- EPT Barcelona returns in August with a variety of events.
- PokerStars offers traditional satellites and Power Path qualification for EPT Barcelona.
- Traditional qualifiers start at €5.50 and lead to the final €530 buy-in.
- Power Path’s four-step system offers recreational players an exciting way to qualify.
- Last year’s EPT Barcelona set records with massive turnouts and prize pools.
The iconic EPT Barcelona is all set to return in August, and those looking to take part in one of the biggest stops on the PokerStars LIVE calendar, look no further.
PokerStars is offering players numerous opportunities to win EPT Barcelona packages, and there are two ways to qualify — the traditional satellites and the newly introduced Power Path qualification system.
The traditional qualifiers and satellites run around the clock, giving players a chance to compete in MTTs and reach the money stages to secure a seat in the next higher qualifier. Buy-ins for these qualifiers start at just €5.50 and go up to €530, which is the final step to qualify for the EPT Barcelona Main Event.
Currently, PokerStars is hosting satellites for two major events: the EPT Barcelona Main Event with a €5300 buy-in and the €1100 buy-in EPT 8-Game event.
For the EPT 8-Game event, players can join qualifiers with buy-ins of €5.50 and €11, both leading to the €109 buy-in final qualifier. The final qualifier runs twice a week, guaranteeing one seat in the live event. The EPT 8-Game package is valued at €1500, including the €109 buy-in for the event and €400 credited to players’ Stars Account to cover travel expenses.
Qualifiers for the Main Event come in three tiers: €22, €27, and €55, all funneling into the €530 buy-in final qualifier, where one package is guaranteed. These Main Event final qualifiers run thrice a week, and the package is valued at €6500, covering the €5300 Main Event buy-in and €1200 for travel costs.
- Online Qualifiers now running, including Freerolls
- PokerStars’ first-ever EPT stop in Cyprus!
- EPT Main Event October 16 – 22
- Includes Mystery Bounty, High & Super High Roller Events
Over two dozen players have already secured their spots in Barcelona through these traditional qualifiers, and the numbers are expected to increase further.
In addition to the traditional qualifiers, PokerStars has introduced the exciting Power Path, launched just last month, offering a new way to qualify for major live and online events.
The Power Path is a four-step qualification system designed primarily for recreational players seeking to participate in events like the EPT. It starts with Step 1 — a $0.50 Spin & Go leading to either a $1 buy-in On-Demand Sit & Go or a $1.50 MTT.
Step 2 is either an MTT or On-Demand Sit & Go, leading to a $11 Step 3 MTT. Players can buy directly into any of these steps, but to secure a seat in the $109 Step 4 tournament, they must win their ticket playing in Step 3 at least once. This approach aims to give recreational players a better chance at qualifying.
In the Step 4 MTT, players compete for Bronze, Silver, and Gold Passes, worth $109, $2500, and $10,300, respectively.
The Silver and Gold Passes offer EPT/ESPT Barcelona packages. The Silver Pass, valued at $2500, includes a seat in the Estrellas Barcelona Main Event (€1100 buy-in), the Estrellas Barcelona Cup (€550 buy-in), and €660 in expenses. The Gold Pass, worth $10,300, is the grand prize, encompassing the full EPT package, including a seat in the prestigious Main Event, an €1100 EPT Freezeout event, eight nights’ stay in a luxurious hotel, €690 in expenses, and exclusive EPT Barcelona merchandise.
Power Path Step-Satellite System
| Step | Buy-In Worth | Game Type | How to Enter | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $0.50 | Spin & Go | Direct buy-in or ticket | On-Demand |
| 2 | $1 or $1.50 | Sit & Go or MTT | Direct buy-in or ticket | On-Demand or Every Hour |
| 3 | $11 | MTT | Direct buy-in or ticket | 9 Times a Day |
| 4 | $109 | MTT | Ticket only (No direct buy-in) | 4 Times a Day |
- Deposit $20 and get $30 worth of free play
- One of the best mobile apps
- Biggest MTT guarantees
To help players get started, PokerStars provides one complimentary Step 1 ticket daily to all players who log in and wager at least 1 cent in rake. This amounts to a monthly value of $15 in free tickets for every player participating in real-money games.
This season’s EPT Barcelona commences on August 21 and runs through September 3, featuring a total of 63 events, including several live qualifiers. As in previous years, the series will be held alongside the Estrellas Poker Tour (ESPT), with ESPT events taking place before the main EPT series.
Last year’s series set multiple records, with both the EPT and ESPT Main Events witnessing record-breaking turnouts. The EPT Barcelona Main Event attracted 2,294 entries, accumulating over €11 million in prize money.
Head to PokerStars, claim your free Step 1 ticket, and start your journey to EPT Barcelona!
