EPT Monte Carlo Schedule Released by Poker Stars

In what will be one of the richest main events outside of the United States, Poker Stars European Poker Tour has announced that it will wrap up its fifth season in Monte Carlo.  Over the span of one week from April 27 to May 3, fourteen tournaments will be held all leading up to its highlight, the Monte Carlo Grand Final which is the €10,600 main event.

Last year, 822 players competed in last year’s main event and Poker Stars has made the claim that it is expecting a main event field of more than 1,000 players this year.  John Duthie, European Poker Tour founder had to say, “The EPT Grand Final now sits at the very pinnacle of world poker events and will prove a massive draw for top players from all over the globe. It looks set to be an incredible week.”

The tournament will follow a new structure with 30,000 in starting chips and 60 minute levels on Day 1.  The levels will be extended to 75 minutes on Day 2.  Aside from the dazzling main event, two other tournaments in the series will likely attract poker player’s attention.  The series will be hosting a European High Roller Championship featuring a €25,500 buy in held May 1 – 3 and a European Pot Limit Omaha Championship, held May 2 – 3.  Another new feature for the European Poker Tour is Poker Stars players’ ability to buy in for the event using their Poker Stars accounts as well as earn Frequent Player Points for doing so.

Satellites for the main event are currently under way on Poker Stars under the ‘Satellites’ tab in the ‘Tournaments’ section.  Below is the schedule for the 2009 European Poker Tour Monte Carlo Grand Finale: