PokerStars EPT Prague returns in December
This year, vaccinations, plus the natural waning of the virus, have made live poker tournaments possible. That means EPT Prague will run from Dec. 8 to 19, assuming there aren’t any last-minute restrictions introduced.
It’s been a long time since we hyped up an EPT event, but the European Poker Tour is back with a popular destination just before Christmas, so you can cap off your 2021 with a fun trip to Prague and have a chance to pad your bankroll while spending time in one of the most majestic cities in the world.
Right after the Iron Curtain fell, Prague had become a tourist destination and hot spot. Everything looked cool especially the architecture and the old-school beer halls. It made sense that PokerStars wanted to add Prague as a destination on the European Poker Tour. It’s one of the coolest cities on the planet and the cultural hotbed for Eastern Europe.
The EPT kicked off their first stop in Prague in 2007. Since then, the Prague and the EPT have gone hand-in-hand. Well, with one exception. The pandemic shuttered live poker events around the globe, especially the EPT where many events went online because after all… PokerStars started as a virtual poker room to connect players from all over the world.
“We’re so excited to welcome our community back to our live poker felt with one of our most famous and well-loved poker tours,” said Severin Rasset, Managing Director of Poker at PokerStars. “It’s been such a long time coming and we’ve been working tirelessly and monitoring the situation carefully so that no stone is unturned for a safe return to live events and a great experience for our players.”
It’s been a long time coming with the pandemic restrictions easing up due to widespread vaccinations and overall increased health and safety protocols, but the European Poker Tour finally makes its triumphant return with the EPT Prague.
“The health and safety of players and staff is of paramount importance and we have a number of measures in place to ensure everyone attending feels comfortable and confident,” added Rasset.
PokerStars is finalizing the schedule, but players can expect 12 days of tournaments and cash games at the Hilton Hotel Prague. In addition to direct buy-ins, there will be online satellites starting at just €1.10 ($1.25).
There will be five prize packages worth €7,200 ($8,300) up for grabs on PokerStars’ international network. Winners will receive a free seat in the EPT Prague Main Event along with an eight-night hotel stay, and money for travel expenses. PokerStars will also be offering a variety of satellites and prizes packages for players on its Spanish and French networks.
Although the full roster of events is yet to be published, three tournaments have been confirmed:
■ Dec. 9 -13: €1,100 EPT National
■ Dec. 13-19: €5,300 EPT Main Event
■ Dec. 17-19: €10,300 EPT High Roller
PokerStars’ managing director, Severin Rasset, made clear at the event’s announcement that there will be COVID-19 safety precautions in place throughout the festival.
For EPT Prague specifically, PokerStars has set out the following rules:
■ Players must wear a face mask inside the casino.
■ Players must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before they can enter the venue.
■ Players will be given a temperature scan as they enter the casino.
■ Social distancing will be in place throughout the venue, with players being kept two meters apart, where possible, when not at the table.
■ Personal protection equipment (PPE) will be available on request.
■ All players and staff will be encouraged to sanitize their hands on a regular basis.
■ PokerStars, in conjunction with the Hilton Hotel Prague, will perform enhanced cleaning routines throughout the casino.
