Don't let the sun go down on your summer. There's a €250,000 guaranteed France Poker Series (FPS) tournament taking place on the high rolling French Riviera this September. It's the perfect way to finish up the season, taking in some late summer sun on the coast on the PokerStars beach before going back into the Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino to smash up the opposition.
Online satellites are available everyday on PokerStars.fr and PokerStars.com, which you can find by clicking 'Events' > 'More' > 'FPS'. We asked Team PokerStars Pro Julien Brécard why (except for the €250,000 guarantee and chunky festival schedule - see below) you should try to qualify for the €1,100 tournament.
"Cannes is one of the best cities in France to play poker. There are a lot of players that like to play mid and high stakes, and I think we can expect more than 400 players to turn up. In September, the weather is really nice and we will be able to go to the private beach Pokerstars rents for the festival. I really love playing the FPS, the atmosphere is so special and really great. I think some players come for the partying as much as they come for the tournament!" said Brécard.
And if that wasn't enough incentive, then how's about getting some tips on how to take on his countrymen?
"French live players are usually 40+. They love playing deep and they can be very hard to play when they have big stack. They like to see lot of flops and also a lot of turns so they can be tough to bluff. From my point of view, their leaks are especially when they are below 30 big blinds, because a lot of them think they play the same pace as when deep-stacked. I would recommend playing a lot of hands when you cover them but be sure that you have a real hand when you are covered. Let them bluff if you have strong hands even if sometimes means you miss some value," he said.
And if that wasn't enough...
"Good luck and the first beer is on me if you come to Cannes!"
Monday September 23
1. 20:00, Satellite FPS Main Event*, €100+10, 1 Rebuy + 1 Addon
Tuesday September 24
2. 20:00, Satellite FPS Main Event*, €135+15, Freezeout
Wednesday September 25
3. 19:00, Satellite FPS Main Event*, €45+5, Unlimited Rebuys / 1 addon double
4. 21:00, Side Event - THNL Turbo, €200+20, Freezeout
Thursday September 26
5. 13:00, FPS Main Event - Day1A, €1,000+100, Freezeout
6. 19:00, Side Event - THNL Knockout**, €225+25, Freezeout - Knockout
7. 20:00, Satellite FPS Main Event***, €100+10, 1 Rebuy + 1 Addon
Friday September 27
5. 13:00, FPS Main Event - Day1B, €1,000+100, Freezeout
8. 19:00, Side Event "Peace And Sport Charity" - THNL ****, €270+30, Freezeout
9. 20:00, Satellite High Roller, €200+20, 1 Rebuy + 1 Addon
Saturday September 28
5. 13:00, FPS Main Event - Day2,
10. 14:00, Satellite High Roller Turbo, €225+25, Freezeout
11. 17:00, FPS High Roller - Day1, €2,000+200, 1 Re-entry
12. 20:00, Side Event - THNL "Foldingo", €80+20, Unlimited rebuys + Triple Addon - Turbo
Sunday September 29
5. 13:00, FPS Main Event - Final Day
11. 14:00, FPS High Roller - Final Day
13. 14:00, Side Event - THNL Ladies Event, €50+10, Freezeout
14. 15:00, Side Event - THNL "Win The button", €180+20, Freezeout
Find out more about FPS SunFest Cannes here.
Rick Dacey is a staff writer for the PokerStars Blog.