EPT Season 2025/2026
At the launch of the new EPT season, organizers announced five main stops. Alongside traditional favorites, lucrative returning locations have been added. The long-standing summer highlight, EPT Barcelona, kicked off the new season, which will continue through Malta and then to the winter wonderland of Prague, before heading back to Paris and Monte Carlo in 2026.
The summer stop in Barcelona (August 18-31, 2025) once again secured its status as the most popular EPT event. The Main Event hit 2,045 entries, marking the third-largest Main Event in EPT history. French player Thomas Eychenne caused a sensation, taking the title and €1,217,175 after a heads-up deal with Romania's Stefan-Sebastian Ionita.
A Magnificent Comeback
After a nine-year hiatus, EPT returns to Malta. The festival will take place from October 1-12, 2025, at Casino Malta in St. Julian’s. Over 70 tournaments await players, featuring buy-ins ranging from €300 to €100,000. The event will also include PS Open series tournaments, headlined by a Main Event with a €1,650 buy-in.
Key Events and Dates
- PSO Main Event (€1,650) October 1-6
- PSO Cup (€825) October 4-5
- PSO High Roller (€2,700) October 5-6
- EPT MAIN EVENT (€5,300) October 6-12
- EPT Super High Roller (€100,000) October 5-7
- EPT Mystery Bounty (€3,250) October 8-10
- EPT High Roller (€10,300) October 10-12
As mentioned, there are more than 70 different events to choose from. The schedule includes events like the €1,100 Big Bet Mix, €550 2-7 Single Draw, €1,100 PLO Hi-Lo, and the €1,650 NLHE Mystery Bounty. Organizers have also arranged a jam-packed side program including welcome drinks, a padel party, bowling night, a football and darts tournament, laser tag, and other evening events.
The combination of a sunny island, a rich festival offering, and diverse activities makes EPT Malta an attractive stop for both professionals and recreational players.
Memories of EPT Malta (2015 and 2016)
In October 2015, EPT was held in Malta for the first time, with the Main Event boasting a €5,300 buy-in attracting 651 players. Scottish pro Niall Farrell secured €534,300 after a deal with Alen Bilic.
The following year, EPT returned to Malta, although the Main Event saw a significant drop, with 468 entries. Belarusian pro Aliaksei Boika claimed the title (€355,700) after a memorable hero call with A-high against Mats Karlsson.
Conclusion
The EPT 2025/26 season kicked off with record-breaking numbers in Barcelona, led by Thomas Eychenne's success. The autumn move to Malta promises a multitude of tournaments, a rich side program, and a chance for players of all levels to claim an EPT title. History shows us that Maltese festivals bring dramatic narratives and unforgettable hero calls, making this stop one of the most appealing on the calendar. Before the Christmas finale in Prague, we eagerly anticipate the October showdown on the sunny island, which may once again rewrite the history of European poker.
Sources – Flickr, PSlive, PokerNews
