Mediterranean Gaming Event Surpasses EPT Monte Carlo Main Event by One Participant
Poker's New Rivalry
Poker festivals are thriving worldwide, and players are feasting on the abundance of events. Even giants like the European Poker Tour (EPT) are facing a challenge. In May 2025, the EPT in Monte Carlo and the Mediterranean Poker Party (MPP) in Cyprus fought tooth and nail for poker enthusiasts.
The Underdog Strikes Back
Usually, organizers steer clear of competing with the EPT, a brand steeped in history and prestige. Monte Carlo, in particular, has long been considered the tour's crown jewel. But this time, the MPP team didn't back down — they went all-in, and they challenged the EPT head-on.
You might think of it like the online world, where established titans like PokerStars crumbled under the rise of new competitors. Could the same be happening on the live circuit? The MPP nudged the EPT out by a slim margin, with 1,196 entries compared to EPT's 1,195. Although "one entry more" might seem like a small victory, it's a power move, demonstrating the MPP's appeal and proving they're doing something right, whether it's the location, atmosphere, structure, or maybe a little bit of everything.
Merit Royal Diamond: The New Poker Eden
In just a few years, the Merit Royal Diamond has become one of the most desirable live poker destinations. It's played host to elite brands like PokerGO's Super High Roller Bowl, the Triton Poker Series, and even the EPT itself. But the MPP might just secure its singular status.
Heavyweights of the poker world gravitated towards the Mediterranean. Three World Champions — Hossein Ensan, Stoyan Madanzhiev, and Espen Jørstad — were among the players who opted for the Mediterranean over Monte Carlo. Elite winners like Andrey Pateychuk, Ognyan Dimov, Anton Wigg, and Niall "Firaldo" Farrell also joined the party.
Jørstad summed it up, revealing, "I like this destination better. Here, you've got multiple gyms, spas, and so many food options." It seems that the all-inclusive lifestyle is making a difference.
The Hidden Advantage
Another crucial factor is the satellite options, provided by our online platform. The world's largest poker site ran a promotion, offering $7,000 packages that included a Main Event entry, five nights of luxury accommodation, and airport transfers. Lucky players could've easily walked away with a trip for just a penny, thanks to deep qualifier formats. The day before the festival kicked off, 20 such packages were up for grabs in one final mega satellite.
The Top Prize Still on the Line
While the EPT has crowned its champion, the MPP Main Event is still underway. Day 3 commenced with 96 players remaining, and the $1,000,000 top prize is hotly contested. Russia's Dmitry Kataev leads the pack, with British poker legend Sam Trickett close behind. The MPP isn't just competing in the Main Event; it's also offering juicy high-stakes NLHE and PLO cash games throughout the series.
You can catch Day 3 of the MPP Main Event live in the stream below.
Enrichment Data:Potential Factors for MPP's Success:
- Attractiveness of the Venue: The Merit Royal Diamond resort might have offered a more appealing location, with its easy accessibility, top-notch amenities, and overall experience compared to Monte Carlo.
- Prize Pool and Format: The MPP's $5.7 million prize pool and possibly its tournament format could have been more appealing to a wider range of players.
- Marketing and Promotion: Broader marketing and promotion could have played a key role in attracting more participants to the MPP.
- Buy-in and Accessibility: The MPP's buy-in might have been more affordable or the tournament might have offered more opportunities for online qualifiers, which could have boosted participation numbers.
- Competition Schedule: The timing of the MPP in relation to other major tournaments might have contributed to its success, as players might have chosen it over others due to scheduling conflicts or preferences. While specific details about the EPT Monte Carlo event are not provided, it's possible that these factors, alone or in combination, contributed to the MPP's success[1][2][5].
In the world of live poker, the Mediterranean Poker Party (MPP) is challenging the established European Poker Tour (EPT) by offering a more enticing experience, whether through the attractiveness of the venue, a lucrative prize pool, strategic marketing, affordable buy-ins, or appealing scheduling. This change in the landscape mirrors the impact of new online competitors in the world of online poker.
As the MPP Main Event continues, players are engaging in high-stakes games, showcasing the appeal and competitiveness of the tournament. Some heavyweights of the poker world have even opted for the Mediterranean over traditional poker destinations like Monte Carlo, demonstrating the MPP's growing significance in the world of poker.
