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.
New to live tournaments? Skim 
the tournament guide first — buy-ins, blinds, and the Day-1 flow in one place.
✦ Quick answer
EPT Barcelona 2026 ran Aug 16–29 at Casino Barcelona. Manuel Ferrari won the €5,300 Main Event for €1,002,488 from 1,823 entries. For 2027, the cheapest route is the Power Path from $0.50 → Gold Pass (€5,300 ME seat + €1,100 side event + 8-night hotel + €690 expenses). You need a PokerStars Live account and a valid passport. Book hotels early — August is peak season.
Who Won EPT Barcelona 2026? Final Table Results
Italy's Manuel Ferrari won the €5,300 Main Event for €1,002,488, beating a field of 1,823 entries that built an €8,841,550 prize pool. It was his first EPT title — and his third PokerStars trophy in 14 months, after the PokerStars Open Malaga Main Event (2025) and a high roller at PokerStars Open Campione (January 2026).
The top three struck a three-way deal with only €100,000 and the trophy left to play for, which is why the payouts for 1st through 3rd sit so close together.
| Place | Player | Country | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manuel Ferrari | Italy | €1,002,488* |
| 2 | Lukas van Eeden | Netherlands | €927,420* |
| 3 | Jose Criado | Spain | €910,642* |
| 4 | Xiaosheng Zheng | China | €471,250 |
| 5 | Michael Dwyer | Ireland | €362,500 |
| 6 | Nicolas Chouity | Lebanon | €278,950 |
| 7 | Gerard Carbo | Spain | €214,600 |
| 8 | Edward Pak | South Korea | €165,050 |
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 (Actual) | 2025 (Actual) |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | Aug 16–29, 2026 | Aug 18–31, 2025 |
| Venue | Casino Barcelona | Casino Barcelona |
| Main Event buy-in | €5,300 | €5,300 |
| Main Event entries | 1,823 | 2,045 (3rd largest in EPT Barcelona history) |
| Main Event prize pool | €8,841,550 | €9,918,250 |
| First prize | €1,002,488 (Manuel Ferrari, Italy) | €1,217,175 (Thomas Eychenne, France) |
| Events range | €330 – €100,000 | €330 – €100,000 |
The 2026 field came in smaller than 2025 — 1,823 entries against 2,045, about 11% down. That is worth knowing if you're budgeting for 2027: Barcelona is still the biggest stop on the European calendar (1,823 was the seventh-largest Main Event field in EPT history), but the record 2025 turnout was not repeated, and the prize pool fell with it, from €9.92M to €8.84M.
EPT Barcelona 2026 Full Schedule & Buy-Ins — From €330 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| €330 Deep Stack (#76) | Aug 29 | €330 | Cheapest standalone event in the festival — one day, unlimited re-entry |
| PokerStars Cup | Aug 20–21 | €825 | Best multi-day 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 two-day tournament with real prize money and a field built for newcomers (the €330 Deep Stack is cheaper, but it runs a single day). 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 | $0.50 | ✅ Yes (or free daily ticket) |
| Step 2 | $1 Sit & Go or $1.50 MTT | $1–$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 four Power Passes:
| Pass | Value | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Spade Pass | ~$109 | Entry-level online tournament credits |
| Bronze Pass | ~$530 | Online tournament credits |
| Silver Pass | ~$2,500 | Mid-tier live event entries |
| Gold Pass | ~$10,300 (USD) | €5,300 ME + €1,100 side event + 8 nights hotel + €690 expenses |
How to Find Power Path in the PokerStars Client
1. Open PokerStars → click the Power Path 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 when you play poker (real money) — check the Power Path terms, since promotions occasionally replace the daily ticket
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 about 1 in 50 players to the Main Event (a €530 satellite runs closer to 1 in 10). 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
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) | €330–€3,250 |
| Total trip estimate | €7,280–€11,550 |
Gold Pass Scenario: Win It Online
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Power Path buy-ins to reach Step 4 | $0.50–$11 (Step 4 cannot be bought directly) |
| Gold Pass covers: ME entry + side event + 8 nights + €690 expenses | ✅ Included (~$10,300 value) |
| Flights (not always included) | €150–€400 |
| Food & extra days | €400–€600 |
| Total out-of-pocket | ~€550–€1,000 |
One caveat about that total: the pass already includes €690 of expenses, and this table still counts food and extra days at full price on top of it — so read the range as a ceiling, not an expectation.
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. If you pay for a tournament with cash at Casino Barcelona, you can be required to declare the source of that money — the EPT event page says "any cash transaction", while the casino's own declaration form applies to cash transactions of 10.000 (€10,000) or more.
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 city center — 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 → change lines in the city to reach L4 → Ciutadella/Vila Olímpica (10-min walk to casino; check the transfer station on TMB's route planner) |
| 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
In 2026 Day 1 was split across two starting flights — Day 1A (Aug 22) and Day 1B (Aug 23). You pick one. The later flight is typically the larger field, which sounds intimidating but also means more recreational players.
What to Bring
- •Passport or national ID (no valid ID, 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 (breaks are short and the food lines are long)
- •Headphones (optional, but they help with table noise)
The Day 1 Timeline
Times below are based on past EPT Barcelona schedules, including 2026. PokerStars publishes each year's official timings on its EPT Barcelona page — always check the 2027 schedule before you travel.
| Time | What Happens |
|---|---|
| ~11:00 | Registration opens (be there when it opens — with a 30–45 min queue, "30 min before cards" is already too late) |
| ~12:00 | Cards in the air — Day 1 begins |
| Evening | End of play for Day 1 — the number of levels and the exact time depend on the structure |
| 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)
FAQ — EPT Barcelona 2026
Sources
- •Festival dates, venue, buy-ins and the event schedule — PokerStars Live · EPT Barcelona ↗ (official; checked August 31, 2026)
- •2026 Main Event final table, entries and prize pool — on-site live reporting, cross-checked between PokerNews ↗ and Card Player ↗ (both August 29, 2026). Both report the same field size and the same finishing order; Card Player states this was the seventh-largest Main Event field in EPT history.
- •Official results — PokerStars · EPT Barcelona 2026 full results ↗ (checked September 9, 2026 — winner, prize and entry count reconciled)