PokerStars Cancels EPT Sochi Amid Ukraine Crisis

The European Poker Tour (EPT) Sochi event, originally scheduled for March 18th to 27th, was pushed back to October 1st to 10th, but has now been canceled. PokerStars stated that an event will not be held in Sochi until it is safe for staff and players, and appropriate to do so.

Dutch pro Joris Ruijs publicly called for a boycott of EPT events unless PokerStars canceled the EPT Sochi event due to the invasion of Ukraine. Ruijs tweeted, “Statement on #EPTPrague:#IStandWithUkriane” along with a picture.

Legendary Lithuanian pro Antanas “Tony G” Guoga offered his resort to Ukrainian families seeking refuge. Guoga tweeted, “It’s time for everyone to help the people of Ukraine. My resort is open to those families that are seeking refuge. The first family just arrived today. Let’s all think of ways we can help. If you have people that need help please contact [email protected].” He followed this up with an appeal for his charitable foundation, promising every cent would go towards helping “Ukrainians seeking asylum escape the hell of war....”