2,992 entries and six starting flights helped push the prize pool to over $5 million
The 2026 PokerStars Open Paris €1,650 (US$1,945) No-Limit Hold’em Main Event attracted a massive crowd, with 2,992 entries recorded across six starting flights. The turnout created a prize pool of just over $5 million. Action played out at the Palais des Congrès in the heart of Paris.
After several days of combined-field competition, Hungary’s Patrik Demus captured the title. He earned $650,286 for the victory, the largest score of his career. The win pushed his lifetime tournament earnings beyond the $1 million mark.
A total of 448 players finished in the money. Among those making deep runs were familiar names like Eugene Katchalov and Antoine Labat. The final table featured a mix of experienced pros and emerging talents from across Europe.
The last day began with six players remaining, led by Sweden’s Adam Martinsson. Demus started fourth in chips but steadily climbed the leaderboard. French contenders Sebastien Seguin and Benoit Grobocopatel exited early in the final session.
Momentum shifted when Demus eliminated Martinsson in fourth place. Shortly after, Lulei Hu fell in third, setting up a heads-up duel with France’s Enzo Nicolas. A key hand saw Demus call down a bluff attempt, taking control of the match.
Nicolas collected $408,551 as runner-up, while Demus closed out the win soon after. In addition to the prize money, he secured valuable Player of the Year points, moving up the 2026 standings. The event reinforced Paris as one of the strongest stops on the European poker calendar.
