Poker Pros in Prague: How to Give Up Energy Drinks and Improve Concentration

Find out why EPT Prague 2025 participants are choosing smart alternatives to energy drinks to maintain focus and endurance at the poker table.

When December arrives, Prague becomes a magnet for the best poker players from Europe and around the world. During this period, from December 3 to 14, 2025, Hilton Prague hosts one of the longest and most action-packed stops of the European Poker Tour (EPT) — EPT Prague. This tournament series is renowned not only for its organization and atmosphere, but also for demanding maximum focus, endurance, and the ability to stay cool-headed through long playing sessions. In recent years, professionals have increasingly moved away from traditional energy drinks in favor of more modern and effective solutions to support mental performance. One such solution is the MADMONQ® chewable supplement, which has quickly gained popularity among high-level players. Why professionals are switching to MADMONQ® instead of energy drinks Traditional energy drinks have long been companions of poker players, especially in the late stages of tournaments when fatigue and loss of focus can be costly. However, these drinks have significant drawbacks: a sharp spike in sugar and caffeine is followed by a crash, irritability, and jitters, leading to decreased productivity. MADMONQ® offers a fundamentally different approach: instead of a short burst of energy, it provides long-lasting support for mental endurance and concentration. MADMONQ® is based on a scientifically backed formula: natural caffeine, L-theanine (a substance that smooths out the effects of caffeine), adaptogenic herbs, and a complex of vitamins and minerals that support not only focus but also vision and overall endurance. The product contains no sugar or carbonation, and doesn’t cause sharp “ups” and “downs” in energy. Instead, players get steady, stable support — exactly what’s needed for multi-day poker marathons. One of the most famous supporters of MADMONQ® is professional player and popular Twitch streamer Lex Veldhuis. According to him, this supplement has become a real secret weapon for maintaining focus during long sessions: “MADMONQ® is one of the main factors that helps me stay sharp, concentrate, and keep my energy at the right level.” This kind of feedback especially resonates with those who have experienced fatigue in the deep stages of tournaments or during marathon streams, when even the slightest loss of focus can cost you the whole tournament. EPT Prague: a test of endurance EPT Prague is not just another stop on the European Poker Tour calendar. It’s one of the longest and most demanding stages, where players spend 10-12 hours a day at the tables, competing in tournaments with multi-level structures and deep stacks, which requires not only skill but also patience. By the third day, many participants find it increasingly difficult to stay focused — not because of a lack of skill, but simply due to physical and mental exhaustion. In these conditions, not only physical but also mental endurance is crucial. The ability to stay calm at two in the morning, make the right decisions while tired, and recover quickly for the next day — these are the qualities that set successful players apart at EPT Prague. MADMONQ® was created for exactly these kinds of marathons: it helps maintain mental clarity and energy without spikes and crashes. Anyone who has ever played the Prague stop knows how tough this series is. In addition to intense play and a vibrant festival atmosphere, there’s the factor of winter in Prague, which also requires some adjustment. That’s why more and more professionals are rethinking their approach to energy management: instead of quick caffeine fixes, they’re opting for more thoughtful and sustainable solutions. Prague and MADMONQ®: shared roots It’s no coincidence that MADMONQ® is especially popular in Prague. This brand was born in the very heart of the Czech Republic — a city that has long been considered the winter poker capital of Europe. Every year, Prague brings together some of the strongest players at the EPT: both young stars and seasoned veterans looking to end the year with a big win. The historic city’s atmosphere, vibrant poker scene, and high level of service make the Prague stop the perfect year-end finale for many professionals. The story behind MADMONQ® reflects the spirit of Prague: a team of health and productivity experts set out to create a product that would help gamers and professionals maintain focus and energy without harming their health. That’s how this supplement quickly became part of the culture not only among esports players, but also among poker pros. For many players, participating in EPT Prague is a kind of return to their roots, since MADMONQ® is not just another sponsor, but a brand that grew out of Prague’s own poker scene. How to prepare for EPT Prague like the pros With just weeks to go before EPT Prague, thousands of players are already making travel plans and developing their preparation strategies. Whether you’re entering the Main Event with a €5,300 buy-in or planning to play satellites and side events, your success depends not only on the cards, but also on how well you’re prepared for the marathon. Five tips for preparing for EPT Prague: Treat the tournament like a marathon, not a sprint. You’ll face long hours at the table, constant pressure, and countless micro-decisions. Start training your endurance in advance — both mental and physical. Choose your food and drinks wisely. Stay hydrated, eat balanced meals, and avoid sharp spikes in sugar and caffeine. To maintain focus without a crash, consider supplements like MADMONQ®. Don’t forget about recovery. Between playing days, prioritize quality sleep and rest. Even short walks or stretches between levels help reset your mind. Maintain emotional balance. Emotional control is just as important as physical preparation. In moments of variance, the winner is the one who stays calm. Think long-term. Whether this is your first EPT or your fifth, success comes to those who can stay consistent throughout the whole series, not just in a single tournament. EPT Prague is not only a chance to compete for big prizes, but also an opportunity to test yourself in conditions where every detail — from nutrition to sleep schedule — can affect your final result. Tournament structure, dates, and features of EPT Prague 2025 EPT Prague 2025 will take place from December 3 to 14 at Hilton Prague. It’s one of the longest stops on the European Poker Tour calendar, featuring not only the Main Event with a €5,300 buy-in, but also numerous satellites, side events, and cash games. The multi-level structure and deep stacks allow both positional play experts and patient grinders to shine. Participants will have to endure playing sessions of 10-12 hours, which requires a special approach to preparation. In previous years, EPT Prague has regularly attracted both seasoned professionals and ambitious newcomers, and the series is famous for its hospitality, high level of organization, and vibrant off-the-table program. Prague in December is not just about poker, but also the unique atmosphere of a European city rich in history, Christmas markets, and cozy cafes, making a trip to the EPT especially memorable. Player feedback and impact on the poker community The shift by professionals toward smarter and safer energy solutions like MADMONQ® is noticeably influencing tournament preparation culture. More and more players are noting that avoiding sugar and synthetic stimulants helps them maintain focus longer and recover faster between sessions. Endorsements from well-known figures like Lex Veldhuis only increase trust in the product and help spread it among poker players worldwide. When every hand in the late stages can be decisive, a smart approach to nutrition, recovery, and maintaining mental balance becomes an essential part of success at major series like EPT Prague. What this means for PPPoker club players For PPPoker club members, the experience of professionals at EPT Prague can serve as a great example of why it’s important to pay attention not only to strategy at the table, but also to overall preparation for long sessions. Even in online games, where there’s no physical presence in the room, long tournaments and marathons require a smart approach to maintaining focus and energy. Using modern supplements like MADMONQ® can help PPPoker players avoid the sharp crashes in performance typical of energy drinks and sugary beverages. It’s also important to balance play and rest: regular breaks, proper nutrition, and a good sleep schedule can significantly improve results even in online clubs. Finally, the example set by top professionals shows that poker success is made up of many details. Take care of your well-being, learn from the best, and adopt effective habits — this will help you not only win more often, but also enjoy your time at the PPPoker clubs even more.