The European Poker Tour (EPT) is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year, marking two decades since its inception. Over the past 20 years, the EPT has become synonymous with high stakes, luxury, and opportunity, producing scores of new millionaires and maintaining its reputation as one of the most elite series in the world of competitive poker. The annual EPT Monte Carlo festival, held at the lavish Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, continues to be one of the circuit’s crown jewels, drawing seasoned professionals and ambitious newcomers alike to the Riviera’s glitzy tables.
For those within the poker community, the Monte Carlo leg embodies the glamour and allure often associated with the game. Renowned commentator Joe Stapleton recently described the event as encapsulating the fantasy version of poker familiar to many through films, with tuxedos, fast cars, and an air of sophistication pervading the scene. Stapleton observes that, while there are many perceptions of poker—ranging from informal home settings to the vast spectacle of Las Vegas—Monte Carlo stands apart for its striking blend of tradition and prestige.
Noah Boeken, a well-known Dutch player who competed in the inaugural EPT in 2005, spoke warmly of the event’s enduring magic. Now in his mid-forties, Boeken remains captivated by the tournament atmosphere. “The energy in the room is something I still find inspiring,” he shared, describing the unique architecture and the ritual of the curtains rising to reveal breathtaking views over Monte Carlo Bay. For veterans like Boeken, having witnessed the EPT’s growth firsthand, the festival is both a source of nostalgia and fresh excitement.
The EPT Monte Carlo draws a broad spectrum of competitors, each seeking a share of the multi-million euro prize pool. With an entry fee of €5,300—although some players claim their seats through lower-cost satellite events—the stakes are undeniably high. Out of nearly 1,200 participants this year, only the top slice walk away with a prize, with the winner set to claim a seven-figure sum. Boeken, who navigated a tense elimination stage, earned just under $10,000 for his efforts this year, a sum dwarfed by the tour’s most lucrative payouts but still significant amid fierce global competition.
Adding to the festival’s appeal is its A-list clientele. Not only do top-ranked poker professionals make their mark, but the tables are also visited by stars from various walks of life. Over the years, sporting legends and entertainment icons—from Boris Becker and Neymar to film star Kevin Hart—have graced Monte Carlo’s felt, highlighting poker’s unique capacity for bringing together the celebrated and the anonymous.
James Hartigan, a familiar voice on PokerStars broadcasts since 2008, reflected on how the EPT’s celebrity reach contributes to its allure. For many, the excitement lies in the prospect of sharing a table with both world-class pros and world-famous personalities, or perhaps with a neighbour from back home. Hartigan notes that the diverse pool of participants is what makes live poker so unpredictable and compelling.
While a handful of familiar faces such as Finnish pro Patrik Antonius have remained fixtures on the circuit, the post-pandemic resurgence has seen some seasoned players return to the live arena after rediscovering poker online. Antonius, perhaps Monte Carlo’s best-known regular, continues to compete at the highest stakes and exemplifies the enduring competitiveness of the game’s leading lights.
Beyond prestige, the Monte Carlo high stakes tables have seen their fair share of drama and extravagance. Tales circulate of players arriving by yacht and signing up for the €100,000 Super High Roller on a whim—only to bust within minutes and return to the waves. The aura of opulence is enhanced by the staggering sums on offer, with millions distributed among the final table finishers.
Despite dramatic changes in poker strategy and player skill since the early days, much of the tournament’s fundamental appeal remains unchanged. As Hartigan astutely observes, Monte Carlo continues to evoke powerful memories for players and fans alike, standing out as “the most beautiful poker room in the world”. From sweeping views over the bay to the theatrical drama of the final table, the festival’s pull remains as strong as ever.
This year, the honour of EPT Monte Carlo champion went to Aleksandr Shevliakov, who captured the coveted seven-figure prize amidst stiff competition. As the professional poker caravan moves on to its next destinations in Barcelona, Malta, and Prague, an unchanging truth persists: for those who crave challenge and champion status, the EPT Monte Carlo festival endures as one of poker’s most cherished proving grounds.