EPT Malta and EPT Prague Are Back — But What Does It Mean for the Future of the Tour?

The Long-Awaited Return of EPT Malta

Let’s face it, the Mediterranean island of Malta is no stranger to top-tier poker events. And yet, this stop has been missing from the EPT schedule since 2016. Fortunately for players favoring warmer climates, PokerStars has now decided it’s time for a comeback, with EPT Malta set to take place from October 1-12, 2025, at the InterContinental Malta.

The festival will feature a €5,300 Main Event, alongside high rollers, mystery bounty tournaments, and a guaranteed variety of side events. In addition to the flagship EPT tournament, the PokerStars Open will also take place from October 1-6, featuring a €1,100 Main Event with a €1 million guarantee. This lower buy-in event is part of a broader strategy of offering more accessible tournaments alongside the premier tour stops.

Because of its reputation as a poker hub, returning to Malta seems like a no brainer. The island has long been a favorite among professionals and recreational players alike, thanks to its warm climate, vibrant nightlife, and well-established poker scene. The last EPT Malta winner, Aliaksei Boika, took down the 2016 Main Event for €355,700.

EPT Prague Is Back Despite Uncertainty

On the other hand, EPT Prague has been a December staple since 2007, and despite speculation that PokerStars would move its winter event elsewhere, the Czech capital will once again host a year-end poker spectacle. The festival is scheduled for December 3-14, 2025, at the Hilton Prague.

The 2024 edition of EPT Prague saw record-breaking attendance, with 1,458 entries in the Main Event generating a €7,071,300 prize pool. Portugal’s Pedro Marques walked away with the title and a €963,450 payday after a heads-up deal with Paul Runcan. The question now is: will 2025 bring an even bigger field?

As with Malta, the PokerStars Open will also be featured in Prague from December 3-8, giving players a more affordable entry point into high-level live poker action.

Barcelona and Monte Carlo Still on the Schedule

Before Malta and Prague were confirmed, PokerStars had already announced two other EPT stops:

• EPT Monte-Carlo will take place from April 30 – May 10, returning to its luxurious setting at Sporting Monte-Carlo.
• EPT Barcelona, one of the most popular stops on the tour, will run from August 18-31 at Casino Barcelona.

Barcelona, in particular, has been a consistent player-favorite, hosting some of the largest fields in EPT history. Just remember that the 2024 EPT Barcelona Main Event drew 1,975 entries, making it the fourth-largest in the tour’s history.

EPT 2025 Schedule at a Glance

PokerStars Open 2025