Elias Suhonen of Finland secured the largest payout so far at the 2026 PokerStars European Poker Tour Barcelona, winning €114,200 in the €10,200 No-Limit Hold'em event as the festival's early results take shape
The 2026 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona festival has already produced several notable results just days after opening at Casino Barcelona. Among the early highlights, Finnish player Elias Suhonen captured the largest prize awarded so far, taking home €114,200 after winning the €10,200 No-Limit Hold'em event. The tournament drew 31 entrants and generated a €310,000 prize pool, with Suhonen's victory marking the fourth six-figure live score of his career.
Final Table Results and Payouts
The €10,200 No-Limit Hold'em event concluded with a five-player payout structure. Brandon Wilson, representing the United States, was the first to cash, earning €28,600 for fifth place. Morocco's Mehdi Chaoui finished fourth for €35,300, while French veteran Jean-Noel Thorel secured €48,900 in third. The heads-up stage saw Suhonen face Nicholas Seward of the United States, who ultimately finished runner-up with €73,700. Suhonen's win stands as the largest single payout of the festival to date.
Festival Schedule and Ongoing Events
The EPT Barcelona festival, hosted by PokerStars, is scheduled to run through August 29, 2026. The series features a diverse lineup of tournaments, including the €1,650 PokerStars Open, €3,250 Senior's High Roller, €30,000 Super High Roller Warm Up, €2,700 PokerStars Open High Roller, €100,000 EPT Super High Roller, €5,300 EPT Main Event, €25,000 PLO High Roller, €50,000 Super High Roller Second Chance, €2,700 EPT Second Chance, €3,250 EPT Mystery Bounty, €1,650 EPT Mystery Bounty, €2,200 NLHE – In the Money at 180,000, and €10,300 EPT High Roller. Live reporting is being provided from the venue, offering real-time updates for players and fans following the action.
Implications for Players and the Market
Suhonen's win highlights the continued international appeal of the EPT Barcelona stop, which remains one of the most prominent live poker festivals in Europe. The early results set the tone for the remainder of the series, with high-stakes events and major prize pools attracting a mix of established professionals and emerging talent. For players, the festival offers a range of buy-ins and formats, while operators and organizers benefit from the sustained interest and participation levels seen in the opening days.
In poker tournaments, the prize pool is determined by the total number of entries and the buy-in amount, minus any tournament fees. Payouts are typically structured to reward a set percentage of the field, with the largest shares going to final table finishers. High buy-in events like the €10,200 No-Limit Hold'em attract experienced players and often feature smaller fields, resulting in significant payouts for top finishers. Understanding the payout structure and field size is essential for players evaluating the value and risk of entering major live events.
