Poker Tournaments in 2025: UK & Global Schedule

Major Poker Tour Schedules 2025: WSOP, EPT & WPT

Some poker tournaments are just too good to miss. They’ve got huge prizes, famous players, and that electric vibe. Here are three of the biggest ones you’ll want to know about this year.

World Series of Poker (WSOP)

The World Series of Poker, or WSOP, is like the World Cup of poker tournaments. It started back in 1970 in Las Vegas by a guy named Benny Binion. Now, it’s the biggest show in town, happening every summer at Horseshoe and Paris casinos. In 2025, it’s scheduled from May 27 to July 16, with 100 events where winners get a gold bracelet. The Main Event, where you pay $10,000 to play no-limit Texas Hold’em, is the one everyone talks about. Last year, over 10,000 people played, and 2025 might top that. You can get in cheap through online games on WSOP.com or GGPoker, starting at just $1. There’s also WSOP Europe in Rozvadov, Czech Republic from September 17– October 8.

 

World Poker Tour (WPT)

The World Poker Tour kicked off in 2002 and brings poker to fancy international places. You’ll see events with buy-ins from $3,500 to $25,000, and winners get their name in the Champions Club. In 2025, the WPT World Championship at Wynn Las Vegas is big. Last year, a player named Scott Stewart won over $2.5 million there. You can join through games at casinos like Commerce or online at WPT Global. It’s on TV, so it’s perfect for cheering on your favourite players from home.

 

European Poker Tour (EPT)

The European Poker Tour, or EPT, which began in 2004, is run by PokerStars and visits unique cities like Paris, Monte Carlo, and Barcelona. You can get in for as little as £5 through online games on PokerStars. Whether you’re playing or just watching, the EPT’s lively crowd makes it unforgettable.

 

EPT Malta 2025

Back after nearly a decade, EPT Malta is set to light up Casino Malta from October 1–12, 2025. This 12-day festival, one of Europe’s biggest poker tournaments in 2025, features a €5,300 Main Event and a PokerStars Open with a €1,100 buy-in. You can expect a lively crowd, with side events like high rollers and affordable games for all levels. Held at InterContinental Malta in St Julian’s, it blends top-tier poker with a sunny island vibe. You can qualify online via PokerStars from as little as £5, or watch the action on their YouTube and Twitch channels. It’s a perfect mix of competition and holiday fun.

2025 Poker Tournament Calendar & Schedule

There’s a poker tournament happening almost every month in 2025, from Las Vegas to London. Here’s a quick look at some key ones. Pop over to WSOP.com, WorldPokerTour.com, or PokerStarsLive.com for the latest details before you plan your trip, as dates might shift a bit.

Poker Tournaments in the UK 2025

The UK is buzzing with poker tournaments in 2025, and there’s something for every budget. Here are the top ones to mark down. Check PokerDiscover.com for entry fees and last-minute sign-up info.

 

How Do Poker Tournaments Work

Poker tournaments can feel like a wild ride, but they’re simple once you get the hang of them. You pay a buy-in to get chips, then play until you’re out of chips, or win it all. Unlike cash games, where you can walk away anytime, tournaments keep going until there’s a winner, and the last player with chips takes the top prize, but others near the top get cash too, depending on the prize pool. Knowing the different types helps you pick the right game.

Types of Poker Tournaments

There’s a poker tournament for every kind of player.

• Sit and Go games start when enough people, usually 6 to 10, sign up.
• Multi-table tournaments, like the WSOP Main Event, have hundreds or thousands of players across tables.
• In freezeout tournaments, you’re eliminated if you lose all your chips.
• Rebuy tournaments let you buy more chips for a bit, giving you a second chance.
• Satellite tournaments give you a seat in a bigger event instead of cash, which is awesome for new players on a budget.
• Online poker tournaments, like PokerStars, let you play from your couch. Live poker tournaments, like the EPT, have a fun, in-person energy.

Most use Texas Hold’em, but some mix in Omaha or Seven Card Stud for variety.

Where to Watch Poker Tournaments

You don’t have to play to love poker tournaments. Watching pros go head-to-head is a thrill on its own. Big events stream live on YouTube, Twitch, or PokerGO. The WSOP Main Event is on PokerGO, which needs a subscription, but you can catch free highlights on YouTube. EPT events stream free on PokerStars’ YouTube and Twitch channels. For UK poker tournaments, check PokerStars Live or the event’s website for streams. Some places, like The Hippodrome, post updates on X or their sites. 

Top Poker Players to Follow

Poker tournaments are more fun when you know the stars. Daniel Negreanu, or @RealKidPoker on X, has six WSOP bracelets and a gift for guessing what others are holding. He has 53 scheduled events in 2025, so you’ll see him a lot. 

Xuan Liu, a WPT Global Ambassador, made history as the first woman to win a Triton Poker title this year. She’s a rising star. Calvin Anderson’s been crushing it lately and shares cool tips about staying healthy while playing. Follow them on X or check PokerNews.com to see what they’re doing in 2025.