The PokerStars 2023 France Poker Series is well underway with three events already taking place. The FPS has seen two events in Paris, the first held from February 15th to the 26th and the second between July 15th and 23rd.
Sandwiched between the two Paris events was the Monte Carlo tournament from April 26th to May 6th. The two remaining French events take place in Aix-les-Bains and Aix-en-Provence in October and November.
Paris
The Hyatt Regency Paris Étoile was the setting for the Paris FPS between February 15th and February 26th. The cashless venue had a casual dress code for the tournament and the three main events were the FPS High Roller game with a €2,200 buy-in, the FPS Cup with a €550 buy-in, and the Main Event that was held from the 16th to the 20th with a €1,100 buy-in.
The event had 2,071 entries and a prize pool of €1,988,160. The eventual winner was 23-year-old Alan Goasdoue who pocketed €287,830. One of the most surprising things about his victory was that he qualified via PokerStars online. This allowed the French player access to the tournament despite living in Malta. Online poker games are especially popular among professionals who are able to practice different poker games easily. The legality of online casinos in France is slightly tricky with some restrictions in place. However, according to actufinance.fr, poker is permitted, giving amateurs the opportunity to practice their skills in the hopes of becoming the next Alan Goasdoue.
France celebrated a total of 4 players in the top 8 with Jean-Luc Labryga ensuring a top two for France and a €179,950 paycheck. Roger Taieb came fourth and earned €98,870, while Thibault Reverdito’s seventh-place finish earned him €44,990.
Monte Carlo
The Monte Carlo leg of the France Poker Series had a busy schedule with the FPS Main Event being held between April 26th and 30th with a €1,100 buy-in. This was won by Daisuke Ogita of Japan who beat Rubens Sellam from France to the trophy and a prize pot of €307,160.
This event alone saw an impressive field of entries totalling 2,138 compete for a total prize pool of €2,052,480. The number of entrants and the prize pool were both records for the event.
French competitors made up 36% of the competitors for this main event with three competitors finishing in the top 8. Second place Rubens Sellam took €191,940 from the prize pool. Quentin Laugt finished in 5th place and scooped €81,130, while Adel Rahou earned €48,010 for his seventh-place finish.
Paris
A return to Paris in July saw the FPS held at the Stade Jean-Bouin. From July 15th to the 23rd. The FPS Main Event was held from the 18th to the 23rd with a €1,100 buy-in. There were two separate high roller events with the first taking place between the 17th and 19th with a €2,200 buy-in. The Super High Roller event took place between the 21st and 23rd with a €3,300 buy-in.
The FPS Main Event saw five French players in the top 8, with Tanguy Drouin finishing highest in second place. He earned €132,440 for this performance, but it was the Italian Lorenzo Arduini that took home the title and a cheque for €211,000.
Aix-les-Bains
The next stop on the France Poker Series is Aix-Les-Bains in the Southeast of the country. The dramatic mountain scenery will play host to a schedule that is yet to be announced.
What we do know is that the event will be held at Casino Grand Cercle between October 3rd and 8th. The Main Event will have a €1,100 buy-in and the High Roller event will have a €2,200 buy-in.
As usual, we expect a strong showing from French entrants that have featured prominently in the top 8 of the main events so far this year. Entrants must be over 18 and there will be a smart casual dress code at the event.
More details about events and registration will be made available closer to the event. As with all FPS events, 4% of the prize pool will be withheld to cover the cost of dealers and floor staff.
On-site buy-ins will be possible with cash, credit card, and via a PokerStars account.
Aix-en-Provence
The final destination of the France Poker Series is Aix-en-Provence in the South of France and close to Marseille. The event will take place at the Pasino Grand between November 10th and 19th.
The FOS Main Event and High Roller Event have the usual buy-ins of €1,100 and €2,200 respectively. As this is a longer event than the FPS Aix-les-Bains tournament in October, poker players can expect a wider choice of games to get involved in. The schedule and registration details will be released closer to the event.
Players must be over 18 and have a passport or valid ID to take part. The casino also has a smart casual dress code.
