Estrellas Poker Tour Main Event Kicks Off in Barcelona with Record Entries
The prestigious Estrellas Poker Tour Main Event has once again taken centre stage at the renowned Casino Barcelona. With a history spanning over a decade, this tournament has solidified its reputation as the crown jewel of PokerStars Live events. The 2023 edition has not disappointed, drawing an impressive combined total of 4,431 entries across its first several flights it is a good indicator for the grand European Poker Tour which gets played out after the Estrellas Poker Tour.
Barcelona is the absolute hotspot of poker when it concerns the EPT, and as the end of the summer is coming close, we expect record-breaking numbers yet again. Who will be the successor of Dutchman Rick van Bruggen, who won the Main Event of the Estrellas Poker Tour back in 2022 for €600,000? And who will win the majestic EPT Main Event and follow-up Giuliano Bendinelli, who bested the 1,686 entries field for close to €1.5 million?
Barcelona Poker Paradise
The PokerStars EPT Festival in Barcelona has commenced, marking a significant moment in the world of poker. This year's event has started in a familiar fashion with the Estrellas Poker Tour preceding the EPT, setting the stage for what promises to be a record-breaking series of weeks ahead. Already, the tournament has seen five victors emerge: Justin Saliba, Mathias Duarte, Alejandro Lopez Ikwat, Felipe Ketzer, and Bulgarian sensation Atanas Malinov. These triumphs foreshadow an unforgettable chapter in poker history, and show that Europe needs to step up their game against the South Americans!
As the Estrellas Poker Tour 2023 progresses, the upcoming schedule reveals an exciting lineup. Over the next two days, three additional opening flights are scheduled, leading to their culmination on day 2. The competition will unfold until August 27th, coinciding with the opening day of the EPT Main Event.
Highlights
While the Estrellas Poker Tour Main Event holds immense allure, it's merely the start of the excitement. The EPT Barcelona 2023 showcases a diverse array of high-stakes contests, notably including the €100,000 EPT Super High Roller, the €2,200 Estrellas High Roller, and the prestigious €5,300 EPT Main Event. Catering to players of various skill levels, PokerStars consistently provides an unparalleled poker experience.
Beyond the intense battles at the tables, participants have the chance to immerse themselves in a range of captivating activities orchestrated by PokerStars, highlighting the splendour of Barcelona. From serene catamaran excursions to informative city bus tours, topped by the much-anticipated EPT Player Party, there's an abundance of entertainment awaiting players on the sides of the poker tables.
MAJOR EVENTS AT EPT BARCELONA 2023
- €1,100 Estrellas Main Event (August 21-27, 2023)
- €100,000 EPT Super High Roller (August 26-28, 2023)
- €2,200 Estrellas High Roller (August 26-28, 2023)
- €5,300 EPT Main Event (August 27–September 3, 2023)
- €3,000 EPT Mystery Bounty (August 30–September 1, 2023)
- €10,300 EPT High Roller (September 1-3, 2023)
Giuliano Bendinelli
So what does a victory in an EPT Main Event to a player? In the case of the Italian poker pro Bendinelli not much, when looking at his results. Of course, he might have bricked every single poker tournament around, but for poker professionals, these kinds of results are a very good indication of where they have been spending their time after big scores. But to say that the Italian pro went out of line after his great win? We don’t believe so.
Giuliano Bendinelli holds a special record, namely winning the biggest EPT Main Event in history. A lot of other Italians are in the top ranks of the poker industry such as Dario Sammartino, Mustapha Kanit, Dario Minnieri, and Max Pescatori.
Will we see another Italian winning it all this year in Barcelona?
Recent Results after EPT win of Giuliano Bendinelli
| Date | Tournament Name | Buy-in | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01-May | IPO Million, San Remo | € 550 | 175th | € 1,510 |
| 22-Nov | MCOP Main Event, Amsterdam | € 3,000 | 52nd | € 6,779 |
| 11-Nov | WSOPE Main Event, Rozvadov | € 10,350 | 50th | € 26,299 |
| 08-Nov | WSOPE Short Deck, Rozvadov | € 2,200 | 5th | € 11,278 |
