Attendance for the poker series surpassed all expectations
The European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona has come to an end after Sunday’s Main Event crowned its 2023 champion. In one of the most unforgettable EPT festivals since the event began in 2004, more than 21,000 entrants sat down at the tables to play for a share of over €47 million ($50,505,495) in prize money that was awarded.
The 2023 EPT Barcelona event was created in partnership with the Estrellas Poker Tour (ESPT) and started on August 21 to become one of the biggest professional poker extravaganzas ever to be held in Spain. 60 events over the span of two weeks were hosted by Casino Barcelona, including almost two dozen satellite tournaments.
The events highlighted at this year’s festival included exclusive tournaments, like the Ladies and Seniors Event, the €10,200 ($10,961) Mystery Bounty event, the €100,000 ($107,458) Super High Roller, the €550 ($591) Estrellas Cup, the €1100 ($1,182) ESPT Main Event and the prestigious €5300 ($5,695) Main Event.
Because of recent changes in Spanish tax laws that affect player winnings, there was a 74% decline in the number of entrants in the €100,000 ($107,458) Super High Roller event. However, the €1100 ($1,182) Estrellas Cup Main Event broke the entry record, drawing 17% more players than in 2022. Main Event champion Simon Wiciak took home a payday of €1,134,375 ($1,218,982) with his victory.
The EPT will hold its next event in October in Cyprus, with the following one set for December in Prague.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
