The Unibet Open sits in a very specific part of the live poker ecosystem targeting mid-stakes players with a tour that is accessible, and built around qualifiers rather than high rollers.
It’s been a regular stop for UK players over the years, especially those coming through online satellites, and it returns in 2026 with Paris as the first confirmed stop.
Unibet Open 2026 at a Glance
Confirmed stops of the popular live event tour called Unibet Open is only Paris so far, the relaunch starts in the capital of the France - where the majority owners of Kindred/Unibet are based.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Next stop | Paris, France |
| Dates | 16–25 May 2026 |
| Main Event buy-in | €1,100 |
| Format | Deepstack, 60-min levels |
| Partner series | Unibet DeepStack Open (UDSO) |
Unibet Open Paris Schedule
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 14–15 May | Satellites & warm-up events |
| 16 May | UDSO Main Event Day 1A |
| 17 May | UDSO Day 1 flights |
| 18 May | UDSO Day 2 / side events |
| 19 May | Unibet Open Main Event Day 1A |
| 20 May | Main Event Day 1B |
| 21 May | Final Day 1 flight + Day 2 |
| 22 May | Day 3 |
| 23 May | Day 4 |
| 24 May | Final Table |
| 25 May | Closing events |
Alongside the Main Event, the schedule is filled with daily side events, satellites and nightly tournaments across a range of buy-ins.
What is Unibet Open?
Unibet Open is a European live poker tour built around:
- Mid-stakes buy-ins
- Satellite-driven fields
- Mixed player pools (qualifiers + direct entries)
- Consistent structures across stops
It’s not trying to be the biggest tour, it’s designed to be playable and historically - this tour has been tailored to bring in a lot of online qualifiers... the fields are easy.
Unibet Open History
- Launched: 2007
- Core markets: Europe
- Typical Main Event buy-in: €1,000–€1,100
- Known stops: London, Copenhagen, Tallinn, Bucharest, Malta, Las Vegas (once)
Early Years
The tour gained traction quickly by focusing on online qualifiers rather than high buy-ins.
That created fields with a high percentage of recreational players, something that became a defining feature.
That created fields with a high percentage of recreational players, something that became a defining feature.
Growth Phase
Through the 2010s, Unibet Open became a consistent fixture on the European calendar, with strong attendance across multiple cities.
UK stops, particularly London, drew large fields and regular UK participation.
UK stops, particularly London, drew large fields and regular UK participation.
Recent Years
After the 2023 edition in Bucharest, the tour paused.
With the sale of whole Kindred Group in 2025, the new owners FDJ made sure to put live events in the road map again.
The 2026 Paris stop marks its return.
The 2026 Paris stop marks its return.
Notable UK Results at Unibet Open
UK players have consistently been present deep in Unibet Open events rather than dominating outright.
| Year | Event | Player | Place | Total Prize Pool | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Unibet Open London Main Event | Jonathan Schuman | 2nd | £314,100 | £49,483 |
| 2018 | Unibet Open London Main Event | Christopher Yong | 3rd | £314,100 | £28,080 |
| 2018 | Unibet Open London Main Event | Oliver White | 5th | £314,100 | £16,000 |
| 2018 | Unibet Open Dublin Main Event | Paul Jux Holderness | 1st | €359,000 | €74,900 |
| 2018 | Unibet Open Dublin Main Event | Michael Brock | 6th | €359,000 | €14,050 |
| 2019 | Unibet Open London Main Event | Daniel James | 1st | £410,400 | £80,200 |
| 2019 | Unibet Open London Main Event | Ben Winsor | 2nd | £410,400 | £48,600 |
| 2019 | Unibet Open Malta Main Event | Alan Carr | 1st | €327,000 | €53,400 |
| 2019 | Unibet Open Malta Main Event | Matthew Ireland | 8th | €327,000 | €8,610 |
| 2020 | Unibet Open Dublin Main Event | Martin Olali | 1st | €294,000 | €64,110 |
| 2020 | Unibet Open Dublin Main Event | Jamie Nixon | 8th | €294,000 | €7,740 |
How To Qualify to Unibet Open
Unibet Open has always leaned heavily on satellites and usually offers these set-ups:
Online Satellites
- Step systems from low stakes
- Direct qualifiers to Main Event seats
- Package satellites including travel/expenses
On-Site Satellites
- Daily qualifiers during the festival
- Lower buy-in entry points into Main Event flights
Route Cost Range Step satellites €1–€50 Direct qualifiers €50–€200 Full buy-in €1,100
FAQ Unibet Open
Is Unibet Open good for UK players?
Historically, yes. The qualifier-heavy model suits UK online players moving into live events and the opponents are usually online qualifiers which suits more seasoned and experienced live poker players.
Can I buy in to Unibet Open or do I need to qualify online?
Direct buy-in is always available, but a large part of the field comes through satellites.
Where can I qualify to Unibet Open?
The only online operator that offers online qualifier to Unibet Open is Unibet.
What is the buy-in to the Main Event at Unibet Open?
The Main Event buy-in at Unibet Open is usually €1,100.