Can’t make it to Vegas? The best non-WSOP live events to play this summer

The focus of the entire poker world is currently pointed directly onto the Nevada desert, more specifically the Las Vegas strip and the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

That series is in the thick of it, but what other live poker events are going on around the world for those of us who can’t make it to Sin City?

Here, we’ve cherry-picked some of the most attractive poker festivals this summer, with great schedules, affordable buy-ins, and big prizes up for grabs.

Have a read then start booking your holidays.

PLAYGROUND SUMMER MILLION

Due to tax reasons, many Canadian poker players decide to skip the WSOP and play online at home instead.

But if the live poker bug is nibbling away at you, you’re in luck.

The Playground Poker Club in Quebec is running its inaugural Summer Million festival from June 21 to July 3, with 10 ring events over 13 days.

Highlights on the schedule include a $500,000 guaranteed Main Event, a PG300 with $200,000 guaranteed, a pair of Mystery Bounty events, plus six additional side events.

Head here for more info.

SUMMER FESTIVAL MALTA

Over in Europe, the biggest live event of the summer is taking place on the gorgeous island of Malta – easy to fly to, and just a two-hour boat ride from stunning Sicily.

The PokerStars Summer Festival Malta runs from June 27-July 2 at the Intercontinental Hotel in St Julian’s. In your downtime away from the tables, you’ll be able to explore this historic country, take in some of the amazing local cuisines, and get a tan on one of the many beautiful beaches.

But if you’re not interested in any of that, you won’t get bored in the poker room. There are 19 tournaments (including satellites), headlined by the:

• High Roller: June 27-28 – €2,200
• Main Event: June 28 – July 2 – €1,100
• Cup: June 30 – July 2 – €330
• Live on Stars: June 30 – July 1 – €550
• Super High Roller: July 1 – €5,300

You can qualify on PokerStars now.

You’ll find more info here.

ESPT CASTELLON

When you’re done in Malta, you’ve got the PokerStars Estrellas Poker Tour (ESPT) Castellon festival taking place from June 29 through to July 9.

Castellon – referred to as the “Pearl of the Valencian Community” – is hosting its first maiden ESPT stop at the Orenes Gran Casino, located right on the seafront.

Satellites are running on PokerStars right now.

Key events include:

• CEP Main Event: June 29-July 2 – €500
• CEP Mini: July 1-2 – €200
• ESPT High Roller: July 3-5 – €2,200
• ESPT Main Event: July 5-9 – €1,100
• ESPT Cup: July 7-9 – €330

Click here to find out more.

UKIPT BLACKPOOL

Over in the UK, poker players will be flocking to Blackpool – dubbed “the Vegas of England” – for the UK and Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT).

The series runs from July 11-16 at the Grosvenor Casino Blackpool with 13 different tournaments, including:

• UKIPT Cup: July 11-13 – £330
• Main Event: July 13-16 – £1,100
• High Roller: July 15-16 – £2,200

Again, qualifiers are running on PokerStars as you read this.

For more info, click here.

UNIBET DEEPSTACK SANREMO

From July 11-17, players near France and Italy should head to Sanremo for the Unibet Deepstack Open (UDSO) series, which usually averages around 450 players per event.

Taking place at Casino Sanremo, this is a very affordable poker stop right next to the water, perfect for a family holiday combined with a bit of poker action.

The €550 UDSO Main Event runs from July 13-16, plus there are plenty of side events too.

Check out more info here.