PokerStars & Gerard Piqu�� Dish Out Amazing Prizes at Silver Pass Meet-Up in Barcelona
As the European Poker Tour celebrates its 20th anniversary, the sun-soaked Mediterranean seafront at EPT Barcelona was the perfect backdrop for the camaraderie and glamour of the PokerStars Silver Pass Meet-Up, where the festivities reached new heights.
Power Path winners were treated to first-class food, drinks, and entertainment at the luxurious Sofitel. To top it off, soccer legend Gerard Piqu�� hosted a prize giveaway, with one lucky player walking away with the highly coveted Gold Power Pass.
Amidst the excitement and celebration, EPT Barcelona is proving to be a resounding success, with impressive attendance and top-tier poker action on display. To catch up on all the best moments and key events from EPT Barcelona, be sure to check out the highlights so far!
Who is Piqu��'s Favorite Poker Player?
"All the best players are here, and I love playing against them!"
While guests mingled, PokerNews sat down with Piqu�� and talked all things EPT Barcelona, his favorite players to battle against, and his game-changing Kings League business venture.
Despite bricking two high-stakes poker tournaments at Casino Barcelona, Piqu�� was all smiles about his time at the festival.
"I've been playing EPT Barcelona since 2008 or 2009...I think it's amazing and it has been in my city for many years. I hope that PokerStars can stay 20 years more here," he said.
"I like Steve O'Dwyer a lot," Piqu�� remarked on which poker pros he enjoys playing the most. "I think he's an amazing player, and I've been playing against him a few times when I come to EPT Barcelona. All the best players are here, and I love playing against them. I think it's a great challenge and experience."
However, Piqu�� might be rethinking his opinion of O'Dwyer as the Irishman doubled up with a Royal Flush against him when he returned to the �25,000 No Limit Hold'em event after the meet-and-greet.
PokerStars Announces Game Integrity Rule Changes at EPT Barcelona
Giveaway Goes Down a Storm at Luxury Hotel
As Piqu�� took the stage, anticipation filled the air as the crowd eagerly awaited the chance to win one of the three coveted Power Path prizes.
Each attendee received a numbered ticket, with all the numbers displayed on the 'spin to win' wheel. The first prize, worth $545 in Bronze Passes, went to Nathan Marley as the wheel came to a stop. Next, the Silver Pass, which is valued at more than �2,000, was up for grabs, and Moritz Gamsj?ger was the winner.
Finally, it was time for the grand prize��the highly coveted �9,000 Gold Pass. The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, and Andrea Abate erupted in cheers as his number was announced over the microphone.
European Poker Tour (EPT)'s 20th Anniversary: Looking Back at the First Ten Years
Pass Winner Lisa Gordon Started Playing Cards with Biker Gang
PokerStars super fan Lisa Gordon was the first to arrive for the special live recording of the Poker in the Ears podcast at the Hippodrome Casino, celebrating the show's 300th episode. The evening became even more memorable for the American when she won her very own Silver Pass, which she later used for EPT Barcelona.
While the poker hasn't gone as planned for Gordon, she's thoroughly enjoying her time at her first-ever EPT. Now residing in Brighton, United Kingdom, Gordon captivated the room with her infectious personality as she recounted her poker journey, which began in the 1980s when she first started playing while hanging out with a group of bikers!
Watch the video above to hear how Gordon booked her spot at EPT Barcelona!
Tapas, Beaches & Street Art: Top Non-Poker Things to Do at EPT Barcelona
More Highlights from EPT Barcelona
EPT Barcelona goers have also dived into the fantastic player activities, including the unforgettable Catamaran Brunch Trips. These excursions offered breathtaking sea views and the opportunity to dip their toes into the crystal clear waters.
After building up an appetite, guests were treated to a feast featuring croquettes, exotic fruits, crab sandwiches, meats and cheeses, and refreshing drinks.
For those who preferred to stay on land, the Players Lounge provided a relaxing retreat with the Estrellas Celebration. Players enjoyed the company of Spanish PokerStars ambassadors, live local music, and indulged in even more Iberian ham and other Catalonian delicacies.
Here's a look at some of the next PokerStars activities, so be sure to find out what's coming up:
- August 31: Offsite Activity Day �C Fun team games at a villa.
- September 1: PokerStars Players Party at Go Beach Club with DJs Cristoph, Kiko Rivera, and Willy William.
September 4: Padel Tournament
Check out the full list of the off-the-felt activities here.
EPT Barcelona Winners So Far
Returning to the action at the poker tables, several notable players have been making their mark on EPT Barcelona.
Jason Wheeler kicked off the series by winning the �1,100 NLHE Freezeout after a three-way deal. 2024 EPT Monte Carlo runner-up and WSOP final tablist Boris Angelov kept his momentum going, securing his first PokerStars Live trophy with a victory in the �10,200 Mystery Bounty.
Stephane Volpato and Marc Mora topped the leaderboards in the �1,100 NLHE Seniors and �1,100 8-Game, respectively, while high rollers Steve O'Dwyer, Kayhan Mokri, and Byron Kaverman continued to build their legacies by capturing titles in the five-figure buy-in events.
Jean-Noel Thorel took down the �30,000 Super High Roller Warm-Up, which attracted 54 entrants. The French poker legend who just so happens to be France's all time winningest live tournament player won �512,370 and a PokerStars Red Spade trophy.
| Event | Entries | Winner | Prize (EUR) | Prize (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| �1,100 NLHE Freezeout | 339 | Jason Wheeler | �46,730* | $51,790* |
| �10,200 Mystery Bounty | 88 | Boris Angelov | �110,400 | $123,581 |
| �1,100 NLHE Seniors | 265 | Stephane Volpato | �42,325 | �47,296 |
| �12,300 PokerStars Cuatro Knockout | 62 | Steve O'Dwyer | �163,720 | $182,949 |
| �1,100 8-Game | 84 | Marc Mora | �22,790 | $25,460 |
| �20,000 NLHE | 47 | Kayhan Mokri | �259,646** | $290,068** |
| �25,000 NLHE | 46 | Byron Kaverman | �381,060 | $425,709 |
| �30,000 Super High Roller Warm-Up | 54 | Jean-Noel Thorel | �512,370 | $566,758 |
*denotes three-way deal
**denotes heads-up deal
Check Out Our EPT Barcelona Live Reporting Hub
Remaing EPT Barcelona Schedule
In this Series
- 1 NAPT, EPT and Women's Winter Festival Up for Grabs With Power Path in October
- 2 Complete Guide to EPT Barcelona 2024 - Everything You Need to Know
- 3 PokerStars Announces Game Integrity Rule Changes at EPT Barcelona
- 4 WSOP Main Event Final Tablist Boris Angelov's Banner Summer Continues at EPT Barcelona
- 5 Steve O'Dwyer Outlasts the Field Into the Early Hours to Win the �12,300 PokerStars Cuatro Knockout
- 6 European Poker Tour (EPT)'s 20th Anniversary: Looking Back at the First Ten Years
- 7 Soccer Legend Gerard Piqu�� Busts in High Stakes Poker Tournament at EPT Barcelona
- 8 Kayhan Mokri Gets His Second EPT Barcelona Title in the �20,000 No-Limit Hold'em
- 9 O'Dwyer Hits a Royal Flush as Kaverman Takes Down EPT Barcelona �25K
- 10 PokerStars & Gerard Piqu�� Dish Out Amazing Prizes at Silver Pass Meet-Up in Barcelona
- 11 Tapas, Beaches & Street Art: Top Non-Poker Things to Do at EPT Barcelona
- 12 Jean-Noel Thorel Wins Super High Roller Warm-Up (�512,370)
- 13 Diego Beirigo Wins �550 Estrellas Cup (�155,840)
- 14 Seth Davies Ready to Ride Momentum at EPT Barcelona Fresh Off SHRB Win
- 15 First EPT Champion Alexander Stevic is Back in Barcelona Where He Won it All in 2004
- 16 European Poker Tour (EPT)'s 20th Anniversary: Looking Back at the Past Ten Years
- 17 PokerStars' Cedric Billot Looks Back at His Two-Decade Love Affair with the EPT
- 18 Berthold Winz Dominates Final Table En Route to Estrellas Poker Tour High Roller Victory
- 19 David Dongwoo Ko Overcomes Legends to Win EPT Barcelona �5,200 8-Game (�37,750)
- 20 Leonard Maue & Nick Petrangelo Chop Up �50,000 Super High Roller Second Chance
- 21 Gergo Nagy Turns Four Big Blinds into �268,600 at EPT Barcelona
- 22 This Chess Grand Master Gets His Third EPT Title with �25K Triumph
- 23 PokerStars Ushers in a New Era of Women's Poker with Women's Winter Festival
- 24 Honeymooner Murilo Milhomen Crowned EPT Barcelona Mystery Bounty Champion
- 25 Former Silver Pass Winner Soraya Estrada Takes Down EPT Barcelona Women's Event
- 26 Song Leads as Nasreddine Makes Back-to-Back EPT Main Event Final Tables
- 27 Stephen Song Serenades the Deck to EPT Barcelona Main Event Title
- 28 Mike Watson Adds �10,300 EPT High Roller Title to Summer Triple Crown
