The EPT 2027 schedule is officially confirmed, and PokerStars is introducing some of the biggest pricing changes in European Poker Tour history. Five major festivals will take place across Europe, while the flagship EPT Main Event buy-in drops from €5,300 to €5,000 for the first time in more than 15 years.
However, the biggest surprises involve the PokerStars Open. Main Event entries will now cost €1,250 at every stop, replacing the previous system of different prices for EPT festivals and standalone events.
Meanwhile, Malta returns to the European Poker Tour calendar after missing the 2026 season. Paris, Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, and Prague complete the five-stop lineup.
For poker players planning their next tournament trip, these changes affect much more than registration costs. They influence satellite opportunities, travel budgets, event selection, and the value of qualifying packages.
Here is everything confirmed about the EPT 2027 schedule, including festival dates, new buy-ins, online qualifiers, and the financial implications for players.
EPT 2027 Schedule: All Five European Poker Tour Stops
PokerStars has confirmed five European Poker Tour festivals for 2027, beginning in Paris and concluding in Prague.
The schedule combines established poker destinations with the return of EPT Malta. As a result, players can plan their tournament trips well before the season begins.
| EPT 2027 Stop | Festival Dates | Country | Main Event Buy-In |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPT Paris | February 9-20, 2027 | France | €5,000 |
| EPT Monte-Carlo | April 21-May 2, 2027 | Monaco | €5,000 |
| EPT Barcelona | August 15-28, 2027 | Spain | €5,000 |
| EPT Malta | September 28-October 9, 2027 | Malta | €5,000 |
| EPT Prague | November 28-December 9, 2027 | Czech Republic | €5,000 |
These are the confirmed festival dates, not necessarily the exact starting dates of each Main Event. Individual tournament schedules, registration information, and structures will be announced separately.
For a broader view of major events worldwide, explore our global poker tournament calendar.
EPT Main Event Buy-In Drops From €5,300 to €5,000
The most significant announcement concerns the European Poker Tour’s flagship tournament.
After more than 15 years without a change to its standard entry price, PokerStars is reducing the EPT Main Event buy-in by €300.
Starting with EPT Paris, players will pay €5,000 instead of €5,300.
Although the reduction is relatively modest compared with the total buy-in, it represents an important change in how PokerStars presents its major live tournaments.
Why Did PokerStars Change the Main Event Price?
According to the official PokerStars announcement, the company wants clearer and more consistent prices across its live poker events.
Rather than requiring players to remember unusual amounts, the EPT Main Event will now have a straightforward €5,000 entry.
Additionally, the change aligns the flagship event with the standardized pricing structure being introduced for PokerStars Open tournaments.
Cedric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events at PokerStars, explained that player feedback influenced the changes.
His comments focused particularly on affordability and simplifying the tournament experience.
However, a lower entry price does not automatically mean a lower percentage of tournament fees. PokerStars has not yet published the complete fee breakdown for the 2027 events.
How Much Will Players Save?
At the previous price, entering one EPT Main Event cost €5,300. Under the new structure, the same category of event costs €5,000.
Therefore, a player entering all five EPT Main Events would spend €25,000 on those entries, compared with €26,500 at the old price.
That represents €1,500 less in entry costs across the full five-event calendar.
Nevertheless, travel, accommodation, food, and other expenses remain separate.
For professionals playing a full tournament schedule, even relatively small savings can accumulate over time.
PokerStars Open Main Event Buy-Ins Change Dramatically
While the EPT Main Event reduction attracts headlines, the PokerStars Open changes may affect a broader range of players.
The company is introducing a single €1,250 Main Event buy-in across PokerStars Open tournaments.
Previously, the price depended on where the tournament took place.
PokerStars Open at EPT Festivals Gets Cheaper
At EPT festivals, PokerStars Open Main Events previously cost €1,650.
Under the new system, they will cost €1,250.
That is a €400 reduction per entry.
For recreational players, the difference could make participating in a major live poker festival more realistic.
Moreover, it gives players additional flexibility when choosing between a PokerStars Open Main Event and the more expensive EPT championship.
Standalone PokerStars Open Events Become More Expensive
However, not everyone benefits from the new pricing.
Standalone PokerStars Open festivals previously offered €1,100 Main Events.
Those tournaments will now cost €1,250, representing a €150 increase.
Consequently, the standardized system creates both winners and losers depending on which events players prefer.
Someone regularly attending PokerStars Open tournaments attached to EPT festivals will pay less. In contrast, a player focusing on standalone Open festivals will face higher entry costs.
EPT 2027 Buy-In Changes Compared
| Tournament | Previous Buy-In | 2027 Buy-In | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPT Main Event | €5,300 | €5,000 | €300 cheaper |
| PokerStars Open Main Event at EPT festivals | €1,650 | €1,250 | €400 cheaper |
| Standalone PokerStars Open Main Event | €1,100 | €1,250 | €150 more expensive |
| PokerStars Open High Roller at EPT festivals | Varied by event | €2,500 | New standardized price |
Importantly, the new €1,250 PokerStars Open price does not automatically apply to every tournament sponsored by PokerStars.
For example, the Irish Poker Open remains a separate festival with its own tournament structure.
Why the PokerStars Open Price Changes Are Controversial
PokerStars says it listened to player feedback before restructuring the buy-ins.
However, the changes raise an interesting debate about accessibility.
On one hand, reducing the PokerStars Open Main Event from €1,650 to €1,250 at EPT festivals makes prestigious tournament destinations more affordable.
On the other hand, increasing standalone Main Events from €1,100 to €1,250 creates an additional expense for players who traditionally prefer those lower-priced festivals.
Does a Standard Price Really Help Players?
Consistent buy-ins simplify tournament planning. Players can understand the basic entry cost without checking different prices at each stop.
Furthermore, standardized tickets may make online qualification packages easier to manage.
However, affordability depends on much more than the headline buy-in.
A €1,250 tournament in an expensive destination could cost considerably more overall than a €1,250 event in a less expensive city.
For example, hotel rates and daily living expenses can vary dramatically between Monte-Carlo, Barcelona, and Prague.
Therefore, a standardized entry fee does not guarantee an equally affordable experience everywhere.
Our poker travel guide explains how players can compare destinations and plan tournament trips more effectively.
EPT Paris 2027: The Season Begins in February
EPT Paris will open the European Poker Tour season from February 9 through February 20.
The French capital returns as one of the tour’s headline destinations, offering players the first opportunity to compete for a 2027 EPT Main Event title.
Additionally, Paris will introduce the new €5,000 Main Event buy-in.
That makes the opening festival particularly important. It will provide an early opportunity to observe how players respond to the revised pricing.
Online qualification is another major point of interest.
PokerStars confirmed that feeder tournaments for EPT Paris begin on November 10, 2026, with direct online qualifiers scheduled to start on November 15.
Consequently, players interested in earning an entry through online satellites can begin planning well before traveling to France.
EPT Monte-Carlo 2027: High-Stakes Poker Returns
EPT Monte-Carlo takes place from April 21 through May 2.
Monaco has long been associated with prestigious poker tournaments, luxury hotels, and high-stakes competition.
However, its reputation also makes careful financial planning important.
Players attending the festival must consider accommodation and travel expenses alongside tournament entries.
Meanwhile, the revised €1,250 PokerStars Open Main Event could create another option for players who do not want to commit €5,000 to the flagship championship.
High rollers may also find attractive tournaments once the complete festival schedule becomes available.
For more information about European tournament venues, explore our guide to Europe’s best poker rooms.
EPT Barcelona 2027: A Major Summer Poker Destination
EPT Barcelona returns from August 15 through August 28.
The Spanish stop has established itself as one of the European Poker Tour’s most recognizable festivals.
In 2026, Barcelona generated significant interest through major tournament fields and high-stakes events.
Our previous coverage of EPT Barcelona 2026 documented the earlier €5,300 Main Event price and the tournament action surrounding the festival.
For 2027, the new €5,000 entry creates a direct comparison with previous editions.
However, it remains too early to predict how the lower price will affect participation.
Field sizes depend on factors such as satellite availability, tournament schedules, travel costs, and competing events.
Barcelona also has an interesting history of international players making deep runs. For example, our article about Barbara Akemi’s EPT Barcelona campaign examines the tournament narratives that can develop during a major festival.
As a result, the 2027 Barcelona stop should attract attention from both competitive players and poker fans following the tour.
EPT Malta Returns to the Calendar in 2027
One of the biggest changes to the EPT 2027 schedule is the return of Malta.
The festival will run from September 28 through October 9.
Malta did not appear on the EPT calendar in 2026, making its return a notable expansion of the upcoming season.
Additionally, the island has an established poker community and regularly hosts international tournament festivals.
Its return gives European players another major destination between Barcelona and Prague.
However, the complete event schedule and individual tournament structures have not yet been announced.
Players should therefore avoid assuming that every event from previous Malta festivals will return unchanged.
The latest announcement confirms the dates and the new EPT Main Event price, while additional details will follow.
EPT Prague 2027: The Season Finale
EPT Prague will close the 2027 European Poker Tour season from November 28 through December 9.
The Czech capital remains an important destination for European tournament poker, particularly during the winter festival period.
However, the 2027 schedule differs from the preceding edition.
EPT Prague 2026 takes place from December 2 through December 13, while the following season moves the festival into late November.
Prague is also associated with other major poker competitions. Our coverage of WSOP Europe 2026 in Prague explores the city’s growing significance in international poker.
For players considering multiple European festivals, Prague offers a recognizable final destination on the EPT calendar.
Nevertheless, the exact Main Event dates and side-event lineup should be checked once organizers publish the individual schedule.
PokerStars Open 2027: Campione and Namur Confirmed
The European Poker Tour is not the only live poker series included in PokerStars’ announcement.
Two standalone PokerStars Open festivals have also been confirmed, alongside the PokerStars-sponsored Irish Poker Open.
| Festival | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PokerStars Open Campione | January 8-17, 2027 | Standalone PokerStars Open |
| Irish Poker Open | March 18-29, 2027 | PokerStars-sponsored festival |
| PokerStars Open Namur | May 26-June 6, 2027 | Standalone PokerStars Open |
PokerStars Open Campione
Campione begins the broader PokerStars live tournament calendar in January.
The festival takes place in Italy near Lake Lugano, offering an early opportunity to participate in a PokerStars Open event.
Its Main Event will use the new €1,250 price.
Irish Poker Open
The Irish Poker Open runs from March 18 through March 29.
PokerStars is sponsoring the event and providing online qualification opportunities.
However, the Irish Poker Open is not itself an EPT stop or a PokerStars Open Main Event. Therefore, players should not assume its tournament buy-ins follow the newly standardized prices.
PokerStars Open Namur
Namur returns from May 26 through June 6.
The Belgian destination provides another standalone PokerStars Open festival between EPT Monte-Carlo and EPT Barcelona.
As with Campione, its Main Event will cost €1,250 under the new structure.
How to Qualify for EPT 2027 Through Online Satellites
Players do not necessarily need to pay the full €5,000 Main Event entry directly.
PokerStars offers online qualification opportunities that can provide routes into live tournaments.
Satellites allow participants to compete for tournament tickets through events with smaller entry costs.
However, winning a seat is never guaranteed, and players should consider the total amount spent attempting to qualify.
Confirmed EPT 2027 Qualification Opportunities
PokerStars has announced the following qualification arrangements:
- PokerStars Open Campione: Online qualifiers are available through PokerStars and supported network partners.
- Irish Poker Open: Online satellite opportunities are also available.
- EPT Paris: Feeder tournaments begin November 10, with direct qualifiers scheduled for November 15, 2026.
In addition, the new buy-in structure creates an interesting opportunity for players using PokerStars Power Path.
According to PokerNews, players who qualify for four PokerStars Open entries through Power Path can exchange those entries for one €5,000 EPT Main Event entry under the applicable program arrangements.
However, that should not be interpreted as permission to combine any four tournament tickets. Players must follow the relevant qualification and exchange rules.
For a broader explanation of how these competitions work, read our poker satellite strategy and qualification guide.
Will Lower EPT Buy-Ins Mean Bigger Prize Pools?
The announcement raises another important question: could lower buy-ins attract enough additional entries to generate larger prize pools?
It is possible, but the outcome is not guaranteed.
A tournament’s prize pool generally depends on the number of entries and the portion of each buy-in allocated to prizes.
For example, reducing the entry price may encourage additional participation from players who previously considered the tournament too expensive.
However, the lower price also means each entry may contribute less money to the prize pool, depending on the final fee structure.
Therefore, organizers may need more participants to produce the same total prize money.
Moreover, the full breakdown of the 2027 buy-ins has not yet been released.
PokerStars has confirmed that individual event schedules will publish the applicable fees and prize-pool contributions.
Until then, claims about increased prize pools or reduced rake would be premature.
What About Tournament Fees and Rake?
The new headline prices should not be confused with the amount of each entry that goes directly into the prize pool.
Live tournament buy-ins often contain several components, including the prize-pool contribution, house fee, and staff charge.
For context, PokerNews published the following breakdown for the upcoming 2026 EPT Prague Main Event:
| Component | 2026 EPT Prague Example |
|---|---|
| Total buy-in | €5,300 |
| Prize-pool contribution | €4,850 |
| House fee | €300 |
| Staff charge | €150 |
These are 2026 Prague figures, not the confirmed fee breakdown for 2027.
Consequently, players should avoid assuming that the entire €300 EPT price reduction comes from tournament fees.
The new distribution will become clear when PokerStars releases its official event structures.
How Much Bankroll Do You Need for EPT 2027?
A reduced buy-in is good news for players, but entering a €5,000 tournament still represents a substantial financial commitment.
Even a €1,250 PokerStars Open Main Event can create considerable risk for someone with a limited poker bankroll.
Therefore, players should distinguish between having enough money to purchase an entry and having enough bankroll to handle tournament variance.
For example, a player with €10,000 dedicated to poker would risk half that amount on one EPT Main Event.
That creates significant exposure to a single tournament result.
Moreover, players might need to budget for additional entries, travel, accommodation, and everyday expenses.
A Practical EPT Travel Budget
Before selecting a festival, consider these expense categories:
- Primary tournament entry.
- Optional side events and additional entries.
- Flights or other transportation.
- Hotel accommodation.
- Food and daily expenses.
- Emergency funds and unexpected costs.
These costs can differ substantially between destinations.
Consequently, players should compare the complete trip expense instead of selecting a festival solely because its Main Event is slightly cheaper.
How to Choose the Best EPT 2027 Stop
With five confirmed festivals, players have several options. However, the best choice depends on personal goals rather than the reputation of one city.
For Players Seeking Lower Total Costs
Compare accommodation, travel, and food expenses before booking.
A cheaper flight to one destination may offset more expensive hotels elsewhere.
Additionally, players should consider how many days they plan to stay and whether they intend to enter side events.
For Players Focused on Tournament Experience
Consider the event schedule, expected field composition, tournament structure, and available side games.
However, complete 2027 tournament structures have not yet been published.
Therefore, players should avoid making detailed strategic assumptions about blind levels or starting stacks until the official information becomes available.
For Players Planning Several Festivals
The dates provide useful spacing between major events.
Paris opens the year, Monte-Carlo follows in spring, and Barcelona returns during the summer.
Meanwhile, Malta offers an autumn option before Prague closes the season.
For players interested in comparing destinations, our top poker travel destinations guide</a provides additional planning ideas.
Three Important Things Players Should Verify Before Registering
The early announcement makes planning easier, but several practical details still require attention.
1. Confirm Individual Tournament Dates
Festival dates cover the entire series, not just the Main Event.
Therefore, players should check the exact starting flights before booking transportation.
2. Review All Tournament Fees
The €5,000 Main Event price is confirmed, but its detailed fee allocation remains pending.
Likewise, side-event buy-ins and structures may differ between festivals.
3. Use Official Registration and Qualification Channels
Players should verify tournament tickets, payment instructions, and satellite packages through official PokerStars channels.
In addition, they should be cautious about unofficial ticket sellers and suspicious payment requests.
Our guide to avoiding poker scams while traveling</a explains common risks and practical precautions.
Frequently Asked Questions About EPT 2027
What Is the Full EPT 2027 Schedule?
The five confirmed stops are Paris from February 9-20, Monte-Carlo from April 21-May 2, Barcelona from August 15-28, Malta from September 28-October 9, and Prague from November 28-December 9.
How Much Is the EPT 2027 Main Event Buy-In?
The EPT Main Event will cost €5,000 at each stop. PokerStars reduced the price from the long-standing €5,300 entry.
Why Did PokerStars Reduce EPT Buy-Ins?
PokerStars says the changes aim to simplify pricing and respond to player feedback. The company also wants more consistent tournament entry costs across its live events.
How Much Will the PokerStars Open Main Event Cost?
The standardized PokerStars Open Main Event buy-in will be €1,250 at both standalone festivals and events attached to EPT stops.
Is EPT Malta Returning in 2027?
Yes. EPT Malta returns from September 28 through October 9 after missing the 2026 European Poker Tour schedule.
When Do EPT Paris 2027 Satellites Begin?
PokerStars announced feeder tournaments beginning November 10, 2026, followed by direct qualifiers on November 15. Players should check the official PokerStars client for availability and eligibility.
Will the EPT 2027 Prize Pools Be Bigger?
That remains unknown. Prize pools depend on participation and how much of each entry contributes to prizes. PokerStars has not yet published the complete 2027 fee structures.
Can You Qualify for EPT 2027 Without Paying €5,000 Directly?
Yes. Online satellites and qualification programs provide alternative routes. However, winning a ticket is not guaranteed, and players must review the terms of each promotion.
Is the Irish Poker Open Part of EPT 2027?
No. The Irish Poker Open is a separate festival sponsored by PokerStars. Its confirmed dates are March 18-29, 2027.
Final Thoughts: A Major Reset for European Tournament Poker
The EPT 2027 schedule introduces several meaningful changes to one of poker’s most established live tournament circuits.
Five European destinations are confirmed, Malta returns after a year away, and the flagship Main Event now carries a €5,000 entry price.
Meanwhile, PokerStars Open tournaments are moving toward a standardized €1,250 Main Event buy-in.
For some players, the new structure offers substantial savings. Others, particularly those attending standalone PokerStars Open festivals, will face higher entry costs.
However, the full impact will depend on participation, tournament structures, and the detailed fees that organizers have yet to publish.
With online qualifiers beginning and festival dates already confirmed, players can start planning their next European poker trips.
The most important takeaway is simple: EPT 2027 offers a clearer schedule and more consistent pricing, but smart players should compare total costs, qualification options, and tournament value before committing their bankroll.
