Poker News

The EPT Grand Final will take place in Madrid in future - not Monaco.

European Poker Tour organisers took the decision after deciding a change of location was necessary to spice up the end-of-season finale.

PokerStars confirmed yesterday that the EPT Season 7 finale will take place in the glitzy Casino Gran Madrid from May 7-12.

EPT Chief Executive John Duthie said: "It is with the greatest pleasure that we are able to announce Casino Gran Madrid as the new venue for the EPT Grand Final.

"We wanted somewhere new, dynamic and inspiring, and knew that Madrid would tick all the boxes for the travelling poker player, regardless of age or desires. "The same familiar team will be running the event and the schedule will, I am sure, provide something for everyone.

"All the usual qualifying satellites will be held on PokerStars.com and other regional versions of the site, giving all players of all nationalities the opportunity to join us in launching from our new home. Hasta la vista!"

The highlight of the Grand Final festival will be the €10,000 main event, which is expected to attract a capacity field. There will also be a full schedule of side events including a €25,000 High Roller.

Team PokerStars Pro Daniel Negreanu said: "I'm excited about the move to Madrid and I'm looking forward to seeing what the capital has to offer.

"Poker is booming in Spain so you can expect a decent number of local players to attend and ensure a juicy prize pool."

Paula Arriaga Teruel, Deputy General Director of the Casino Gran Madrid, added: "Hosting the final of one of the most prestigious and important poker events in the world, after it was held in Monte Carlo for many years, notes the great professional work that the Casino Gran Madrid carries out every day. This decision confirms the Torrelodones Casino as one of the leading centres of poker in Europe."

Even Carlos Galbeño, the Mayor of Madrid, Torrelodones, got in on the action.

"The fact that the Casino Gran Madrid Torrelodones has been chosen to host the Grand Final of the seventh season of the European Poker Tour is great news for the Madrid community," he added. 

"However, it is especially important for our town, because not only will the event have a huge economic impact, it will also allow us to project our city as a prime tourist spot in Europe. I am sure that Torrelodones will rise to the challenge."

PokerStars has calculated the economic benefits of the EPT Grand Final to be more than €10,000,000, with over €5 million coming from player, spectator and media spend, and another €5 million coming from the value of media exposure, including TV broadcasts.

* To qualify for the EPT Grand Final (seat + expenses) register for one of the satellites on PokerStars