European Poker Tour Set To Rock Barcelona

The third most visited city in the whole of Europe, once you’ve seen the magic of Barcelona it is easy to understand why so many people flock here for a break. From the breathtaking architecture and golden sandy beaches to the rich history and exquisite culture, Barcelona has it all. Photographers, foodies, beach bums, and sightseers will all find something to love about this amazing city.

Which is perhaps one of the reasons why it is always chosen as a destination for the European Poker Tour. Located at the legendary Casino Barcelona, the European Poker Tour is set to return on 21st August 2018.

Following on from the EPT Sochi, in which Russia’s Arsenii Karmatckii finished above 861 entrants to win €409,893 and the EPT Monte Carlo, in which Sam Greenwood continued his dominance by winning the €100,000 Super High Roller, the stakes are high for the EPT Barcelona. The best players from around the world will compete for the coveted title of the next EPT winner.

But, it’s not always the professionals who win.

Just ask last year’s winner Sebastian Sorensson. Obviously, it pays to have strong starting hands in poker, but warehouse worker Sorensson found the 13 hour days so exhausting that there were times when he didn’t even know which hand he was holding.

Originally an online qualifier who managed to get a seat for $200, Sorensson’s usual play involved micro stakes and a relaxed approach to the game. He was to find the grueling play schedule seriously intense. However, that didn’t stop him from realizing every small-stake players’ dream and winning €987,043 in a three-way chop with Lachezar Petkov and PokerStars Championship Monte Carlo.

Fancy following in his footsteps? You’re not alone!

Playing the EPT Barcelona gives entrants the opportunity to win one of ten Platinum Pass packages to the PokerStars Players NL Hold’em Championship worth $30,000 each. Every poker players dream, right? Well, if you’ve been honing your skills then now might be the chance to try them out. With plenty of €10 Spin and Go’s up for grabs you could end up playing your way to Barcelona and winning the coveted top spot.

But you don’t have to just win the Main Event to get a Platinum Pass. You can also win by being the longest lasting qualifier in the Main Event (either live or online) or by winning the crazy pineapple hand challenge.

Yes, that’s right. The crazy pineapple hand challenge. At the start of Day 2, the Crazy Pineapple Flip Out Hand is run on each table and the winner moves on to the next round, where another Crazy Pineapple Flip Out Hand takes place. This shootout format continues until there is an overall winner who is awarded a Platinum Pass. Not so crazy!

The EPT National is held between August 22-26 with a prize of €1,100. This is followed by the EPT Super High Roller over 25-26 August with a prize of €100,000. The Main Event is held over August 27 – September 2 with a prize of €5,300 while the final event is the EPT High Roller from August 31 – September 2 with a prize of €10,300.

In addition to the excitement of the tournament tables and the potential to win a Platinum Pass, there is also the opportunity to meet your favourite Team PokerStars Pros, attend the players’ party, get some awesome free merchandise and take part in lots of StarsFun activities.

There are so many amazing places to stay in Barcelona that players are spoiled for choice, but it’s worth knowing that PokerStars travel actually offer a wide range of discounted accommodation options for PokerStars players as well as an airport transfer service. Pretty handy, especially if you’ve not visited the city before.

Wherever you decide to stay, you will be sure to have a great time in this incredible city!