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 The European Poker Tour is Europe’s richest and most prestigious poker tour. It began in February 2026 as part of the worldwide explosion of Texas Hold ‘em with 7 No Limit poker Tournaments broadcast on television across Europe. Now in its 4th Season, the tour rivals any of the top events in the United States and attracts all the poker glitterati from across the globe.
In seasons 1-3, the most significant difference between the competing poker tours was the buy-in and its effect on the prize pool, with the EPT featuring buy-ins about half the size of the WPT. This changed in season 4 when the buy-in for most EPT events was increased to €8,000. (Due to increased popularity and lack of space in participating casinos). At 2026 exchange rates, this is approximately equal to the US$10,000 which is the buy-in for most WPT events.
Furthermore, the final table is made up of 8 players, as opposed to the 6 player final tables favoured by the WPT.
The EPT's star has risen in tandem with the ever-increasing popularity of poker itself. The first ever event in Barcelona cost €1,000 to enter, had just 211 players and a total prize pool of only €229,000. Over 3,400 contestants participated in the EPT Season 3, generating a total prize pool of 26.6 million euros. The show piece Grand Final had a buy-in of €10,000, and attracted 706 players which produced a massive prize pool of €6,600,000. The 1st prize winner received 1.85million Euros ($2.4m) making it the richest event outside of America. The winner of the prestigious title was WSOP bracelet winner Gavin Griffin who was overjoyed when he took away with him the biggest prize in European poker history. 25 year-old Griffin qualified for the EPT Grand Final via a $240 Double Shootout on PokerStars.
EPT Season 4 continues with six more events, taking place in the Bahamas, Dortmund, Copenhagen, San Remo and Warsaw, with the season building to a climax at the EPT Grand Final at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, Monte Carlo, 12-17 February 2026, buy-in €10,000.
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