I almost missed my first EPT because of a form I'd never heard of.
I'd won my satellite seat, booked flights to Barcelona, sorted the hotel — and then someone at the casino desk told me I needed to complete a Source of Funds declaration before I could hand over a single euro. I had no idea what that was. The guy behind me in line, a regular, just laughed and said: "Should've done that online weeks ago."
Don't be me. This guide covers everything — from winning your seat for under a dollar to what actually happens when you walk into Casino Barcelona on Day 1.
Quick answer
EPT Barcelona 2026 is Aug 16–29 at Casino Barcelona. Main Event: €5,300. Cheapest path: Power Path from $0.50 → Gold Pass (€5,300 ME seat + 8-night hotel + €690 expenses). You need a PokerStars Live account and a valid passport. Book hotels now — August is peak season.
What Is EPT Barcelona 2026? The Numbers in 30 Seconds
The European Poker Tour (EPT) is the flagship live poker series run by PokerStars. Barcelona is its oldest and biggest stop — the one every European player has on their bucket list.
| Stat | 2026 (Confirmed) | 2025 (Actual) |
| Dates | Aug 16–29, 2026 | Aug 18–31, 2025 |
| Venue | Casino Barcelona | Casino Barcelona |
| Main Event buy-in | €5,300 | €5,300 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 entries | — | 2,045 (3rd largest in EPT history) |
| 2025 prize pool | — | €9,918,250 |
| 2025 first prize | — | €1,217,175 (Thomas Eychenne, France) |
| Events range | €825 – €100,000 | €825 – €100,000 |
The 2025 field of 2,045 was the third-largest Main Event in EPT history. Expect similar or bigger numbers in 2026 — Barcelona consistently draws the largest fields on the European calendar.
EPT Barcelona 2026 Full Schedule & Buy-Ins — From €825 to €100,000
The festival runs two parallel series: the PokerStars Open (accessible entry points) and the EPT (premium events). Both share Casino Barcelona.
| Event | Dates | Buy-In | Who It's For |
| PokerStars Cup | Aug 20–21 | €825 | Best entry point for first-timers |
| PokerStars Open Main Event | Aug 16–22 | €1,650 | Mid-stakes grinders |
| PokerStars Open High Roller | Aug 21–23 | €2,700 | Bridge between Open & EPT |
| EPT Mystery Bounty | Aug 25–27 | €3,250 | Knockout format with random bounties |
| EPT Main Event | Aug 22–29 | €5,300 | The one everyone wants |
| EPT High Roller | Aug 27–29 | €10,300 | Serious regulars |
| EPT Super High Roller | Aug 21–23 | €100,000 | Elite pros only |
First-timer tip: If the €5,300 Main Event feels like a stretch, the €825 PokerStars Cup is a legitimate tournament with real prize money. Many players use it as a warm-up before taking a shot at the Main Event.
How to Qualify Online for EPT Barcelona 2026 — PokerStars Power Path From $0.50
This is how most people in the field get there — not by wiring €5,300 to PokerStars, but by grinding their way up a four-step satellite ladder.
Power Path: The Four-Step Route
PokerStars designed Power Path specifically to stop pros from buying directly into the final stage. That protects recreational players — and it's genuinely the cheapest path to a live EPT seat.
| Step | Format | Buy-In | Can Buy In Directly? |
| Step 1 | $0.50 Spin & Go (or $1 On Demand SNG) | $0.50 | ✅ Yes (or free daily ticket) |
| Step 2 | $1.50 MTT | $1.50 | ✅ Yes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 3 | $11 MTT | $11 | ✅ Yes |
| Step 4 | $55 MTT | — | ❌ Must win a Step 3 ticket |
Win Step 4 and you receive one of three Power Passes:
| Pass | Value | What's Included |
| Bronze Pass | ~$530 | Online tournament credits |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Pass | ~$2,300 | Mid-tier live event entries |
| Gold Pass | ~$10,300 | €5,300 ME + €1,100 side event + 8 nights hotel + expenses |
How to Find Power Path in the PokerStars Client
1. Open PokerStars → click Events tab 2. Search for "Power Path" or "EPT Barcelona" 3. Select your starting step 4. You'll also see free Step 1 tickets credited daily if you play any real-money game
Direct Satellites — Skip the Steps if You're Already Ready
Don't want to grind four steps? PokerStars also runs direct satellites for EPT Barcelona throughout the summer.
- •Buy-ins from €1 / $1 up to €550+
- •Win a seat or travel package outright
- •Find them under Events → Live Events → EPT Barcelona in the PokerStars lobby
- •Available in the run-up to the festival — frequency increases from late July
The math: A €109 direct satellite typically sends 1 in every 10–15 players to the Main Event. If you're a winning player, this route can make sense. For casual players, Power Path gives more shots per dollar.
EPT Barcelona 2026 Total Trip Cost — Realistic Budget Breakdown
Here's what competitors don't tell you: the buy-in is just part of the cost. Let's break down what a realistic EPT Barcelona trip actually costs.
Budget Scenario: PokerStars Cup (€825)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Flights (return, from major EU city) | €150–€400 |
|---|---|
| Hotel (7 nights, mid-range near casino) | €700–€1,200 |
| PokerStars Cup buy-in | €825 |
| Daily food & transport | €50–€80/day × 7 = €350–€560 |
| Total trip estimate | €2,025–€2,985 |
Standard Scenario: EPT Main Event (€5,300)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Flights (return, from major EU city) | €150–€400 |
|---|---|
| Hotel (10 nights, mid-range) | €1,000–€1,800 |
| EPT Main Event buy-in | €5,300 |
| Daily food & transport (10 days) | €500–€800 |
| Side events (optional) | €825–€3,250 |
| Total trip estimate | €7,750–€11,550 |
Gold Pass Scenario: Win It Online
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Power Path buy-ins to reach Step 4 | $11–$55 |
| Gold Pass covers: ME entry + side event + 8 nights | ✅ Included (~€10,300 value) |
| Flights (not always included) | €150–€400 |
|---|---|
| Food & extra days | €400–€600 |
| Total out-of-pocket | ~€550–€1,000 |
The Gold Pass route is by far the most cost-effective. Even if you spend $100 grinding your way to Step 4, a Gold Pass represents a 100× return on value.
PokerStars Live Account Setup & Source of Funds Declaration
Two admin tasks that catch first-timers off guard. Do both before you land in Barcelona.
1. Create a PokerStars Live Account (Mandatory)
Every EPT player must have a PokerStars Live account — without it, you can't register for any tournament.
Steps: 1. Download the PokerStars Live app (iOS or Android) 2. Tap the icon in the top-right corner 3. Follow the on-screen instructions 4. Complete identity verification (passport photo required)
Creating your account at the casino desk adds 20–30 minutes to your registration time. Do it at home.
2. Source of Funds Declaration (Cash Transactions)
This is the one almost nobody warns you about. Any time you pay for a tournament with cash at Casino Barcelona, Spanish regulations require you to declare the source of that money.
How to complete it in advance: 1. Log into your PokerStars Live account at pokerstarslive.com ↗ 2. Find the Source of Funds form in your account compliance section (look for the link on the official EPT Barcelona page under "Buy-in") 3. Fill out the form (income source + supporting documentation) 4. Submit and wait for confirmation — usually processed same day
If there's any chance you'll use cash, complete it now. The form takes 10 minutes. Doing it at the casino desk takes 45.
Casino Barcelona Rules — Dress Code, Entry Requirements & Location
Location
Casino Barcelona Marina, 19-21, Port Olímpic 08005 Barcelona, Spain 📞 +34 900 354 354
It's adjoined to the 5-star Hotel Arts right on the waterfront. The Port Olímpic area — built for the 1992 Olympics — is one of Barcelona's most recognizable districts.
Entry Requirements
- •Minimum age: 18+
- •Valid government-issued passport or national ID required
- •Free admission to the casino
Dress Code
Casino Barcelona is more relaxed than Monte Carlo — but there are real rules:
| ✅ Allowed | ❌ Not Allowed |
| Smart casual | Sportswear (jerseys, tracksuits) |
| Chino / dress trousers | Shorts (any kind) |
| Sneakers | Flip-flops / espadrilles |
| T-shirts (non-athletic) | Swimsuits or beachwear |
| — | Sleeveless undershirts |
|---|---|
| — | Motorcycle helmets |
| — | Large backpacks |
Practical note: The official PokerStars Live page states "Casual, but no sportswear/shorts." Even smart-looking shorts are not permitted in the tournament area. The casino is 5 minutes from the beach — change before you come in.
Where to Stay for EPT Barcelona 2026 — Hotels Near Casino Barcelona
August is peak tourist season in Barcelona. Book early. Prices for proximity to the casino roughly triple compared to low season.
Right Next Door (3 min or less)
| Hotel | Distance | Vibe | Approx. Cost |
| Hotel Arts Barcelona ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Adjoined | Ultra-luxury, where Gold Pass qualifiers often stay | €400–€700/night |
| Sofitel Barcelona Skipper ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3-min walk | Luxury, business crowd | €250–€450/night |
| Hotel SB Icaria ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 3-min walk | Rooftop pool, great value, EPT favourite | €150–€280/night |
Mid-Range (15–25 min walk or short metro)
| Hotel | Distance | Notes |
| H10 Marina Barcelona ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ~19-min walk | Modern, quieter, gym & Mediterranean restaurant |
| Hotel Paxton (Poblenou) | ~15-min walk | Trendy neighbourhood, good value |
| NH Barcelona Diagonal Center | ~24-min walk | Reliable chain, good beds |
| Four Points by Sheraton (Sant Marti) | ~20-min walk | Business-class comfort |
Budget (30+ min walk or 1–2 metro stops)
- •Hotel Lyon (near Gothic Quarter): ~€60–€90/night, 18-min metro + walk
- •Various Ibis hotels in Sant Marti: ~€80–€120/night
Our pick for first-timers: Hotel SB Icaria hits the sweet spot — three minutes to the felt, rooftop pool for recovery days, and prices that don't require a final table finish to justify.
How to Get to Casino Barcelona From Barcelona El Prat Airport
Barcelona El Prat (BCN) is about 12km from the casino — roughly 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
| Method | Duration | Cost | Notes |
| Taxi / Uber | 25–35 min | €30–€40 | Easiest with luggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerobus (A1) | 35 min | ~€6–7 | To Plaça Catalunya, then taxi or metro to casino |
| Metro (L9 Sud) | 45–55 min | ~€5–6 | L9 Sud → transfer to L4 → Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica (10-min walk to casino) |
| PokerStars Travel | Variable | Small fee | Pre-arranged transfer, book via PokerStars Live |
With luggage: Take a taxi or pre-book PokerStars Travel. The metro with bags and a 45-minute journey is miserable after a long flight. You'll be at the casino for two weeks — save the stress for the tables.
This is what you're walking into. Casino Barcelona's main tournament floor during EPT — dozens of tables, a packed field, and a clock counting down. The player with headphones at the front? That'll be you.
Day 1 of the EPT Main Event — What First-Timers Need to Know
Day 1 is split across multiple starting flights (Day 1A, 1B, 1C, sometimes 1D). You pick one. Most players choose Day 1B or 1C — they're typically larger fields, which sounds intimidating but also means more recreational players.
What to Bring
- •Passport or national ID (no passport, no play — this is non-negotiable)
- •Your PokerStars Live account verified and active
- •Source of Funds form completed if paying with cash
- •A light jacket (the casino AC is aggressive in August)
- •Snacks for the pocket (official breaks are infrequent)
- •Headphones (optional, but they help with table noise)
The Day 1 Timeline
Times below are based on historical EPT Barcelona schedules. The official 2026 schedule will be confirmed on the PokerStars Live page — always check before you travel.
| Time | What Happens |
| ~11:00 | Registration opens (be there 30 min early minimum) |
|---|---|
| ~12:00 | Cards in the air — Day 1 begins |
| ~20:30 | End of play for Day 1 (usually 8–10 levels) |
| Day 2+ | Only players who bagged chips continue |
Common First-Timer Mistakes
EPT Barcelona 2026 Packing Checklist
Print this and check it off before you leave for the airport:
Documents
- •[ ] Passport (or national ID for EU citizens)
- •[ ] PokerStars Live account verified on your phone
- •[ ] Source of Funds declaration completed (if paying cash)
- •[ ] Hotel confirmation
- •[ ] Travel insurance
- •[ ] Smart casual clothing (no flip-flops, no shorts, no sportswear)
- •[ ] Comfortable shoes (you'll stand in queues)
- •[ ] Light jacket for the casino AC
- •[ ] Earbuds/headphones
- •[ ] Phone charger / power bank
- •[ ] Euros in cash + card (ATMs near Port Olímpic)
- •[ ] Sunscreen (beach recovery days are real)
- •[ ] Basic Spanish phrases (casino staff speak English, restaurants vary)