PokerStarwood

European Poker Turn

The EPT, little brother of the World Poker Tour

It is clear that without the phenomenal success of the WPT, the EPT would never see the day. Indeed, only a year after the successful broadcasting of the WPT appeared its European equivalent.

So, in 2004 with a great support of Pokerstars, the leading online poker company, the EPT finally arrived. Pokerstars became also the major partner of the EPT, its name associated with that of the EPT. Thanks to Pokerstars who propose a considerable number of qualifications for the EPT tournaments, and who regularly send more than 150 players to each EPT tournament, that the success of the EPT was imminent.

Unlike the World Series of Poker, the European Poker Tour takes place all year long. Its big finals happen in Monte Carlo. With 10,000€ of the inscription fees it became one of the most expensive tournaments of the year.

The EPT, 4 seasons of success

The EPT became successful starting from its very first season. With 8 tournaments programmed during the series, its objectives have been reached after the very first tournament.
One of the most remarkable results was the victory of Pascal Perrault during the first season of EPT, held in Vienne.
From the very beginning the major difference between the WSP and the EPT was in the buy-in. Indeed, during the first three seasons of the EPT, the buy-in between EPT and WPT differed by half. But during the fourth season, the EPT's buy-in went up to 5000 € and 7500 € and up to 10,000 € during the Monte Carlo finals. Taking into consideration the decline of Dollar against Euro, the EPT became by far the most expensive tournament. If the WPT will not decide this year to raise the buy-in of its tournaments, this tendency should continue for the 5th season.