The world's largest poker site - today announced that the EPT Grand Final will be the most watched live poker show ever, with numerous countries set to air the coverage to an estimated 500,000 people across Europe, Russia and Canada.

This is a historic moment for poker, as PokerStars delivers live poker on TV to a large audience by terrestrial, satellite and online channels across the European Union, Russia and Canada. Spectators from around the world will be able to see all the action of the most crucial stages of Europe's most prestigious poker tournament - and all from their own homes.

Alfredo Alvarez Jardon, Marketing Director Casino Gran Madrid, said: "We are pleased to be part of this major step forward in poker broadcasting in Europe. It's significant in that it means many people will be able to watch the action from so many countries, further positioning the Gran Casino Madrid as one of the leading centres of poker in Europe."

Grand Final closing stages

The final table on May 12 will commence at 14.00 CET, broadcast live on PokerStars.tv (no hole cards shown) until play gets down to the final four players. At this point there will be a break in play, the players will be sequestered, and play will recommence at 21.00 with live hole cards recorded and played out on a two-hour delay. The broadcast will begin airing across Europe from 23.00 CET until a winner is crowned.

The live broadcast will take place on these networks in the following countries:

- Germany: Sport 1 - 23.30-03.30 CET (German commentary) - Netherlands: RTL7 - 01.30-End of play CET (Dutch commentary) - Spain: Antenna3 - 01.45-04.45 CET (Spanish commentary) - Russia: TV3 - 23.00-03.00 CET (Russian commentary) - Romania: Sport.ro - 23.00-03.00 CET (Romanian commentary) - Slovenia: Sport TV - 23.00-03.00 CET (Slovenian commentary) - Belgium (North): Jim - 23.30-End of Play (Dutch commentary) - Belgium (South): Plug RTL - 23.30-End of Play (French commentary) - Canada: The Score - 23.00-04.00 CET (English commentary)

- PokerStars.tv: 23.00-End of play (English, Spanish, German, Russian, Dutch, Italian)

Live poker broadcasts

Live webcasts of EPT tournaments have been a resounding success over the past three seasons, typically broadcast on PokerStars.tv with hole cards concealed. But following similar broadcasts with hole cards revealed during the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) in January this year, the concluding action from the EPT Grand Final will also be shown with cards up. A two-hour delay between action and broadcast ensures players' security is not compromised, as PokerStars will put to work its technology and staff to ensure the highest levels of security and integrity in the game.