PokerStars & Gerard Piqué Dish Out Amazing Prizes at Silver Pass Meet-Up in Barcelona

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Aug 31, 2024 7 min read

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 Piqué 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 Piqué's Favorite Poker Player?

"All the best players are here, and I love playing against them!"

While guests mingled, PokerNews sat down with Piqué 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, Piqué 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," Piqué 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, Piqué 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 Piqué 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 Gamsjäger 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.

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.

_{*denotes three-way deal
**denotes heads-up deal}

Check Out Our EPT Barcelona Live Reporting Hub

Remaing EPT Barcelona Schedule

Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game. Calum has written for various poker outlets but found his home at PokerNews, where he has contributed to various articles and live updates, providing insights and reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

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