WPT and EPT Schedule Overlap Addressed

The World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship and the European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo stop events are scheduled to overlap each other, frustrating a number of players, interested in both. WPT President Adam Pliska has recently addressed the issue.

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There are increasing concerns on players’ part about the overlap in the schedules of this season’s WPT World Championship and EPT Monte Carlo. Last week, WPT published the specific dates for events in the second half of the ongoing season and it immediately caused players to worry, as the two events will be taking place simultaneously. Apparently, WPT event organizers have been aware of the conflict and negotiated with EPT officials the options to let interested players attend both festivals.

Several industry professionals expressed their concerns via Twitter, as Pokerfuse.com reports:

“Hey @PokerStarsEPT is there a way to change the schedule of EPT grand final forward a couple days or week to help @wpt champ sched?” Scott Seiver asked.

“The primary objective for @WPT scheduling should be avoiding conflicts with @PokerStarsEPT events but there are 3 conflicts next year,” Todd Terry posted.

The $15,400 WPT World Championship, which will be televised, will run from 22 to 26 April 2014 at the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa and the EPT Monte Carlo takes place from 23 April to 3 May 2014 at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort. While no launch date is specified as yet for the EPT Main Event, traditionally it kicks off the festival. Nevertheless, WPT President Adam Pliska addressed the issue, saying that the overlap is marginal and only WPT Main Event final table players would miss the EPT Main Event.

“The final table of the WPT Main event occurs on Saturday April 26, and Day 1A of the EPT Main Event occurs on the same day. Day 1B of the EPT Main Event takes place on Sunday April 27, and players are able to enter prior to the start of the EPT Day 2 on Monday April 28,” Pliska confirmed.

He went on to explain that they do everything in their might to serve the best interest of the players and the schedule overlap could not be avoided this year. However, as a novelty, the WPT World Championship visits the US East Coast for the first time, making it easier for players to leave for EPT Monte Carlo, if so they wish.