PokerStars Announces 2027 EPT Schedule & Buy-In Changes

PokerStars has officially unveiled its full calendar for the 2027 European Poker Tour (EPT) season, marking a significant shift in the tour’s structure. In a move designed to simplify tournament logistics and respond to years of player feedback, the operator is lowering the flagship EPT Main Event buy-in to €5,000, ending a 15-year tenure at the €5,300 price point.

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A New Era for EPT Buy-Ins

The decision to standardize the Main Event entry fee is part of a broader, multi-year initiative by PokerStars to improve the overall player experience, streamline tournament registration, and enhance stream coverage. Cedric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events at PokerStars, emphasized that the change is a direct result of listening to the community.

“The EPT has set the standard in live poker for more than 20 years, and our job is to raise it,” Billot stated. “Players told us the PokerStars Open at EPT stops had become too expensive, and €1,250 brings it back within reach while still letting us manage demand in our busiest venues. One consistent buy-in level for every PokerStars Open and a clean €5,000 for the EPT Main Event make the tour simpler to understand.”

While the specific rake breakdown for future events remains forthcoming, PokerStars has committed to full transparency, promising that all fees will be published alongside each festival schedule. This structural shift also benefits those utilizing the Power Path, as players can now more easily exchange four PokerStars Open entries for a single EPT Main Event seat.

2027 Schedule Highlights and Regional Stops

The 2027 campaign is set to kick off in France, visiting several of the most iconic poker venues across the continent. Notably, the schedule sees the return of EPT Malta, which was absent from the 2026 circuit. In addition to the premier festival locations, the calendar includes two PokerStars Open stops and an official sponsorship of the 2027 Irish Open.

For those looking to sharpen their skills before heading to these live events, understanding Texas Hold’em starting hands is essential for navigating the early stages of these major tournaments. Whether you are grinding online or preparing for a live festival, you can find the best online poker sites for real money to practice your game.

Online Qualifiers and Future Outlook

The path to the 2027 EPT is already open. Online satellites for the PokerStars Open Campione and the Irish Open are currently live on the PokerStars client. Furthermore, feeders for EPT Paris are available now, with direct online qualifiers launching on Sunday, November 15.

Billot hinted that these changes are merely the beginning of a larger effort to refine the PokerStars Live experience throughout 2027. For players seeking competitive action in the meantime, you can jump into the action and test your tournament skills on BetOnline Poker.

Source: PokerNews Online

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