EPT Prague: Some valuable insider’s info in our Prague FAQs
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You’ll have an incredible time playing poker whenever the European Tour Poker (EPT) makes it to Prague. And you’ll have a tremendous time visiting a city that is rightly considered one of Europe’s undisputed gems. But if you’re possibly a tiny bit apprehensive about what to expect, that’s only natural. And here are the answers to a few Prague FAQs to give you some more insight.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM EPT PRAGUE?
Prague has been one of the EPT’s most popular destinations since its first appearance on the tour in 2007. With the exception of the Covid years, there’s been an EPT Prague festival every December since then — and a bonus event in March 2022 as the world began to emerge from the pandemic.
You can expect a perfect poker venue in the Hilton Prague, where many players sleep, eat and play all under one roof. It’s a top-ranking international hotel with a massive conference facility, which plays host to most of the tournament action. Side rooms on the mezzanine level of the hotel are also utilised for cash games and side events.
The reigning EPT Prague champion, Pedro Marques
There’s something to play all hours of the day, with the showpiece events attracting massive fields. All tournaments and cash games are run to the highest standards. The EPT has been doing this a very long time and is industry-leading in its live events operation.
Away from the poker tables, there are bars and restaurants on site, but the stunning city of Prague is also only a short walk, subway trip or taxi ride away. It’s probably cold outside, but it’s very well worth exploring this incredible city.
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HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL PLAY?
The EPT Prague Main Event has attracted more than 1,000 entries every year bar one since 2013. Last year, there were 1,458 entries to the Main Event, which was a new record. Although the December poker calendar has grown very busy over the past few years, and it’s likely that the heights of 2024 might not be reached again, Prague has held firm with buoyant numbers. You should expect something close to 1,000 entries for the Main Event again. (There’s a single re-entry available to players who bust on either of the Day 1s.)
EPT Prague is always bustling
But that’s not all. The PokerStars Open and PokerStars Open Cup events similarly attract huge numbers to play and are among the most popular low-to-mid stakes events on the global poker calendar. Their buy-ins have been raised slightly this year, to €1,650 and €825, respectively. But these will still be hugely popular events.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
There’s nothing really we can say here that isn’t covered by the comprehensive guide on the EPT website.
That said, remember the tournament takes place inside officially-licensed casino premises, so you’ll need to pass a security check and register with the casino to play. You’ll be given a wristband every day that will allow you to pass in and out of the venue more quickly. Check any big coats at the cloakroom before play.
The EPT is very good with signposts, so look for signs directing you to the registration desk. There’s also an information desk in a prominent position inside the tournament area, as well as plenty of staff wearing STAFF polo shirts. Feel free to ask them for help.
I’VE BUSTED THE MAIN EVENT. CAN I PLAY ANYTHING ELSE?
You certainly can. Take a long look at the EPT Prague schedule and you’re certain to find something that takes your fancy.
The filters at the top of the page allow you to sort the events by game type, buy-in, start date and end date, so you can be sure to pick the game to suit your particular preference and travel plans.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I’M NOT PLAYING POKER?
As always, the EPT is committed to providing the best event experience for all players and their guests, and this expands beyond just the poker tables. The full activities guide for this year’s EPT Prague lists numerous meet-ups, happy hours, drinks receptions and even a singalong.
Always plenty to do away from the tables
There’s also the change to tap into the EPT wellness community which offers free pilates, yoga and padel sessions. On the subject of fitness, the Hilton Prague has an excellent gym and swimming pool on its mezzanine level. Be sure to make the most of it.
Beyond that, Prague is your oyster. The Christmas season is by far the best time to visit this city and it’s absolutely imperative that you explore the stunning Old Town, getting lost among its cobbled streets before emerging into one of its charming market squares, illuminated beautifully at this time of year with Christmas lights.
St. Vitus Cathedral, at the heart of the Prague Castle complex, is one of Europe’s most visited attractions, reached by foot over the equally renowned Charles Bridge. Take a wander up there to get some wonderful views over the city. There are also numerous excellent museums and galleries scattered across Prague.
Stay active and stay fit with the EPT Wellness Community
All the usual publications have all the details you’ll need about the city, but Prague also has the excellent Honest Guide, which gives a unique local’s perspective.
WHERE’S GOOD TO EAT?
In short: Prague. It’s good to eat pretty much anywhere in Prague. This is truly among the best cities in the world to eat out. This applies across the board, for all budgets. There are Michelin-starred restaurants here, serving all types of cuisine, but there are also many, many high-quality noodle and ramen bars, vegetarian and vegan restaurants, fast food outlets and family-owned restaurants serving traditional local fare.
Starting closest to the tournament: there are several restaurants on site at the Hilton, including just inside the main entrance (come in and look left), in the mezzanine bar (climb up the stairs on the left), and food trucks outside the casino-level entrance. Across that same car park, you’ll also find Veggie Garden selling excellent vegetarian food that makes a tremendous lunch option.
It’s not all roasting ham (but some of it is)
In the mall behind, there’s a supermarket called Albert, where you can buy snacks for your room, as well as a Costa Coffee. Walk all the way through the mall and there’s a Lidl supermarket.
If you turn in any direction from there, Prague fans out in front of you with literally thousands of options along pretty much every street.
HOW DO I GET TO THE OLD TOWN?
Prague is a very walkable city and though the Hilton Prague is slightly out of the Old Town, it’s still very much in easy reach on foot. Broadly speaking, just find a way across the highway outside the main entrance to the hotel and then keep walking in the same direction. You’ll end up in the Old Town.
More specifically, the most direct and easiest route to the Old Town is to leave the Hilton via the lower ground floor exit, beside the casino entrance. Walk across the car park and through the shopping mall. Then, with the Lidl supermarket across the street, turn right and keep walking. You’ll need to cross a busy junction opposite McDonald’s (watch out for trams), but you’ll then be on Na Poříčí, a main street that runs all the way to the Náměstí Republiky city square. This is immediately outside the Old Town, which you can access through the imperious Prašná brána, or Powder Tower.
It’s well worth the trip to the Old Town
Navigating through the Old Town streets is a little difficult if you’re in a hurry, but allow yourself plenty of time to follow the crowds down to the main Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí). This is unmissable, with a busy Christmas market and huge Christmas tree in the middle of it.
From there, you can follow brown signs (or, again, follow the crowds) to the Charles Bridge (Karlův most), which will take you over to the castle complex. Prepare for a steep but stunning upward hike to the Cathedral. It’s very much worth it.
There’s plenty more information on all of the above in our EPT Prague Travel Guide.
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