Iconic venue scrapped from PokerStars’ 2025 EPT schedule due to licensing change

AN iconic venue has been scrapped from PokerStars’ EPT schedule for 2025.

The Paris leg – scheduled for February – has been postponed due to “unforeseen changes in French government policies and ongoing regulatory developments”, the company have said.

Club Barrière – the stunning venue on the Champs Élysées – released a joint statement with PokerStars advising the situation was beyond their control.

This was due to be only the third time it had been held in France’s capital after two successful events since 2023.

But they haven’t ruled out rescheduling the tournament for a later date, once they can establish what the policy changes mean for Paris.

While players who had won their place in Paris through qualifying tournaments can explore alternative opportunities by contacting them.

The joint-statement read: “It is with great regret that PokerStars and Club Barrière announce the cancellation of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris 2025, originally scheduled for February 2025.

“This decision comes as a result of unforeseen changes in French government policies and ongoing regulatory developments in Paris, which are entirely beyond our control.

“While we are closely monitoring the evolving legal landscape, the current uncertainty surrounding licensing requirements has left us with no alternative but to cancel the February event.

“We are, however, exploring the feasibility of rescheduling EPT Paris at a later date.”

Julian Liarte – Business Development Manager for Live Events at PokerStars – told Poker.org: “EPT Paris last year was an incredible success, and we were very much looking forward to returning in 2025 with a packed schedule of events and engaging off-the-felt activities for our players.

“Unfortunately, changes in the regulatory environment, influenced by the current political situation in France, have resulted in the cancellation of the next edition scheduled for February.

“This decision was made with the deepest regret, as we believe that the City of Lights deserves to host the most prestigious poker tour. We remain hopeful that we will have the opportunity to return to Paris in the future.”

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