Introduction
This blog explores the European Poker Tour's history, format, outstanding winners, and how to participate. It highlights EPT's status as a pivotal platform in the competitive poker community. The European Poker Tour (EPT), established in 2004 by John Duthie, is the premier poker series in Europe, known for its substantial prize pools and drawing participants globally.
What is the European Poker Tour?
The European Poker Tour is a prominent series of poker tournaments uniting poker enthusiasts and professionals from around Europe and the world. It was started in 2004 and soon became a significant worldwide event in the poker community. EPT has become a renowned platform for showcasing poker talent and has contributed immensely to the enormous growth and popularity of the game across Europe. EPT is famous for its professional organisation, large prize pools, and the excitement of playing in different cultural settings.
History
European Poker Tour was started in 2004 by John Duthie, a poker player across Europe. Over the years, it has grown, adding more stops in Europe, including Monte Carlo, London, Berlin, Barcelona and more, attracting more players worldwide. Throughout its history, the EPT has made many poker players famous and has become a significant part of the global poker community. It has evolved with the times, including changes in locations and formats and even going online during global events that prevented live gatherings. Since 2011, the European Poker Tour has found a home with PokerStars, which has taken on sponsor, owner, and controller roles. It is brought to life on screens thanks to the filming expertise of Sunset + Vine, ensuring poker enthusiasts across Europe can relish the fun and excitement of the game from the comfort of their homes.
Tournament Format
The European Poker Tour format is designed to test the skills and strategies of its participants while offering them the chance to win significant prizes. The format primarily focuses on Texas Hold’em, a popular poker variant known for its simplicity and depth of strategy. The EPT format has contributed to the massively growing popularity of Texas Hold’em across European Countries. The format tests participants' skills and strategies and allows them to win substantial prizes within a competitive experience.
Main Event Winners
European Poker Tour main event winners are as follows:
Winner |
Event |
Date |
Prize |
---|---|---|---|
Razvan Belea |
EPT Paris |
15-26 February 2023 |
€1,170,000 |
Mike Watson |
EPT Monte Carlo |
26 April-6 May 2023 |
€749,425 |
Simon Wiciak |
EPT Barcelona |
21 August-3 September 2023 |
€1,134,375 |
Gilles Simon |
EPT Cyprus |
11-22 October 2023 |
$1,042,000 |
Padraig O'Neill |
EPT Prague |
4–15 December 2023 |
€1,030,000 |
Barny Boatman |
EPT Paris |
14–25 February 2024 |
€1,287,800 |
Derk Van Luijk |
EPT Monte Carlo |
24 April–4 May 2024 |
€1,000,000 |
Biggest Top 10 EPT Main Events
Here is a table of the biggest top 10 European Poker Tour Events:
Winner |
Prize |
Date |
Event |
Entrants |
Country |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Giuliano Bendinelli |
€1,491,133 |
Aug-22 |
EPT Barcelona |
2,294 |
Italy |
Simon Wiciak |
€1,134,375 |
Aug-23 |
EPT Barcelona |
2,120 |
Poland |
Simon Brandstrom |
€1,290,166 |
Sep-19 |
EPT Barcelona |
1,988 |
Sweden |
Piotr Nurzynski |
€1,037,109 |
Sep-18 |
EPT Barcelona |
1,931 |
Poland |
Sebastian Malec |
€1,122,800 |
Aug-16 |
EPT Barcelona |
1,785 |
Poland |
John Juanda |
€1,022,593 |
Aug-15 |
EPT Barcelona |
1,694 |
Indonesia |
Razvan Belea |
€1,170,000 |
Feb-23 |
EPT Paris |
1,606 |
Romania |
Galen Hall |
$2,300,000 |
Jan-11 |
PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) |
1,560 |
United States |
Harrison Gimbel |
$2,200,000 |
Jan-10 |
PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) |
1,529 |
United States |
Andre Lettau |
€794,058 |
Aug-14 |
EPT Barcelona |
1,496 |
Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I participate in EPT?
Players must have a PokerStars Live Account to participate in the EPT tournament. Those without a live account can sign up onsite at the tournament venue with Pokerstar live events staff.
What was the biggest EPT Main Event?
The biggest EPT Main Event was held at EPT Barcelona in August 2022.
Which poker player has won multiple EPT titles?
Victoria Coren-Mitchell, Mikalai Pobal, and Mike Watson have won the EPT title multiple times.
What was EPT's biggest first prize?
€2.3m was the biggest EPT first prize at the Grand Final, Monte Carlo, in May 2009.
Conclusion
Known for its outstanding prize money and varied venues, the EPT has played a significant role in the worldwide poker community. It remains a dynamic, thrilling experience for participants, showcasing their exceptional poker skills. Players can join the EPT by creating a PokerStars Live Account, with past events featuring substantial winnings and notable champions.