, the Women’s Event, the High Roller and the EPT Main Event.
“We’re delighted to have Paris back on the EPT schedule in 2026 and to be able to collaborate once again with Club Barrière,” said Cédric Billot. Associate Director of PokerStars Live Events. “It’s a player favourite for many reasons. The unique atmosphere, it’s a great location accessible from all over Europe, and when it comes to enjoying your time away from the poker tables, well, Paris is a city that takes some beating.
“We can’t wait to be back in the French capital and welcome players to the Palais des Congrès this February.”
But that’s not the only stop being announced. It’s not even the first on the 2026 calendar…
CAMPIONE RINGS IN POKERSTARS LIVE EVENTS 2026
After a hugely successful first event in March 2025, PokerStars Open Campione will kick off a new year of PokerStars live events even earlier, returning to the shores of Lake Lugano from January 23 to February 1 with a packed schedule of tournaments and an overall event guarantee of €1M.
If you didn’t make it to Campione in 2025, you missed a great one. The tournaments were enormous—especially the Main Event, which Adrian-Sorel State of Romania won for €363,000.
After Paris, we’ve then got the beloved PokerStars-sponsored Irish Poker Open. The perennial player favourite and longest-running poker event in Europe returns from March 26 to April 6 for another round of record-breaking fields and legendary craic.
We’ll then head back to Monaco for the iconic EPT Monte Carlo festival, running from April 30 to May 10. Expect the usual prestige and high-stakes action on the shores of the Mediterranean.
Then it’s off to Belgium for the PokerStars Open Namur. The country’s biggest poker festival returns from May 27 to June 7 at the Namur Casino.
The PokerStars live events 2026 calendar will announce more stops soon, but for now, get these dates in your diaries.
PokerStars Open Campione
Festival Dates: January 23-February 1, 2026
Venue: Casino di Campione
The return of the PokerStars Open Campione can only mean one thing – the start of the PokerStars Open season. And like all great seasons, this one kicks off in style, with the Casinò di Campione hosting from the epic, “always-on” PokerStars Poker Room.
We think it’s one of the best places to experience live poker in the world, and the numbers from the inaugural event back that up. Over 2,400 people entered the PokerStars Open Campione earlier this year, battling for a share of over €2.3 million in total.
This year, we’re aiming to take these figures to the next level, with more entries, bigger prize pools and even better action at the tables. Plus, there aren’t many better places to unwind off the table than the elegant surroundings of Campione d’Italia, an Italian commune bordering the Swiss canton of Ticino.
It’s safe to say this year is going to be special for the PokerStars Open – do you really want to miss out?
Visit the official PokerStars Open Campione site for more info.
EPT PARIS
Festival Dates: February 18-March 1, 2026
Venue: Le Palais des Congrès
The European Poker Tour (EPT) is back where it belongs – in the heart of Paris. As the cards fly this year, you can expect the action to be bigger, bolder and more electric than ever. After all, EPT Paris never stands still, not when the stakes are this high.
Play in style at Le Palais des Congrès, a world-class venue in the centre of the French capital where there’s more space, more tables and more epic action for you to enjoy. It’s sure to be elite live poker from start to finish.
Plus, Paris is more than poker. It’s a cultural melting pot with lots of activities to experience off-the-felt, from the historical sights to the stunning galleries and amazing restaurants. Poker, culture and unforgettable nights in the City of Light – why not live the EPT Paris dream by taking your seat?
* The license holder and operator of this event is Club Barrière Paris.
Visit the official EPT Paris site for more info.
IRISH OPEN
Festival Dates: March 26-April 6, 2026
Venue: Royal Dublin Society
This might be the 46th time the Irish Open has welcomed players, but the event’s popularity seems to get bigger and bigger each year. After all, it is the longest-running No Limit Texas Hold’em poker tournament in Europe, and the second-longest-running in the world.
If you’ve ever experienced what’s known in Ireland as “the craic” here before, you’ll know why. Aside from the brilliant poker – expect many of the popular tournaments to offer similar, if not bigger prize pools this year – the Irish Open is all about the epic atmosphere that features world-class entertainment off the tables. Think live music, packed bars, Player Lounge, and a ton of off-the-felt games and activities.
If all that sounds like it’s something you’d enjoy, it’s time to book your seat at the tables and see what the fuss is about. You won’t regret it.
Visit the official Irish Open site for more info, or head to PokerStars Live.
EPT Monte Carlo
Festival Dates: April 30-May 10, 2026
Venue: Sporting Monte-Carlo
It’s been over two decades since the European Poker Tour (EPT) graced the iconic surroundings of Monte-Carlo. The partnership has certainly stood the test of time because 2026 will be EPT Monte-Carlo’s 21st anniversary. Time flies when you’re celebrating one of the most prestigious stops on the poker circuit.
As always, this event is about greatness. If you take your seat, you’ll get the opportunity to experience the ultimate test of skill in the legendary Principality. Who knows – you may even join the ranks of EPT greats and write your name in the history books. Even if you don’t, you could win one of the epic prizes on offer and make memories you’ll never forget, all in arguably the world’s most glamorous city.
The magic of Monte-Carlo awaits, as does the stunning Salle des Etoiles, a venue that is certainly fit to host a stop of this magnitude. All that’s left is for you to book your place on the French Riviera.
Visit the official EPT Monte Carlo site for more info.
PokerStars Open Namur
Festival Dates: May 27-June 7, 2026
Venue: Circus Casino Resort Namur
2025 was a record-breaking year for the PokerStars Open Namur. Last year, there were 1,572 entries and €1,493,400 offered in total prize pools, but that doesn’t mean we’re resting on our laurels. This time, we’re aiming to take Namur to the next level – more players, bigger guaranteed prizes and on-the-felt action to rival the entire PokerStars Open. Talk about the biggest poker festival in Belgium.
One thing that won’t change is the location. Namur is a historical city split by two rivers. On the right side, you’ll find the old town that’s home to the ancient Citadel, which has been given UNESCO World Heritage status. To the left is the Circus Casino Resort Namur, a venue fit to host a popular live poker event in the heart of Wallonia.
So, whichever side you choose when you’re in Namur, you’ll never be far away from the action, whether it’s at the tables or off the felt.
Visit the official PokerStars Open Namur site for more info.
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