PokerStars has announced the first three European Poker Tour (EPT) stops on its highly anticipated 2025 schedule, with the iconic tournaments returning to EPT Paris, EPT Monte-Carlo, and EPT Barcelona.
This announcement follows another successful year for the tour, including a memorable celebration of EPT’s 20th anniversary in 2024. As excitement builds, PokerStars has confirmed more events are yet to be revealed.
“We're excited to announce the first part of the calendar with the return of EPT Paris, Monte-Carlo, and Barcelona for 2025”, said Live Events Senior Business Development Manager, Julien Liarte. “These iconic stops have become cornerstones of the European Poker Tour, each offering unique experiences and unparalleled competition. We can’t wait to welcome players back for another incredible year of live poker.”
To secure a spot in EPT Paris, online satellites are already live. Players can win a €8,000 package that includes a €5,300 EPT Main Event buy-in, eight nights’ accommodation at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, and expenses. Additionally, players can win a €3,300 package to the France Poker Series Main Event, which includes a €1,100 buy-in, seven nights’ accommodation, and expenses.
Thomas Santerne raised to 6,000 from under the gun. Derk Van Luijk called in the hijack, as did Markkos Ladev, in the big blind.
The 2♠J♥J♠ flop checked through to the 4♠ turn and the 3♦ river. Ladev took the lead for a bet of one big blind. Santerne quickly responded with a raise to 20,000. Van Luijk folded and Landev made a reluctant call.
Santerne turned over 8♣8♦, sending Ladev's cards into the muck.
Markkos Ladev raised from middle position, Derk Van Luijk called on the button, as did Viacheslav Buldygin, in the big blind.
The 6♥4♠7♥ flop checked through to the 9♠ on the turn. Buldygin took the lead for 15,000 and only Ladev called.
The 4♥ river saw Buldygin size up to 31,000. Ladev tanked for some time before making the call. Buldygin instantly mucked his cards, allowing Ladev to claim this pot without a showdown.
Teun Mulder raised to 7,000, receiving calls from the hijack, button and big blind.
The 9♦2♦Q♠ flop saw the action check to Viacheslav Buldygin, on the button, who took the lead for 6,500. Only Mulder called.
The 5♥ turn saw a repeat of the action, this time Buldygin sized up to 35,000.
The 7♠ river prompted a third check from Mudler. Buldygin bombed the river with a bet of 105,000. Mulder tanked for some time before making the call. Buldygin instantly launched his cards into the muck, jokingly asking the table why none of them believed him. Mulder's correct call nearly doubled him up.
