Unibet Open Returns in 2026 With Paris Festival Announcement

mauritz-altikardes
12 Jan 2026
Mauritz Altikardes 12 Jan 2026
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  • Unibet Open returns in 2026 with Paris festival.
  • Main Event keeps focus on recreation and competition.
  • Side activities include popular bounty formats.
Unibet Open Paris
Unibet Open Returns, Relaunch in Paris
Unibet has announced the return of the Unibet Open in 2026, launching with a Paris festival from May 16 to May 25. 

Unibet has confirmed the return of the Unibet Open in 2026, ending a near four year absence of the standalone live poker tour. The relaunch begins with a full festival scheduled in Paris from May 16 to May 25, 2026.

This marks the first official Unibet Open stop since the tour last visited Malta in late 2022. While Unibet has remained active in live poker through partnerships such as the Unibet DeepStack Open, the Paris stop represents the return of the original Unibet Open format.

Paris Confirmed as Opening Stop for 2026 Season

The French capital will host the opening Unibet Open festival of 2026. The exact venue has not yet been disclosed in the initial announcement. Unibet described the release as an early save the date notice, with full scheduling details expected later.

Paris has become a major hub for live poker in Europe following the pandemic period. A Unibet Open stop in May is expected to attract players from across multiple European markets.

Core Features of the Unibet Open Format

Unibet has confirmed that the returning tour will retain the core elements that defined the Unibet Open brand for more than a decade. 

The Unibet Open Main Event has traditionally focused on accessibility for recreational players while remaining competitive for professionals. 

The well known structure allows deep play without excessive time pressure. Buy ins for 2026 have not yet been confirmed, though the tour historically operated around the €1,100 level.

Side Events and Mixed Formats

A full schedule of side events is expected to run alongside the Main Event. While no official list has been released, previous editions regularly featured Texas Holdem and Pot Limit Omaha events.

It would not be unexpected to see bounty tournaments included, with particular attention on Mystery Bounty formats that remain popular across European tours.

Off table activities have always been central to the Unibet Open identity. Player parties and organized social events are expected to return as part of the Paris festival. These elements helped differentiate the tour from more competition focused poker series.

Online Qualifiers and Travel Packages Expected

Unibet has indicated that online qualifiers will open on the Unibet Poker client ahead of the event. Historically, Unibet Open qualification packages have included more than just tournament entry.

Past packages often covered hotel accommodation, travel allowance, daily breakfast, and Main Event buy in. Similar offerings are expected once satellites go live.

Unibet stated that Paris is only the beginning of the 2026 Unibet Open season. This suggests additional stops could be announced later in the year.

While no further locations have been confirmed, the wording indicates a broader European schedule rather than a single standalone festival.

Why the Unibet Open Matters to European Poker

The Unibet Open has held a long standing position in the European live poker calendar. Its absence created a gap that was only partially filled by other mid stakes tours.

The return of the Unibet Open restores a format that emphasized balance between competition and player experience. The Paris relaunch signals renewed investment by Unibet in live poker events.

Players seeking updates on schedules, satellites, and formats are advised to monitor official Unibet announcements as more information becomes available.

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