European Poker Tour (EPT)'s 20th Anniversary: Looking Back at the Past Ten Years

The European Poker Tour (EPT) has established itself as a battleground for poker’s finest, merging strategy, skill, and a sprinkle of luck to crown its champions. From its 11th season, the tour has been a spectacle of new talents and memorable moments, each season contributing to the EPT's prestigious legacy in the professional poker world.

This piece picks up from our exploration of the EPT's first decade, venturing into the past ten years to uncover the stories and champions who have defined this era.

Key Takeaways:

• The EPT has seen significant milestones, including its first Spanish EPT Main Event winner and the introduction of new locations.
• PokerStars Championship briefly replaced the EPT, marking a significant shift in the tour's history.
• The EPT rebounded with record-breaking events and memorable victories, including the tour's return post-COVID-19 pandemic.
• The 20th season of the EPT revisited familiar stops, breaking attendance records and witnessing historic wins.

Season 11 to 13: New Champions and the Introduction of PokerStars Championship

Season 11 of the EPT was a historic moment for Spain with Adrian Mateos becoming the first Spaniard to win an EPT Main Event. The season also marked the introduction of Malta as a new stop and the final EPT event in Deauville, France.

Dublin welcomed the EPT back in Season 12, and the season was enriched by winners like John Juanda and Hossein Ensan. Season 13, though comprised of only three festivals, was packed with drama, notably Sebastian Malec’s victory in Barcelona.

The Return of the EPT and Record-Breaking Events

2018 marked the return of the EPT with stops including a new location in Sochi, Russia. Maria Lampropulos's victory at the PCA Main Event was a highlight, making her the first woman to win the tournament.

2019 continued the tradition with record attendance at EPT Barcelona and Mikalai Pobal becoming a two-time EPT champion. The coronavirus pandemic affected the tour in 2020 and 2021, leading to limited live events and the inaugural EPT Online.

The EPT’s Resurgence Post-Pandemic

Post-pandemic, the EPT made a triumphant return with five stops in 2022, breaking attendance and prize pool records. The 2022 EPT Barcelona Main Event became the largest in history, with Guiliano Bendinelli emerging as the victor.

2023 saw the addition of new stops in Paris and Cyprus, with memorable victories including Mike Watson becoming a two-time EPT champion and Gilles Simon winning the inaugural EPT Cyprus.

Celebrating the 20th Season

The 20th season revisited the same five stops, starting with a historic turnout at EPT Paris. The season has continued to break records and deliver unforgettable moments, with the poker community eagerly anticipating the culmination of this landmark year at stops in Cyprus and Prague.

The EPT’s 20th anniversary is not just a celebration of poker but a testament to the enduring spirit of its community. It showcases the evolution of the tour, the emergence of new talents, and the unforgettable moments that have cemented the EPT's place in poker history. As the tour continues, it remains a beacon for poker's finest, promising more years of thrilling competition and storytelling.