Manuel Ferrari Dominates the Main Event at EPT Barcelona, Clinches Over a Million Euros

This year's €5,300 EPT Main Event attracted a stellar 1,823 entries to the Catalonian capital, making it the seventh-largest Main Event in the 22-year history of the European Poker Tour.

Such massive participation generated a total prize pool of €8,841,550, with over €1.3 million reserved for the winner.

Entering the final day, the top six players were led by the unstoppable chipleader Manuel Ferrari. Early in the day, Nicolas Chouity's dream of clinching a historic second title slipped away. Chouity, who won the EPT Monte Carlo in 2010, went all-in with his last 8 big blinds holding A h T h against K h J h of Jose Criado. The board 7 c 6 d 5 s K c 4 c sent the Lebanese player to the cash desk for a payout of €278,950 for 6th place.

With just three players remaining, the stacks were so evenly matched that they decided to pause the clock and discuss the terms of an ICM deal. The agreement was swift, leaving only €100,245 and the prestigious trophy to play for.

Soon after the deal, hometown favorite Jose Criado fell into the short stack and eventually went all-in with 7 h 7 d against Manuel Ferrari's A d T c. The board K c 9 h A c J s 5 h delivered an ace on the flop for the Italian, ending Criado’s run in 3rd place.

Spain continues to wait for its second EPT Main Event champion, and first on home soil in Barcelona.

Heading into the final heads-up, Ferrari held a 3:2 lead over Lukas van Eeden. Ferrari gradually whittled down his opponent's stack, and in the final hand, van Eeden pushed all-in with K s 6 d, which Ferrari quickly called with A d Q h. The board A h 4 d 6 c Q c 7 d gave Ferrari two pairs, crowning him the new king of Barcelona!

For the 34-year-old Italian pro from Caldonazzo, this represents a fantastic culmination of his career so far. Having already secured victories at the Main Event PokerStars Open Malaga 2025 and the High Roller PokerStars Open Campione in January 2026, this prestigious EPT title completes his personal trophy trilogy.

Final Table Results of the €5,300 EPT Barcelona Main Event:

* ICM deal

Sources: PS Live, Flickr, X

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