How to win a Gold Pass to EPT Prague through the PokerStars Sunday Grand

Find out how to take part in the SUNDAY GRND promotion on PokerStars and get a chance to win a Gold Pass to the prestigious EPT Prague tournament. Detailed structure, terms, and prizes.

The SUNDAY GRND promotion on PokerStars offers a unique opportunity for players from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to progress from an affordable $2.20 online tournament to participating in the prestigious European Poker Tour (EPT) series in Prague. The main prize is a Gold Pass worth $10,300, which opens the doors to EPT Prague in December 2026. In this article, we break down the structure of the promotion, participation requirements, and explain how to reach the final and what prizes await the top players. Structure and Format of the SUNDAY GRND Promotion SUNDAY GRND is a series of weekly qualifying tournaments that started on August 23 and will run until November 8. Each Sunday qualifier begins at 19:00 Central European Time (CET) and has a buy-in of just $2.20. The tournament format is standard for PokerStars: players receive starting stacks and compete for a prize pool formed from all participants’ buy-ins. The main feature of the promotion is not only the cash prizes but also the chance to reach the final. The top three players from each qualifier receive tickets to the SUNDAY GRND Final, which will take place on November 15 at 19:00 CET. Thus, up to 36 spots in the final will be awarded over 12 weeks (three from each tournament). It’s important to note that you only need to finish in the top three to reach the final—winning the qualifier is not required. This increases the chances for a wide range of participants, as even a third-place finish keeps you in the running for the main prize. Prize Pool: Gold Pass and Spade Pass SUNDAY GRND finalists are automatically registered for the SUNDAY GRND Final after the last qualifier ends. It is in this final tournament that the main prizes of the promotion will be decided: 1st place: Gold Pass worth $10,300, granting entry to EPT Prague 2026 2nd and 3rd places: Spade Pass worth $109 each The Gold Pass is not just a tournament ticket, but a full participation package for one of Europe’s most prestigious poker events. EPT Prague will take place from December 2 to 13, with the Main Event starting on December 7. The Main Event final and the crowning of the champion will be on December 13. The $109 Spade Pass is an extra incentive for those who don’t take first place but still achieve a strong result in the final. Who Can Participate and What Are the Dates? The SUNDAY GRND promotion is available exclusively to PokerStars players located in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Qualifying tournaments are held every Sunday from August 23 to November 8. Each tournament starts at 19:00 CET, which is convenient for most European players. To participate, simply register on PokerStars, meet the regional requirements, and pay the $2.20 buy-in. There is no limit to the number of attempts—a player can enter each of the 12 qualifiers, increasing their chances of reaching the final. Last Chance: Qualifier During GRND Live XI For those who didn’t make it to the final in the first 11 qualifiers, there is one last chance—the 12th qualifier, which will take place on November 8. This tournament coincides with the GRND Live XI series, adding extra excitement and attention from both players and organizers. As before, the buy-in is $2.20, and the top three participants will receive tickets to the final. After this last qualifier, all finalists are automatically registered for the SUNDAY GRND Final, which will be held on November 15. This is the last chance for those who want to compete for the Gold Pass and head to Prague for the EPT. Schedule and Structure of Qualifiers and Final Qualifying tournaments: every Sunday from August 23 to November 8, starting at 19:00 CET, $2.20 buy-in SUNDAY GRND Final: November 15 at 19:00 CET EPT Prague: December 2-13, Main Event from December 7 to 13 Each qualifier features a standard prize pool, which depends on the number of registered participants. In addition to cash prizes, the top three players from each tournament receive tickets to the final. Up to 36 spots in the final will be awarded in total. The final offers the main prize—a $10,300 Gold Pass, as well as two $109 Spade Passes for second and third place. Tournament Table and Prizes 1st place in the final — Gold Pass worth $10,300 (entry to EPT Prague) 2nd place in the final — Spade Pass worth $109 3rd place in the final — Spade Pass worth $109 Each qualifier also features a prize pool that depends on the number of participants. The exact payout amounts are determined by the standard PokerStars payout structure and are announced after registration closes. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players For PPPoker club members, this promotion is a great example of how even with a minimal buy-in, you can get a shot at participating in major live events. The SUNDAY GRND structure shows that regular qualifiers with small buy-ins can be an effective tool for discovering talented players and increasing audience engagement. Organizing similar qualifiers within PPPoker clubs can attract new members and boost interest in regular events. A format with multiple qualifying stages and a final helps maintain excitement over several weeks and motivates players to return for more attempts. It’s also worth noting the automatic registration of finalists and the transparent prize distribution system—such solutions make promotions convenient and attractive for players of all levels. Using these ideas can help PPPoker clubs create their own unique events and strengthen community loyalty.