PokerStars’ Billot Talks EPT Paris and the Challenges of the Tour

Why EPT Paris Isn’t Over Yet

For Billot, the cancellation of EPT Paris 2025 is only a temporary setback. “One hundred percent,” he said when asked if the event will return once France’s licensing issues are resolved. Paris, after all, quickly became a favorite stop on the EPT calendar when it debuted earlier this year.

But France’s current political climate has made planning impossible. The “Clubs de Jeux,” the gaming clubs that host poker tournaments in Paris, face potential shutdowns due to licensing complications. Without a clear framework in place, PokerStars had no choice but to cancel the February event. Billot, however, remains optimistic. The moment the regulatory mess is cleared up, Paris will be back on the map.

Prague, Cyprus, and Everything After That

With Paris off the schedule for now, it’s safe to say that the poker rumor mill is in overdrive. Prague, a long-time favorite for players, and Cyprus, a newer addition to the EPT, are at the center of much of the speculation. Billot, however, was quick to set the record straight.

“We haven’t announced anything beyond Barcelona,” he explained, emphasizing that any talk of future destinations is just that — talk. And while he enjoys a little buzz, Billot insists decisions about each EPT stop are carefully thought through.

The process is anything but simple. “If we’re not sure it’s going to be amazing, we wait,” Billot says. For now, he encourages fans to keep the rumor mill running — it shows exactly what the tour means to so many.

Building a Tour That Stands the Test of Time

PokerStars’ long-term goal for the EPT is clear: to create a series of iconic stops that players can count on year after year, like tennis’s Grand Slam events. But getting there is no small feat. Regulations in some countries change frequently, making previously viable destinations — like Amsterdam or Prague — suddenly off-limits.

“Regulation is key,” Billot said, pointing out that the tour has to adapt to the ever-shifting gaming landscape. For example, PokerStars can no longer host events in Amsterdam due to its exit from the Netherlands’ online gaming market. And while Prague remains a beloved stop, the company’s recent departure from the Czech market makes its future there uncertain.

Logistics also play a huge role. The EPT isn’t just about the Main Event; it’s about side events, massive player fields, and broadcast setups that require enormous venues. Hotel conference centers and exhibition halls often take priority over traditional casinos because of their size and flexibility. Billot explained that PokerStars’ standards for venue quality and player experience are non-negotiable, and finding spaces that check all the boxes isn’t easy.