Can the Estrellas Poker Tour Main Event Set a New Record?

A year ago, Lucien Cohen, famously known as "Ratman" for his pest control business, etched his name in PokerStars history by conquering the largest-ever field in the €1,100 Estrellas Poker Tour Main Event at Casino Barcelona. Out of a staggering 7,398 entries, Cohen scurried through the competition like a survivor, avoiding extermination, and claimed victory when the dust finally settled.

Cohen's triumph was nothing short of remarkable. After the last card hit the felt, he swept up every chip in sight, walking away with a colossal €676,230, his biggest win since his 2011 EPT Main Event victory in Deauville (€880,000). The total prize pool for the event was an eye-popping €7,102,080, a testament to the growing allure of live poker.

Now, as the 2024 edition of the ESPT Main Event at EPT Barcelona kicks off, the poker world is abuzz with anticipation. Can this year’s event set a new record? With live poker experiencing a boom over the last few years, the chances are looking better than ever.

Day 1a has already seen an impressive 233 players take their seats, setting a brisk pace that could easily surpass last year’s 353 entrants. But even if Day 1a doesn’t quite hit the mark, players have seven more opportunities to join the fray before the survivors converge for Day 2 on August 30.

One thing is certain: all eyes are on Casino Barcelona, where the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the EPT's history.