European Poker Tour Announces Preliminary Schedule for Season 11
Season 10 of the European Poker Tour is still going strong with the PokerStars.com and Monte-Carlo® Casino European Poker Tour Grand Final about to kick off in Monaco, but the tour is already gearing up for its next season. On Wednesday, the EPT released some of the dates for Season 11, beginning with Europe’s largest-ever poker festival in Barcelona to celebrate the 100th EPT stop.
The EPT Barcelona Poker Festival will join the Estrellas Poker Tour from August 16-27, 2014. More than 9,000 entries competed in this season's Barcelona Poker Festival, and the EPT is expecting to set new European prize pool and attendance records when it returns to Casino Barcelona next season.
Also returning to the EPT schedule are stops in London, Prague, Deauville and Monte Carlo, with more expected to be announced at a later date. Here's a look at the preliminary schedule:
| Event | Festival Dates | Main Event Dates |
|---|---|---|
| EPT Barcelona | Aug. 16-27, 2014 | Aug. 21-27, 2014 |
| EPT London | Oct. 8-18, 2014 | Oct. 12-18, 2014 |
| EPT Prague | Dec. 7-17, 2014 | Dec.11-17, 2014 |
| EPT Deauville | Jan. 27-Feb. 7, 2015 | Feb. 1-7, 2015 |
| EPT Grand Final | April 29-May 8, 2015 | May 2-5, 2015 |
Among the changes already announced for Season 11 include a dedicated €200 Seniors Events (for ages 50+) at most stops; a reduction in buy-in (from €300 to €200) for all Women’s Events; and a reduction of the entry fee for the EPT London Main Event.
Once again there will also be a €10,000 Championship Series event at every stop, giving players a chance to show off their skills in a variety of different formats, including heads-up, pot-limit Omaha and 8-game. Next season, players will have more opportunities to qualify online for these events.
"Season 10 has been a tremendous success and we've had some great feedback from players who welcome the even greater variety of events at the festivals and the wide range of buy-ins," said EPT President Edgar Stuchly. "Partnering the local tours means our events are more accessible than ever before and we pride ourselves on providing the most professional playing environment available anywhere in the world. We will be building on this formula in Season 11 and, as always, constantly striving to enhance the player experience."
