Yes, we are a month away from the 2024 World Series of Poker. There are probably thousands of poker players, however, who will not be able to make it to Las Vegas for the festivities, especially those outside of the States. PokerStars is looking out for these players in announcing four different tournaments that will rove across the European continent at the close of the WSOP to give all poker players a chance at a “moment in the sun.”
Action Begins in Germany
The Eureka Poker Tour is one of the regional circuits that is sponsored by PokerStars, and they will be the first to add to the storied history of the tour (has been around since 2011). Coming off an exciting stop in 2023, the Eureka Poker Tour will head back to the Casino Schenefeld for the Eureka Hamburg. From July 1-7, the Eureka Poker Tour will hold a €1000 Main Event, along with plenty of side events and cash game action for players to take part in. PokerStars ambassador Felix Schneiders is expected to be in attendance for the series.
The Casino Barcelona has long been a popular stop for the main European Poker Tour schedule, with the EPT Barcelona celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024. A player who remembers Barcelona well is Lex Veldhuis, who will be bringing his Lex Live festivities to the Spanish city from July 9-15 after visits to both Namur and London. During that six-day run, Veldhuis will play host to a Main Event that is only €400 (plus juice), but there will probably be more fun to be had in the side events and various activities that Veldhuis is organizing for players.
Two more special events will be held to round out the summer schedule. Cyprus’ Merit Crystal Cove Hotel & Casino will play host to the Dolce Vita Series, right before the Grosvenor Casino in Coventry brings its Goliath tournament to England. That Goliath event, with a buy-in of £160, is expected to draw well over 10,000 entries and might challenge the 2023 record of 11,493.
PokerStars Summer Events for Main Circuits
The United Kingdom/Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT) and Estrellas Poker Tour (ESPT) will combine for a trip to Malaga in June that should draw those who have not already jetted off for Las Vegas. The UKIPT/ESPT Malaga will feature a Main Event that goes for the low price of €1000; that tournament will be held between June 12-16. The ESPT Malaga Cup, a €500 event, will play out on June 15-16, while the ESPT High Roller will open the festival on June 11-12 with a €2000 buy-in tournament.
All roads will be leading to Barcelona, however, and the 20th Anniversary of the EPT Barcelona. PokerStars is expected to make every effort to impress for this historic achievement (not many poker tournaments make it this far), which plays out from August 26-September 8. Final scheduling is being settled at this time, but there will be something for all on the Mediterranean coast for the EPT Barcelona.
Toss in the UKIPT stops in London and Nottingham later this year, the France Poker Series beginning next week, and the EPT Monte Carlo getting started next week, there should be plenty of poker action to keep those European players who could not make it to the U. S. busy despite missing the WSOP.
