The gaming world is abuzz with major announcements from two industry giants, PokerStars and PokerGO, as they unveil transformative changes set to elevate poker experiences.
PokerStars is redefining European live poker with the launch of the PokerStars Open (PSO) in 2025. This new series consolidates beloved regional tours such as the UK & Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT) and Eureka Poker Tour under a unified banner. With six marquee stops, including three new locations, the PSO promises a fresh approach to poker, highlighted by €1,100/£1,100 Main Events featuring €1M/£1M guaranteed prize pools. Key destinations include Campione, Dublin, and Cannes, with tie-ins to iconic European Poker Tour (EPT) stops like Monte Carlo and Barcelona. PokerStars aims to create unforgettable poker experiences while offering flexibility for hosting premier tournaments across Europe. With rich schedules, accessible qualifiers, and vibrant new locations, the PSO is set to become a cornerstone of the European poker calendar, appealing to both recreational players and seasoned pros.
PokerGO has enhanced its poker broadcasting capabilities by acquiring PokerGFX, a leading provider of real-time poker graphics and statistics, from Alcotrack Pty LTD. Known for its cutting-edge technology and seamless integration of live stats, PokerGFX has set the standard in poker production. This acquisition enables PokerGO to enhance its broadcasts, including the PokerGO Tour (PGT), WSOP livestreams, and exclusive PokerGO Studio events, delivering sharper insights and richer visual experiences to fans. Existing customers of PokerGFX will experience a seamless transition, while the collaboration promises innovation and growth in poker entertainment. By combining PokerGFX’s expertise with PokerGO’s creative vision, the company reinforces its position as the ultimate destination for engaging and immersive poker content.
PokerStars Unveils the PokerStars Open: A New Era of European Poker Awaits
In a bold move that’s reshuffling the European poker landscape, PokerStars has announced the launch of the PokerStars Open (PSO), a brand-new live tournament series set to kick off in 2025. This announcement follows the cancellation of the European Poker Tour (EPT) Paris and speculation about the future of EPT Prague, signaling a strategic shift to revitalize the live poker scene across Europe. Replacing the beloved regional tours like the UK & Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT), Eureka Poker Tour, Estrellas Poker Tour, and France Poker Series (FPS), the PokerStars Open consolidates these events under one banner, creating a unified series with a fresh, flexible approach to live poker.
A Fresh Take on Live Poker
The PokerStars Open is set to feature six marquee stops in its inaugural season, with three brand-new destinations added to the roster. Each stop will be headlined by a €1,100/£1,100 Main Event boasting a €1 Million/£1 Million guaranteed prize pool. This commitment to significant guarantees, coupled with a diverse tournament schedule at each location, promises to draw players from all corners of the globe.
“Our PokerStars Open stops are going to provide players with incredible experiences, with each location having its own unique feel that will come together as a European series that both ladders up to the EPT and stands on its own,” shared Cédric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events Operations at PokerStars.
With the PSO, PokerStars aims to deliver unforgettable poker experiences while catering to the community’s desire for travel and variety. The flexibility of the PSO allows PokerStars to bring million-guaranteed events to iconic European destinations, some of which are brand new to the PokerStars live calendar.
2025 PokerStars Open Schedule So Far
Here’s a sneak peek at the exciting destinations and dates for the PokerStars Open’s inaugural year:
- PokerStars Open Campione: Casino Municipale, Campione, Italy, March 10-16
- The Irish Open: The Royal Dublin Society (pictured above), Dublin, Republic of Ireland, April 10-21
- PokerStars Open Namur: Circus Casino Resort, Namur, Belgium, May 28 to June 9
- PokerStars Open Malaga: Gran Madrid Casino Torrequebrada, Malaga, Spain, June 16-22
- PokerStars Open Manchester: Casino Manchester235, Manchester, UK, October 20-26
- PokerStars Open Cannes: Casino Barriere Le Croisette, Cannes, France, December 8-14
The series also ties into the prestigious European Poker Tour, with PokerStars Open Main Events planned at EPT Monte Carlo (April 30–May 10) and EPT Barcelona (August 18–31). These two EPT staples will undoubtedly add extra sparkle to the calendar.
A New Dawn for European Poker
The PokerStars Open is more than just a rebranding—it’s a chance for PokerStars to expand its reach and bring high-stakes poker action to new markets. The inclusion of cities like Cannes, Manchester, and Campione alongside established poker hubs like Dublin reflects a forward-thinking approach designed to appeal to a broad range of players.
Beyond the Main Events, each stop will feature a rich array of side events, catering to recreational players and seasoned pros alike. For those looking to join the action without breaking the bank, satellites and feeder tournaments are available on the PokerStars platform, ensuring accessibility for all.
Why This Matters?
The PokerStars Open is a statement of intent. By bringing poker to new venues while retaining the prestige of flagship events, PokerStars is doubling down on its commitment to the live poker community. The cancellation of EPT Paris may have cast a shadow, but the launch of the PSO feels like a breath of fresh air—a well-timed innovation that breathes life into Europe’s poker scene.
For players, the PokerStars Open is an invitation to explore, compete, and experience poker in some of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast or a seasoned pro, the PSO promises thrilling competition, million-dollar prizes, and memories that will last a lifetime.
PokerGO Levels Up: Acquires PokerGFX to Revolutionize Poker Broadcasting
PokerGO, the world’s largest poker content company, and premier streaming platform, has gone all-in with a strategic move that promises to elevate the poker viewing experience to new heights. The company has officially acquired PokerGFX, the industry leader in poker card graphics and real-time statistics, from Alcotrack Pty LTD. This landmark acquisition, facilitated through PokerGO’s subsidiary, PokerGFX LLC, underscores PokerGO’s relentless pursuit of delivering the most engaging and immersive poker broadcasts to fans around the globe.
What is PokerGFX?
For poker enthusiasts and broadcasters alike, PokerGFX has been the gold standard in poker production technology. Known for its cutting-edge graphics and real-time data integration, PokerGFX enhances the viewing experience by providing seamless, visually captivating, and stats-rich coverage. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual fan, PokerGFX’s innovations have brought the game to life in ways that were once unimaginable. Now, with PokerGFX under its wing, PokerGO is set to expand its creative and technological arsenal, ensuring that every hand dealt on screen feels more dynamic, informative, and exciting than ever before.
A Winning Hand for Poker Fans
This acquisition is more than just a business deal—it’s a game-changer for poker content. As part of its continued commitment to excellence, PokerGO will integrate PokerGFX’s technology across its productions, enhancing everything from the PokerGO Tour (PGT) and WSOP livestreams to exclusive broadcasts from the PokerGO Studio.
“We are thrilled to welcome PokerGFX to the PokerGO family,” said Mori Eskandani, President of PokerGO. “The proven track record of PokerGFX in delivering superior poker graphics and live stats aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the most entertaining and comprehensive poker coverage in the world. This acquisition will allow us to create an even more engaging and immersive experience for our viewers.”
Seamless Transition for Partners
For Alcotrack’s existing customers, it’s business as usual. PokerGO has assured that the business-to-business operations of PokerGFX will remain unchanged, ensuring a seamless transition for current partners. With PokerGO’s resources and expertise, PokerGFX is poised for growth, and its services will continue to meet the high standards the industry has come to rely on. Andrew Milner, Founder of Alcotrack and the creative mind behind PokerGFX, expressed his excitement about the partnership: “We’re excited to join forces with PokerGO. Together, we will deliver exceptional poker broadcasts that captivate fans around the globe.”
What This Means for the Future of Poker Content?
This acquisition is a significant milestone in PokerGO’s evolution as the ultimate destination for poker content. From high-stakes cash games to iconic tournaments and original programming, fans can expect even more polished, data-driven, and visually compelling broadcasts. For viewers, this means sharper insights, richer graphics, and an enhanced connection to the action unfolding on the felt. Imagine watching a WSOP final table with real-time data at your fingertips, or tuning in to a PGT® high-stakes showdown where every chip movement is beautifully visualized and analyzed.
A Vision of Poker Entertainment
PokerGO has always been about pushing boundaries, and the addition of PokerGFX to its portfolio reinforces its leadership in the poker entertainment space. By combining PokerGFX’s technological prowess with PokerGO’s creative vision, the future of poker broadcasting looks brighter than ever. So, whether you’re a fan glued to your screen for every turn and river, or a broadcaster seeking top-tier production solutions, PokerGO’s latest move ensures that poker’s next chapter will be one of innovation, engagement, and unforgettable moments.