| Buy-In: | $7,203 + $432 |
|---|---|
| Prize Pool: | $5,841,929 |
| Entrants: | 811 |
| Final Day |
The European Poker Tour has a new champion tonight, with Martin Schleich, from Germany, winning the title, the trophy and a first prize of €850,000 after what has been a record-setting event in Spain.
After an epic day, Schleich’s ace-nine proved enough to undo the last of the resistance, put up by Dragan Kostic, from Spain. It wasn’t needed but Schleich hit a nine on the river to put EPT Barcelona to bed, albeit at 3.30am.
Runner-up Kostic defied everyone’s expectation, not least his own, to finish second collecting €532,000, his career best result, although not the first Spanish winner on home soil that the locals would have wished.
Both he and Schleich, a chip leader from earlier in the week, put in all the necessary work and had the ability required to outlast the field, as well as the mental endurance to withstand the passing of time today.
The strain on players was obvious but it also took its toll on those watching. One railbird, cheering on Schleich, seemed to crack as the hour hand reached Friday. “Martin, it is enough!” he cried, in a last plea for mercy and for his man to end it once and for all.
But those watching the main stage in the tournament room at Casino Barcelona had come to watch the real story of the day, which lay elsewhere. And when it came to a close you couldn’t help but feel a sense of anti-climax.
At 2.15am tonight, after more than 13 hours of play, Eugene Katchalov’s Triple Crown hopes came to an end. The exhausted Katchalov got the last of his chips in, backed by a pair of sevens. Schleich had found pocket nines and called. At such a late hour the hand – a moment of excitement – was more relevant as proof that time hadn’t actually begun to stand still.
The dealer dealt the flop, the window card seven prompted a huge roar, until the rest of the flop revealed a nine, deflating those looking to witness poker history being made. Katchalov missed the turn and river and had missed poker’s ultimate badge of honour, exiting in third place, earning €315,000.
Without losing impartiality, Katchalov had been the best player today, and possibly the week. To watch him was to watch a man at the top of his game playing poker in such a way as to convince others that it was easy. Graciously putting his success down to luck, he nevertheless outplayed his opponents, starting with a bluff with pocket fives on day one, to the man-handling of his opponents in today’s final.
Katchalov might not be the most flamboyant player to watch, not the most entertaining or exciting. But what you see is a unique poker talent, almost super human, one that has now recorded six final tables this year alone to top of the rankings when the database staff log into work tomorrow morning.
But Schleich lifted his trophy aloft tonight, in front of a loyal crowd that had watched the final since doors opened at noon.
Regardless of all eyes being on the Team PokerStars Pro, Schleich’s win gives him automatic entry into the aristocracy of European poker, topping a final table that demanded talent and stamina in equal measure.
It seems a long time ago that Isobel Baltazar departed in eighth. Her elimination sparked off a long final, the results of which are below:
1. Martin Schleich, Germany, €850,000
2. Dragan Kostic, Spain, €532,000
3. Eugene Katchalov, Team PokerStars Pro, Ukraine, €315,000
4. Raul Mestre, Spain, €244,000
5. Tomeu Gomila, Spain, €185,000
6. Saar Wilf, Israel, €145,000
7. Juan Manuel Perez, Spain, €105,000
8. Isabel Baltazar, France, €73,000
</centerTheir stories, weaved between that of Katchalov and of Schleich are best described in the updates from throughout the day, which can be found by clicking through the links below.
Final table player profiles
Level 27-30 updates
Level 31-34 updates
Another great event on the PokerStars European Poker Tour comes to an end, with new records set, a new champion and the promise of more to come. The third leg of the eighth season is only a matter of weeks away when the EPT bandwagon rolls into London – from one permanent feature on the EPT to another. Coverage from London starts on 30 September.
You can also read about the newest addition to the EPT Calendar with news of EPT Loutraki announced today.
For now that’s all from Barcelona where the real celebrations will likely begin tomorrow after some well-earned rest. Congratulations to EPT Barcelona winner Martin Schleich, who has two hours ten minutes to catch his flight…
Until next time, it’s goodnight from Barcelona.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
10.20pm: Level ends
The level comes to an end with a pots the peters out between Eugene Katchalov and Dragan Kostic. On a flop of 8
6
Q
Kostic bet 500,000, which Katchalov called for a turn card 2. Another 700,000 from Kostic won the hand. – SB
10.18pm: Kostic acid
The last few hands have been relatively small but have largely gone to Dragan Kostic who has either hit a run of cards or has switched gears; he’s getting a lot more bets in. Four pots on the bounce have pushed him over 8,000,000. Both Eugene Katchalov and Martin Schleich have been at the wrong end of the pots. — RD
10.10pm: Much ado about nothing
Three-handed play continues in small-ball fashion. The pattern is the button raises and picks up the blinds and antes, or gets a call and takes is with a continuation bet on the flop. Stand by, we’re due a big pot soon. — SY
10pm: Three way pots
Not much to talk about during the past five minutes. Martin Schleich took a small pot from Eugene Katchalov, Kostic talk a small three way pot on the flop and just now Katchalov won a hand that had a little more meat on it.
Katchalov opened for 250,000 from the button which both Schleich and Kostic called for a flop of JQ6
. All three of them checked that for a J turn. This time Kostic bet 250,000, forcing Schleich out, but Katchalov called for a 9 river. When Kostic checked Katchalov bet 650,000 which gave Kostic pause for thought. Eventually he decided to call. Katchalov showed him AJ. Kostic tapped the table and mucked his cards. – SB
9.55pm: Katchalov groan
Eugene Katchalov opened the button for 250,000 and was called by Dragan Kostic in the small blind and Martin Schleich in the big blind.
Katchalov c-bet 400,000 into the AQJ flop and Schleich made the call after Kostic bowed out.
The 8 turn card was enough for Katchalov to bet a further 800,000, Schleich called again.
The river brought the straight with the 10 and both players checked. Showdown.
Katchalov: [a][t] for two pair
Schleicch: [a]9 for the low straight
Katchalov showed a rare flash of exasperation and looked to the heavens. Both players on around 9,600,000 now. Kostic trailing. — RD
9.45pm: Raul Mestre out in 4th for €244,000
The Spaniard had been all-in more times in the last few levels than anyone, and it was only a matter time before it ended badly for him.
Eugene Katchalov raised to 300,000 and Dragan Kostic called before the fatal shove from Mestre for 1,150,000. Katchalov then moved all-in himself for around nine million. It would have put Kostic all-in to call, but he folded.
Mestre: A5
Katchalov: [10d]Q
Katchalov was not a huge dog, and the flop of J88 added to his outs. One of those, the 9 duly came on the turn to fill his straight and Mestre was now drawing dead.
Mestre leaves with €244,000, while all three remaining players are now guaranteed at least €315,000. — SY
9.40pm: Kostic all-in
Eugene Katchalov called in the small blind (rare) for 120,000 and Dragan Kostic checked his big blind for a flop of 289. Katchalov bet 160,000 which Kostic called, then another 320,000 on the 2 turn.
Kostic passed but was in action again on the next hand. Again Katchalov was first to bet, making it 250,000 which Kostic called before Raul Mestre moved all in for close to 3,000,000. Katchalov folded but Kostic, smiling slightly, decided to call, meaning he was now the player at risk.
Kostic turned over 77 to Mestre’s K9.
The board ran 85A83 and despite the Spanish railbirds calling for “Ass!” no ass came. Kostic doubled up. – SB
9.27pm: Mestre all-ins
Raul Mestre was all-in last hand after three-bet squeezing all-in over the top of a Martin Schleich raise/Dragan Kostic call.
That won him more than the 225,000 he’d lost the hand before when he opened the button for 225,000 and had been shgoved on by Eugene Katchalov in the blinds. — RD
9.20pm: Tomeu Gomila out in fifth place
After Eugene Katchalov took a pot from Martin Schleich, betting the turn on a board of A6107, Schleich just pulled that back from Tomeu Gomila, sending the Spaniard to the rail in the process, leaving four players in the main event.
Gomila opened for 250,000 from under the gun which Schleich raised to 675. Gomila’s response was to move all-in which Schleich called showing QQ and Gomila AK.
With the crowd on their feet the board came J82J9. No ace or king to save Gomila, who earns €185,000. The remaining four players are guaranteed €244,000. — SB
9.10pm: Back for more action
Players are returning to their seats and cards will be in the air shortly. Euegene Katchalov continues to dominate. Here are the current stacks:
Eugene Katchalov,8.7 million
Martin Schleich 5 million
Dragan Kostic, 4 million
Raul Mestre 3.5 million
Tomeu Gomila, 3 million
PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of indigestion from dinner): = 1st: Rick Dacey, Stephen Bartley and Simon Young
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
10.45pm: Play kicks off, three players remain
Dragan Kostic has edged into the lead after a blistering finish to the last level. That said, there’s not a huge amount of difference between any of the three, Eugene Katchalov narrowly in second. — RD
10.40pm: Barcelona retrospective
The video crew take a retrospective look at EPT Barcelona.
10.20pm: Level ends
The level comes to an end with a pots the peters out between Eugene Katchalov and Dragan Kostic. On a flop of 86Q Kostic bet 500,000, which Katchalov called for a turn card 2. Another 700,000 from Kostic won the hand. – SB
10.18pm: Kostic acid
The last few hands have been relatively small but have largely gone to Dragan Kostic who has either hit a run of cards or has switched gears; he’s getting a lot more bets in. Four pots on the bounce have pushed him over 8,000,000. Both Eugene Katchalov and Martin Schleich have been at the wrong end of the pots. — RD
10.10pm: Much ado about nothing
Three-handed play continues in small-ball fashion. The pattern is the button raises and picks up the blinds and antes, or gets a call and takes is with a continuation bet on the flop. Stand by, we’re due a big pot soon. — SY
10pm: Three way pots
Not much to talk about during the past five minutes. Martin Schleich took a small pot from Eugene Katchalov, Kostic talk a small three way pot on the flop and just now Katchalov won a hand that had a little more meat on it.
Katchalov opened for 250,000 from the button which both Schleich and Kostic called for a flop of JQ6. All three of them checked that for a J turn. This time Kostic bet 250,000, forcing Schleich out, but Katchalov called for a 9 river. When Kostic checked Katchalov bet 650,000 which gave Kostic pause for thought. Eventually he decided to call. Katchalov showed him AJ. Kostic tapped the table and mucked his cards. – SB
9.55pm: Katchalov groan
Eugene Katchalov opened the button for 250,000 and was called by Dragan Kostic in the small blind and Martin Schleich in the big blind.
Katchalov c-bet 400,000 into the AQJ flop and Schleich made the call after Kostic bowed out.
The 8 turn card was enough for Katchalov to bet a further 800,000, Schleich called again.
The river brought the straight with the 10 and both players checked. Showdown.
Katchalov: [a][t] for two pair
Schleicch: [a]9 for the low straight
Katchalov showed a rare flash of exasperation and looked to the heavens. Both players on around 9,600,000 now. Kostic trailing. — RD
9.45pm: Raul Mestre out in 4th for €244,000
The Spaniard had been all-in more times in the last few levels than anyone, and it was only a matter time before it ended badly for him.
Eugene Katchalov raised to 300,000 and Dragan Kostic called before the fatal shove from Mestre for 1,150,000. Katchalov then moved all-in himself for around nine million. It would have put Kostic all-in to call, but he folded.
Mestre: A5
Katchalov: [10d]Q
Katchalov was not a huge dog, and the flop of J88 added to his outs. One of those, the 9 duly came on the turn to fill his straight and Mestre was now drawing dead.
Mestre leaves with €244,000, while all three remaining players are now guaranteed at least €315,000. — SY
9.40pm: Kostic all-in
Eugene Katchalov called in the small blind (rare) for 120,000 and Dragan Kostic checked his big blind for a flop of 289. Katchalov bet 160,000 which Kostic called, then another 320,000 on the 2 turn.
Kostic passed but was in action again on the next hand. Again Katchalov was first to bet, making it 250,000 which Kostic called before Raul Mestre moved all in for close to 3,000,000. Katchalov folded but Kostic, smiling slightly, decided to call, meaning he was now the player at risk.
Kostic turned over 77 to Mestre’s K9.
The board ran 85A83 and despite the Spanish railbirds calling for “Ass!” no ass came. Kostic doubled up. – SB
9.27pm: Mestre all-ins
Raul Mestre was all-in last hand after three-bet squeezing all-in over the top of a Martin Schleich raise/Dragan Kostic call.
That won him more than the 225,000 he’d lost the hand before when he opened the button for 225,000 and had been shgoved on by Eugene Katchalov in the blinds. — RD
9.20pm: Tomeu Gomila out in fifth place
After Eugene Katchalov took a pot from Martin Schleich, betting the turn on a board of A6107, Schleich just pulled that back from Tomeu Gomila, sending the Spaniard to the rail in the process, leaving four players in the main event.
Gomila opened for 250,000 from under the gun which Schleich raised to 675. Gomila’s response was to move all-in which Schleich called showing QQ and Gomila AK.
With the crowd on their feet the board came J82J9. No ace or king to save Gomila, who earns €185,000. The remaining four players are guaranteed €244,000. — SB
9.10pm: Back for more action
Players are returning to their seats and cards will be in the air shortly. Euegene Katchalov continues to dominate. Here are the current stacks:
Eugene Katchalov,8.7 million
Martin Schleich 5 million
Dragan Kostic, 4 million
Raul Mestre 3.5 million
Tomeu Gomila, 3 million
PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of indigestion from dinner): = 1st: Rick Dacey, Stephen Bartley and Simon Young
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
12am: The break is here, Spanish hopes fading
The last level has been a slow one but the overall trend has been for Dragan Kostic’s stack to slowly dwindle. The Spaniard’s stack has faded to 4,300,000 and with it the hopes for a first Spanish EPT champion. Katchalov up over 8,300,000, Martin Schleich has around 10,700,000. — RD
11.50pm: Three to the flop
Dragan Kostic bet 350,000 and got calls from Martin Schleich and Eugene Katchalov. All three of them checked the JAQ flop and on the 3 turn Schleich made it 575,000 only for Katchalov to re-raise to 1,250,000. Kostic folded and Schleic followed suit. — SY
11.45pm: Out of the ordinary
After a few raise and takes and the first flop for while – missed by me because I was talking to someone about how few flops there had been – a pot of some size.
Dragan Kostic opened for 360,000 which Martin Schleich raised to 950,000. Kostas called.
The flop came 684 and Schleich bet another 675,000, launching it in as if shoo-ing a cat. Kostas called again and got a Q turn card in return.
Schleich checked and Kostas bet 1,575,000. Schleich had an answer to this and moved all-in. Kostic tanked, then folded. – SB
11.30pm: Nothing to see here
Quiet period. No big pots, no substantial chip movement. Nothing more to be said. — SY
11.15pm: The master of defensive poker
Martin Schleich appears to be trying to master the art of defensive poker check-calling down Eugene Katchalov every chance he gets. It doesn’t look pretty but it does seem to be paying off, albeit slowly, at the moment.
Kostic has dribbled down to about 6,500,000, the other two on around 9,000,000. — RD
11.05pm: Nothing to report
Another passage of play with little to show for it. Eugene Katchalov wins a hand on a flop of JAQ, betting for force out Dragan Kostic. In the next Kostic raised pre-flop, with no takers, before Schleich won the next hand , betting on a flop of 639 against Kostic. A pre-flop raise by Katchalov? Fold, fold. – SB
11pm: Three hands, two flops
First hand Martin Schleich bet 325,000 and Dragan Kostic called. The flop was 46J and Kostic check-called Schleich’s 375,000 continuation bet. But on the 2 river, Kostic check-folded the meaty 975,000 bet from the German.
Next hand, Kostic made it 360,000 and Eugene Katchalov called from the big blind. On the KQ3 flop, Katchalov checked then folded to a 360,000 bet.
Third hand saw our first pre-flop three-bet for some time. Schleich bet 325,000 and then folded when faced with a re-raise to 850,000 from Katchalov. The stacks are still pretty even. — SY
10.45pm: Play kicks off, three players remain
Dragan Kostic has edged into the lead after a blistering finish to the last level. That said, there’s not a huge amount of difference between any of the three, Eugene Katchalov narrowly in second. — RD
10.40pm: Barcelona retrospective
The video crew take a retrospective look at EPT Barcelona.
10.20pm: Level ends
The level comes to an end with a pots the peters out between Eugene Katchalov and Dragan Kostic. On a flop of 86Q Kostic bet 500,000, which Katchalov called for a turn card 2. Another 700,000 from Kostic won the hand. – SB
10.18pm: Kostic acid
The last few hands have been relatively small but have largely gone to Dragan Kostic who has either hit a run of cards or has switched gears; he’s getting a lot more bets in. Four pots on the bounce have pushed him over 8,000,000. Both Eugene Katchalov and Martin Schleich have been at the wrong end of the pots. — RD
10.10pm: Much ado about nothing
Three-handed play continues in small-ball fashion. The pattern is the button raises and picks up the blinds and antes, or gets a call and takes is with a continuation bet on the flop. Stand by, we’re due a big pot soon. — SY
10pm: Three way pots
Not much to talk about during the past five minutes. Martin Schleich took a small pot from Eugene Katchalov, Kostic talk a small three way pot on the flop and just now Katchalov won a hand that had a little more meat on it.
Katchalov opened for 250,000 from the button which both Schleich and Kostic called for a flop of JQ6. All three of them checked that for a J turn. This time Kostic bet 250,000, forcing Schleich out, but Katchalov called for a 9 river. When Kostic checked Katchalov bet 650,000 which gave Kostic pause for thought. Eventually he decided to call. Katchalov showed him AJ. Kostic tapped the table and mucked his cards. – SB
9.55pm: Katchalov groan
Eugene Katchalov opened the button for 250,000 and was called by Dragan Kostic in the small blind and Martin Schleich in the big blind.
Katchalov c-bet 400,000 into the AQJ flop and Schleich made the call after Kostic bowed out.
The 8 turn card was enough for Katchalov to bet a further 800,000, Schleich called again.
The river brought the straight with the 10 and both players checked. Showdown.
Katchalov: [a][t] for two pair
Schleicch: [a]9 for the low straight
Katchalov showed a rare flash of exasperation and looked to the heavens. Both players on around 9,600,000 now. Kostic trailing. — RD
9.45pm: Raul Mestre out in 4th for €244,000
The Spaniard had been all-in more times in the last few levels than anyone, and it was only a matter time before it ended badly for him.
Eugene Katchalov raised to 300,000 and Dragan Kostic called before the fatal shove from Mestre for 1,150,000. Katchalov then moved all-in himself for around nine million. It would have put Kostic all-in to call, but he folded.
Mestre: A5
Katchalov: [10d]Q
Katchalov was not a huge dog, and the flop of J88 added to his outs. One of those, the 9 duly came on the turn to fill his straight and Mestre was now drawing dead.
Mestre leaves with €244,000, while all three remaining players are now guaranteed at least €315,000. — SY
9.40pm: Kostic all-in
Eugene Katchalov called in the small blind (rare) for 120,000 and Dragan Kostic checked his big blind for a flop of 289. Katchalov bet 160,000 which Kostic called, then another 320,000 on the 2 turn.
Kostic passed but was in action again on the next hand. Again Katchalov was first to bet, making it 250,000 which Kostic called before Raul Mestre moved all in for close to 3,000,000. Katchalov folded but Kostic, smiling slightly, decided to call, meaning he was now the player at risk.
Kostic turned over 77 to Mestre’s K9.
The board ran 85A83 and despite the Spanish railbirds calling for “Ass!” no ass came. Kostic doubled up. – SB
9.27pm: Mestre all-ins
Raul Mestre was all-in last hand after three-bet squeezing all-in over the top of a Martin Schleich raise/Dragan Kostic call.
That won him more than the 225,000 he’d lost the hand before when he opened the button for 225,000 and had been shgoved on by Eugene Katchalov in the blinds. — RD
9.20pm: Tomeu Gomila out in fifth place
After Eugene Katchalov took a pot from Martin Schleich, betting the turn on a board of A6107, Schleich just pulled that back from Tomeu Gomila, sending the Spaniard to the rail in the process, leaving four players in the main event.
Gomila opened for 250,000 from under the gun which Schleich raised to 675. Gomila’s response was to move all-in which Schleich called showing QQ and Gomila AK.
With the crowd on their feet the board came J82J9. No ace or king to save Gomila, who earns €185,000. The remaining four players are guaranteed €244,000. — SB
9.10pm: Back for more action
Players are returning to their seats and cards will be in the air shortly. Euegene Katchalov continues to dominate. Here are the current stacks:
Eugene Katchalov,8.7 million
Martin Schleich 5 million
Dragan Kostic, 4 million
Raul Mestre 3.5 million
Tomeu Gomila, 3 million
PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of indigestion from dinner): = 1st: Rick Dacey, Stephen Bartley and Simon Young
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
1.50am: Out of the trenches, boys
A whistle has blown and our three weary players have been sent over the top one more time. Three players remain with Eugene Katchalov the shortest stack:
Martin Schleich, 9,805,000
Eugene Katchalov, 5,710,000
Dragan Kostic, 8,755,000
Blinds and antes up. — RD
1.37am: Break time
That’s the end of the level. Players are taking a 10 minute break.
1.35am: Disturbance in the force
A pot of some size upsets the calm. Dragan Kostic called from the small blind and Martin Schleich checked the big for a flop of 478. Kostic checked, Schleich bet 300 and Kostic raised to 900,000. Schleich called.
The turn came J. Kostas checked again and Schleich made it 1,500,000 to play. Kostas asked for a count, then called.
The river came 3. Kostas checked one last time and Schleich moved all-in. Kostas passed. Schleich looked pleased with himself. – SB
1.17am: Schleich doubles through Kostic
Dragan Kostic opened the small blind for 450,000 and Martin Schleich moved all-in for 4,525,000. Call.
Schleich: A5
Kostic: AQ
The board ran out 101082…5. All three players are close to the eight million average now. Schleich up to 9,000,000. Kostic down to 7,000,000. — RD
1.10am: Fatigue
No change, with players looking visibly tired at the table – Eugene Katchalov getting caught yawning on TV.
1.05am: Double up for Katchalov
Martin Schleich made it 500,000 from the small blind and Eugene Katchalov called. The flop was 68A and Katchalov called Schleich’s 400,000 bet. On the Q turn, Schleich bet another 800,000, only for Katchalov to move all-in for 2,885,000. Schleich called.
Schleich: AK
Katchalov: Q8
The turn was 4 and Katchalov rocketed up to 7.5 million, leaving Schleich with 4.2 million. Dragan Kostic, meanwhile, sits with 11 million. — SY
12.55am: Katchalov slipping
Eugene Katchalov is now the player looking in trouble. The Team PokerStars Pro is down to 3,600,000 after folding to a third barrel from Dragan Kostic on a 72KA6 board. Kostic had bet 250,000 on the flop, 550,00 on the turn and 1,450,000 on the river. Katchalov check-called until the river then passed.
Kostic now chip leader, past 10,000,000. — RD
12.48am: Kostic on the flop
Another dry spell , broken only by Dragan Kostic betting 1,700,000 on a flop of 52J to win a pot. Still no sign of anything pivotal happening. — SB
12.35am: One for Schleich, one for Kostic
The board read 5A6A and Martin Schleich’s 275,000 bet was called by Dragan Kostic. On the 3 river, Kostic checked, then folded when Schleich bet a weighty 1,375,000.
A few hands later, Schleich raised to 400,000, Eugene Katchalov re-raised to 1.1 million, only for Kostic to move all-in for 4 million. The others folded quickly. — SY
12.20am: Play resumes
We’re back into the three-handed action. — RD
12.01am: Good morning
That is all. — SY
12am: The break is here, Spanish hopes fading
The last level has been a slow one but the overall trend has been for Dragan Kostic’s stack to slowly dwindle. The Spaniard’s stack has faded to 5,300,000 and with it the hopes for a first Spanish EPT champion. Katchalov up over 8,300,000, Martin Schleich has around 10,700,000. — RD
11.50pm: Three to the flop
Dragan Kostic bet 350,000 and got calls from Martin Schleich and Eugene Katchalov. All three of them checked the JAQ flop and on the 3 turn Schleich made it 575,000 only for Katchalov to re-raise to 1,250,000. Kostic folded and Schleic followed suit. — SY
11.45pm: Out of the ordinary
After a few raise and takes and the first flop for while – missed by me because I was talking to someone about how few flops there had been – a pot of some size.
Dragan Kostic opened for 360,000 which Martin Schleich raised to 950,000. Kostas called.
The flop came 684 and Schleich bet another 675,000, launching it in as if shoo-ing a cat. Kostas called again and got a Q turn card in return.
Schleich checked and Kostas bet 1,575,000. Schleich had an answer to this and moved all-in. Kostic tanked, then folded. – SB
11.30pm: Nothing to see here
Quiet period. No big pots, no substantial chip movement. Nothing more to be said. — SY
11.15pm: The master of defensive poker
Martin Schleich appears to be trying to master the art of defensive poker check-calling down Eugene Katchalov every chance he gets. It doesn’t look pretty but it does seem to be paying off, albeit slowly, at the moment.
Kostic has dribbled down to about 6,500,000, the other two on around 9,000,000. — RD
11.05pm: Nothing to report
Another passage of play with little to show for it. Eugene Katchalov wins a hand on a flop of JAQ, betting for force out Dragan Kostic. In the next Kostic raised pre-flop, with no takers, before Schleich won the next hand , betting on a flop of 639 against Kostic. A pre-flop raise by Katchalov? Fold, fold. – SB
11pm: Three hands, two flops
First hand Martin Schleich bet 325,000 and Dragan Kostic called. The flop was 46J and Kostic check-called Schleich’s 375,000 continuation bet. But on the 2 river, Kostic check-folded the meaty 975,000 bet from the German.
Next hand, Kostic made it 360,000 and Eugene Katchalov called from the big blind. On the KQ3 flop, Katchalov checked then folded to a 360,000 bet.
Third hand saw our first pre-flop three-bet for some time. Schleich bet 325,000 and then folded when faced with a re-raise to 850,000 from Katchalov. The stacks are still pretty even. — SY
10.45pm: Play kicks off, three players remain
Dragan Kostic has edged into the lead after a blistering finish to the last level. That said, there’s not a huge amount of difference between any of the three, Eugene Katchalov narrowly in second. — RD
10.40pm: Barcelona retrospective
The video crew take a retrospective look at EPT Barcelona.
10.20pm: Level ends
The level comes to an end with a pots the peters out between Eugene Katchalov and Dragan Kostic. On a flop of 86Q Kostic bet 500,000, which Katchalov called for a turn card 2. Another 700,000 from Kostic won the hand. – SB
10.18pm: Kostic acid
The last few hands have been relatively small but have largely gone to Dragan Kostic who has either hit a run of cards or has switched gears; he’s getting a lot more bets in. Four pots on the bounce have pushed him over 8,000,000. Both Eugene Katchalov and Martin Schleich have been at the wrong end of the pots. — RD
10.10pm: Much ado about nothing
Three-handed play continues in small-ball fashion. The pattern is the button raises and picks up the blinds and antes, or gets a call and takes is with a continuation bet on the flop. Stand by, we’re due a big pot soon. — SY
10pm: Three way pots
Not much to talk about during the past five minutes. Martin Schleich took a small pot from Eugene Katchalov, Kostic talk a small three way pot on the flop and just now Katchalov won a hand that had a little more meat on it.
Katchalov opened for 250,000 from the button which both Schleich and Kostic called for a flop of JQ6. All three of them checked that for a J turn. This time Kostic bet 250,000, forcing Schleich out, but Katchalov called for a 9 river. When Kostic checked Katchalov bet 650,000 which gave Kostic pause for thought. Eventually he decided to call. Katchalov showed him AJ. Kostic tapped the table and mucked his cards. – SB
9.55pm: Katchalov groan
Eugene Katchalov opened the button for 250,000 and was called by Dragan Kostic in the small blind and Martin Schleich in the big blind.
Katchalov c-bet 400,000 into the AQJ flop and Schleich made the call after Kostic bowed out.
The 8 turn card was enough for Katchalov to bet a further 800,000, Schleich called again.
The river brought the straight with the 10 and both players checked. Showdown.
Katchalov: [a][t] for two pair
Schleicch: [a]9 for the low straight
Katchalov showed a rare flash of exasperation and looked to the heavens. Both players on around 9,600,000 now. Kostic trailing. — RD
9.45pm: Raul Mestre out in 4th for €244,000
The Spaniard had been all-in more times in the last few levels than anyone, and it was only a matter time before it ended badly for him.
Eugene Katchalov raised to 300,000 and Dragan Kostic called before the fatal shove from Mestre for 1,150,000. Katchalov then moved all-in himself for around nine million. It would have put Kostic all-in to call, but he folded.
Mestre: A5
Katchalov: [10d]Q
Katchalov was not a huge dog, and the flop of J88 added to his outs. One of those, the 9 duly came on the turn to fill his straight and Mestre was now drawing dead.
Mestre leaves with €244,000, while all three remaining players are now guaranteed at least €315,000. — SY
9.40pm: Kostic all-in
Eugene Katchalov called in the small blind (rare) for 120,000 and Dragan Kostic checked his big blind for a flop of 289. Katchalov bet 160,000 which Kostic called, then another 320,000 on the 2 turn.
Kostic passed but was in action again on the next hand. Again Katchalov was first to bet, making it 250,000 which Kostic called before Raul Mestre moved all in for close to 3,000,000. Katchalov folded but Kostic, smiling slightly, decided to call, meaning he was now the player at risk.
Kostic turned over 77 to Mestre’s K9.
The board ran 85A83 and despite the Spanish railbirds calling for “Ass!” no ass came. Kostic doubled up. – SB
9.27pm: Mestre all-ins
Raul Mestre was all-in last hand after three-bet squeezing all-in over the top of a Martin Schleich raise/Dragan Kostic call.
That won him more than the 225,000 he’d lost the hand before when he opened the button for 225,000 and had been shgoved on by Eugene Katchalov in the blinds. — RD
9.20pm: Tomeu Gomila out in fifth place
After Eugene Katchalov took a pot from Martin Schleich, betting the turn on a board of A6107, Schleich just pulled that back from Tomeu Gomila, sending the Spaniard to the rail in the process, leaving four players in the main event.
Gomila opened for 250,000 from under the gun which Schleich raised to 675. Gomila’s response was to move all-in which Schleich called showing QQ and Gomila AK.
With the crowd on their feet the board came J82J9. No ace or king to save Gomila, who earns €185,000. The remaining four players are guaranteed €244,000. — SB
9.10pm: Back for more action
Players are returning to their seats and cards will be in the air shortly. Euegene Katchalov continues to dominate. Here are the current stacks:
Eugene Katchalov,8.7 million
Martin Schleich 5 million
Dragan Kostic, 4 million
Raul Mestre 3.5 million
Tomeu Gomila, 3 million
PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of indigestion from dinner): = 1st: Rick Dacey, Stephen Bartley and Simon Young
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
2.53am: Kostic on the up
Dragan Kostic is the player winning most of the pots in the early forays. Both players have made a single three-bet pre-flop which has won the hand. It doesn’t look like this will be settled by a pre-flop raising war with marginal hands. — RD
2.45am: This is the life
It’s our last night in Barcelona, 2.45 in the morning, and we’re still heads-up for the EPT title. We’ve even missed free booze on offer from Roberto Romanello, who won the €5,000 event a little earlier for €100,000.
You can cheer us up by sending comments. Or money. Or a bed. — SY
2.37am: First blood to Kostic
Michael Schleich made it 525,000 and Dragan Kostic called. Both checked the 233 flop, and on the 7 turn Kostic bet 850,000 and Schleich called. The river was 8 and again Schleich called a 850,000 bet. Kostic showed A7 to take the pot. — SY
2.33am: Heads up begins
The heads up is set to start with Martin Schleich in control with a two-to-one lead but with 100 big blinds in play there is still plenty of space for Kostic to mount a comeback.
Martin Schleich, 15,500,000
Dragan Kostic, 8,775,000
Play begins. — RD
2.26am: Eugene Katchalov out in 3rd for €315,000
Dreams of a Triple Crown winner here in Barcelona are over. Eugene Katchalov, the Team PokerStars Pro from Ukraine, has been knocked out in third place by Martin Schleich. Katchalov had shoved pre-flop with 77 for 3.3 million and Schleich called instantly with 99.
Then something to get the blood moving a little quicker. As the dealer dealt the flop, the window card was 7, sending the media cheering (Katchalov would have been a popular winner), but as the dealer spread the rest of the 9 appeared along with the 3… sending the media groaning. Both players had flopped a set, and it left Katchalov with just one out. It did not come.
There is a short break before we start heads-up play. Here are the chips:
Martin Schleich: 15,500,000
Dragan Kostic: 8,775,000
We’ll be back shortly to see who will lift the EPT Barcelona trophy and get €850,000. — SY
2.18am: Katchalov busts, we’re heads up
Eugene Katchalov has just been knocked out to take the action heads up. Details of the brutal hand to come shortly. — RD
2.15am: Katchalov feeling the frustration
Katchalov is looking quite frustrated at the moment. He just check-called a 1,300,000 bet from Dragan Kostic on the river of a 8K454 board only to be shown 47. He has little over 3,000,000 left. — RD
2.10am: Stay alert
The odd hand is the only way to stave off sleep and to keep warm. The air conditioning, previously set to handle 500 people or so, is not adding a layer of frost to the 100 or so that remain.
In the meantime more pots pass by with pre-flop raises taking down the loot. Dragan Kostas opened for 500,000 which was called by both Martin Schleich and Eugene Katchalov for a flop of 2Q4. All three checked for a 8 turn. Schleich bet another 900,000 to take the pot. – SB
2.04am: Urgent appeal
Please send black coffee to media area at EPT Barcelona. Maybe some cake, too. — SY
2am: Katchalov all in….
Martin Schleich raised to 520,000 from the small blind and Eugene Katchalov moved all-in. Schleich folded. — SY
1.50am: Out of the trenches, boys
A whistle has blown and our three weary players have been sent over the top one more time. Three players remain with Eugene Katchalov the shortest stack:
Martin Schleich, 9,805,000
Eugene Katchalov, 5,710,000
Dragan Kostic, 8,755,000
Blinds and antes up. — RD
1.37am: Break time
That’s the end of the level. Players are taking a 10 minute break.
1.35am: Disturbance in the force
A pot of some size upsets the calm. Dragan Kostic called from the small blind and Martin Schleich checked the big for a flop of 478. Kostic checked, Schleich bet 300 and Kostic raised to 900,000. Schleich called.
The turn came J. Kostas checked again and Schleich made it 1,500,000 to play. Kostas asked for a count, then called.
The river came 3. Kostas checked one last time and Schleich moved all-in. Kostas passed. Schleich looked pleased with himself. – SB
1.17am: Schleich doubles through Kostic
Dragan Kostic opened the small blind for 450,000 and Martin Schleich moved all-in for 4,525,000. Call.
Schleich: A5
Kostic: AQ
The board ran out 101082…5. All three players are close to the eight million average now. Schleich up to 9,000,000. Kostic down to 7,000,000. — RD
1.10am: Fatigue
No change, with players looking visibly tired at the table – Eugene Katchalov getting caught yawning on TV.
1.05am: Double up for Katchalov
Martin Schleich made it 500,000 from the small blind and Eugene Katchalov called. The flop was 68A and Katchalov called Schleich’s 400,000 bet. On the Q turn, Schleich bet another 800,000, only for Katchalov to move all-in for 2,885,000. Schleich called.
Schleich: AK
Katchalov: Q8
The turn was 4 and Katchalov rocketed up to 7.5 million, leaving Schleich with 4.2 million. Dragan Kostic, meanwhile, sits with 11 million. — SY
12.55am: Katchalov slipping
Eugene Katchalov is now the player looking in trouble. The Team PokerStars Pro is down to 3,600,000 after folding to a third barrel from Dragan Kostic on a 72KA6 board. Kostic had bet 250,000 on the flop, 550,00 on the turn and 1,450,000 on the river. Katchalov check-called until the river then passed.
Kostic now chip leader, past 10,000,000. — RD
12.48am: Kostic on the flop
Another dry spell , broken only by Dragan Kostic betting 1,700,000 on a flop of 52J to win a pot. Still no sign of anything pivotal happening. — SB
12.35am: One for Schleich, one for Kostic
The board read 5A6A and Martin Schleich’s 275,000 bet was called by Dragan Kostic. On the 3 river, Kostic checked, then folded when Schleich bet a weighty 1,375,000.
A few hands later, Schleich raised to 400,000, Eugene Katchalov re-raised to 1.1 million, only for Kostic to move all-in for 4 million. The others folded quickly. — SY
12.20am: Play resumes
We’re back into the three-handed action. — RD
12.01am: Good morning
That is all. — SY
12am: The break is here, Spanish hopes fading
The last level has been a slow one but the overall trend has been for Dragan Kostic’s stack to slowly dwindle. The Spaniard’s stack has faded to 5,300,000 and with it the hopes for a first Spanish EPT champion. Katchalov up over 8,300,000, Martin Schleich has around 10,700,000. — RD
11.50pm: Three to the flop
Dragan Kostic bet 350,000 and got calls from Martin Schleich and Eugene Katchalov. All three of them checked the JAQ flop and on the 3 turn Schleich made it 575,000 only for Katchalov to re-raise to 1,250,000. Kostic folded and Schleic followed suit. — SY
11.45pm: Out of the ordinary
After a few raise and takes and the first flop for while – missed by me because I was talking to someone about how few flops there had been – a pot of some size.
Dragan Kostic opened for 360,000 which Martin Schleich raised to 950,000. Kostas called.
The flop came 684 and Schleich bet another 675,000, launching it in as if shoo-ing a cat. Kostas called again and got a Q turn card in return.
Schleich checked and Kostas bet 1,575,000. Schleich had an answer to this and moved all-in. Kostic tanked, then folded. – SB
11.30pm: Nothing to see here
Quiet period. No big pots, no substantial chip movement. Nothing more to be said. — SY
11.15pm: The master of defensive poker
Martin Schleich appears to be trying to master the art of defensive poker check-calling down Eugene Katchalov every chance he gets. It doesn’t look pretty but it does seem to be paying off, albeit slowly, at the moment.
Kostic has dribbled down to about 6,500,000, the other two on around 9,000,000. — RD
11.05pm: Nothing to report
Another passage of play with little to show for it. Eugene Katchalov wins a hand on a flop of JAQ, betting for force out Dragan Kostic. In the next Kostic raised pre-flop, with no takers, before Schleich won the next hand , betting on a flop of 639 against Kostic. A pre-flop raise by Katchalov? Fold, fold. – SB
11pm: Three hands, two flops
First hand Martin Schleich bet 325,000 and Dragan Kostic called. The flop was 46J and Kostic check-called Schleich’s 375,000 continuation bet. But on the 2 river, Kostic check-folded the meaty 975,000 bet from the German.
Next hand, Kostic made it 360,000 and Eugene Katchalov called from the big blind. On the KQ3 flop, Katchalov checked then folded to a 360,000 bet.
Third hand saw our first pre-flop three-bet for some time. Schleich bet 325,000 and then folded when faced with a re-raise to 850,000 from Katchalov. The stacks are still pretty even. — SY
10.45pm: Play kicks off, three players remain
Dragan Kostic has edged into the lead after a blistering finish to the last level. That said, there’s not a huge amount of difference between any of the three, Eugene Katchalov narrowly in second. — RD
10.40pm: Barcelona retrospective
The video crew take a retrospective look at EPT Barcelona.
10.20pm: Level ends
The level comes to an end with a pots the peters out between Eugene Katchalov and Dragan Kostic. On a flop of 86Q Kostic bet 500,000, which Katchalov called for a turn card 2. Another 700,000 from Kostic won the hand. – SB
10.18pm: Kostic acid
The last few hands have been relatively small but have largely gone to Dragan Kostic who has either hit a run of cards or has switched gears; he’s getting a lot more bets in. Four pots on the bounce have pushed him over 8,000,000. Both Eugene Katchalov and Martin Schleich have been at the wrong end of the pots. — RD
10.10pm: Much ado about nothing
Three-handed play continues in small-ball fashion. The pattern is the button raises and picks up the blinds and antes, or gets a call and takes is with a continuation bet on the flop. Stand by, we’re due a big pot soon. — SY
10pm: Three way pots
Not much to talk about during the past five minutes. Martin Schleich took a small pot from Eugene Katchalov, Kostic talk a small three way pot on the flop and just now Katchalov won a hand that had a little more meat on it.
Katchalov opened for 250,000 from the button which both Schleich and Kostic called for a flop of JQ6. All three of them checked that for a J turn. This time Kostic bet 250,000, forcing Schleich out, but Katchalov called for a 9 river. When Kostic checked Katchalov bet 650,000 which gave Kostic pause for thought. Eventually he decided to call. Katchalov showed him AJ. Kostic tapped the table and mucked his cards. – SB
9.55pm: Katchalov groan
Eugene Katchalov opened the button for 250,000 and was called by Dragan Kostic in the small blind and Martin Schleich in the big blind.
Katchalov c-bet 400,000 into the AQJ flop and Schleich made the call after Kostic bowed out.
The 8 turn card was enough for Katchalov to bet a further 800,000, Schleich called again.
The river brought the straight with the 10 and both players checked. Showdown.
Katchalov: [a][t] for two pair
Schleicch: [a]9 for the low straight
Katchalov showed a rare flash of exasperation and looked to the heavens. Both players on around 9,600,000 now. Kostic trailing. — RD
9.45pm: Raul Mestre out in 4th for €244,000
The Spaniard had been all-in more times in the last few levels than anyone, and it was only a matter time before it ended badly for him.
Eugene Katchalov raised to 300,000 and Dragan Kostic called before the fatal shove from Mestre for 1,150,000. Katchalov then moved all-in himself for around nine million. It would have put Kostic all-in to call, but he folded.
Mestre: A5
Katchalov: [10d]Q
Katchalov was not a huge dog, and the flop of J88 added to his outs. One of those, the 9 duly came on the turn to fill his straight and Mestre was now drawing dead.
Mestre leaves with €244,000, while all three remaining players are now guaranteed at least €315,000. — SY
9.40pm: Kostic all-in
Eugene Katchalov called in the small blind (rare) for 120,000 and Dragan Kostic checked his big blind for a flop of 289. Katchalov bet 160,000 which Kostic called, then another 320,000 on the 2 turn.
Kostic passed but was in action again on the next hand. Again Katchalov was first to bet, making it 250,000 which Kostic called before Raul Mestre moved all in for close to 3,000,000. Katchalov folded but Kostic, smiling slightly, decided to call, meaning he was now the player at risk.
Kostic turned over 77 to Mestre’s K9.
The board ran 85A83 and despite the Spanish railbirds calling for “Ass!” no ass came. Kostic doubled up. – SB
9.27pm: Mestre all-ins
Raul Mestre was all-in last hand after three-bet squeezing all-in over the top of a Martin Schleich raise/Dragan Kostic call.
That won him more than the 225,000 he’d lost the hand before when he opened the button for 225,000 and had been shgoved on by Eugene Katchalov in the blinds. — RD
9.20pm: Tomeu Gomila out in fifth place
After Eugene Katchalov took a pot from Martin Schleich, betting the turn on a board of A6107, Schleich just pulled that back from Tomeu Gomila, sending the Spaniard to the rail in the process, leaving four players in the main event.
Gomila opened for 250,000 from under the gun which Schleich raised to 675. Gomila’s response was to move all-in which Schleich called showing QQ and Gomila AK.
With the crowd on their feet the board came J82J9. No ace or king to save Gomila, who earns €185,000. The remaining four players are guaranteed €244,000. — SB
9.10pm: Back for more action
Players are returning to their seats and cards will be in the air shortly. Euegene Katchalov continues to dominate. Here are the current stacks:
Eugene Katchalov,8.7 million
Martin Schleich 5 million
Dragan Kostic, 4 million
Raul Mestre 3.5 million
Tomeu Gomila, 3 million
PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of indigestion from dinner): = 1st: Rick Dacey, Stephen Bartley and Simon Young
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
3.22am: Martin Schleich wins EPT Barcelona and €850,000
Dragan Kostic out in 2nd for €532,000
And finally, it’s all over. After a marathon final table, Martin Schleich has beaten Dragan Kostic in heads-up play. Schleich had raised to 525,000 and, for the second time in a matter of five minutes, Kostic had shoved. This time, Schleich called.
Schleich: A9
Kostic: A7
The board ran Q25K9 to bring to a close a record-breaking tournament in Spain.
We’ll have a full wrap with you shortly, but in the meantime you can catch up with who won what on the payouts page. — SY
3.10am: Schleich gets it in
Martin Schleich is back in command with a 17,000,000 to 7,000,000 lead.
Schleich opened the button for 525,000 and was three-bet by Dragan Kostic out of the big blind to 1,550,000. The German came back over the top for 3,400,000 and Kostic made the call. There was 7,000,000 in the pot pre-flop…
Schleich made a curiously small c-bet of 1,500,000 on the 598 flop. Call. The A on the turn was checked by Kostic and Schleich quickly announced that he was all-in. Kostic mucked his hand. — RD
2.53am: Kostic on the up
Dragan Kostic is the player winning most of the pots in the early forays. Both players have made a single three-bet pre-flop which has won the hand. It doesn’t look like this will be settled by a pre-flop raising war with marginal hands. — RD
2.45am: This is the life
It’s our last night in Barcelona, 2.45 in the morning, and we’re still heads-up for the EPT title. We’ve even missed free booze on offer from Roberto Romanello, who won the €5,000 event a little earlier for €100,000.
You can cheer us up by sending comments. Or money. Or a bed. — SY
2.37am: First blood to Kostic
Michael Schleich made it 525,000 and Dragan Kostic called. Both checked the 233 flop, and on the 7 turn Kostic bet 850,000 and Schleich called. The river was 8 and again Schleich called a 850,000 bet. Kostic showed A7 to take the pot. — SY
2.33am: Heads up begins
The heads up is set to start with Martin Schleich in control with a two-to-one lead but with 100 big blinds in play there is still plenty of space for Kostic to mount a comeback.
Martin Schleich, 15,500,000
Dragan Kostic, 8,775,000
Play begins. — RD
2.26am: Eugene Katchalov out in 3rd for €315,000
Dreams of a Triple Crown winner here in Barcelona are over. Eugene Katchalov, the Team PokerStars Pro from Ukraine, has been knocked out in third place by Martin Schleich. Katchalov had shoved pre-flop with 77 for 3.3 million and Schleich called instantly with 99.
Then something to get the blood moving a little quicker. As the dealer dealt the flop, the window card was 7, sending the media cheering (Katchalov would have been a popular winner), but as the dealer spread the rest of the 9 appeared along with the 3… sending the media groaning. Both players had flopped a set, and it left Katchalov with just one out. It did not come.
There is a short break before we start heads-up play. Here are the chips:
Martin Schleich: 15,500,000
Dragan Kostic: 8,775,000
We’ll be back shortly to see who will lift the EPT Barcelona trophy and get €850,000. — SY
2.18am: Katchalov busts, we’re heads up
Eugene Katchalov has just been knocked out to take the action heads up. Details of the brutal hand to come shortly. — RD
2.15am: Katchalov feeling the frustration
Katchalov is looking quite frustrated at the moment. He just check-called a 1,300,000 bet from Dragan Kostic on the river of a 8K454 board only to be shown 47. He has little over 3,000,000 left. — RD
2.10am: Stay alert
The odd hand is the only way to stave off sleep and to keep warm. The air conditioning, previously set to handle 500 people or so, is not adding a layer of frost to the 100 or so that remain.
In the meantime more pots pass by with pre-flop raises taking down the loot. Dragan Kostas opened for 500,000 which was called by both Martin Schleich and Eugene Katchalov for a flop of 2Q4. All three checked for a 8 turn. Schleich bet another 900,000 to take the pot. – SB
2.04am: Urgent appeal
Please send black coffee to media area at EPT Barcelona. Maybe some cake, too. — SY
2am: Katchalov all in….
Martin Schleich raised to 520,000 from the small blind and Eugene Katchalov moved all-in. Schleich folded. — SY
1.50am: Out of the trenches, boys
A whistle has blown and our three weary players have been sent over the top one more time. Three players remain with Eugene Katchalov the shortest stack:
Martin Schleich, 9,805,000
Eugene Katchalov, 5,710,000
Dragan Kostic, 8,755,000
Blinds and antes up. — RD
1.37am: Break time
That’s the end of the level. Players are taking a 10 minute break.
1.35am: Disturbance in the force
A pot of some size upsets the calm. Dragan Kostic called from the small blind and Martin Schleich checked the big for a flop of 478. Kostic checked, Schleich bet 300 and Kostic raised to 900,000. Schleich called.
The turn came J. Kostas checked again and Schleich made it 1,500,000 to play. Kostas asked for a count, then called.
The river came 3. Kostas checked one last time and Schleich moved all-in. Kostas passed. Schleich looked pleased with himself. – SB
1.17am: Schleich doubles through Kostic
Dragan Kostic opened the small blind for 450,000 and Martin Schleich moved all-in for 4,525,000. Call.
Schleich: A5
Kostic: AQ
The board ran out 101082…5. All three players are close to the eight million average now. Schleich up to 9,000,000. Kostic down to 7,000,000. — RD
1.10am: Fatigue
No change, with players looking visibly tired at the table – Eugene Katchalov getting caught yawning on TV.
1.05am: Double up for Katchalov
Martin Schleich made it 500,000 from the small blind and Eugene Katchalov called. The flop was 68A and Katchalov called Schleich’s 400,000 bet. On the Q turn, Schleich bet another 800,000, only for Katchalov to move all-in for 2,885,000. Schleich called.
Schleich: AK
Katchalov: Q8
The turn was 4 and Katchalov rocketed up to 7.5 million, leaving Schleich with 4.2 million. Dragan Kostic, meanwhile, sits with 11 million. — SY
12.55am: Katchalov slipping
Eugene Katchalov is now the player looking in trouble. The Team PokerStars Pro is down to 3,600,000 after folding to a third barrel from Dragan Kostic on a 72KA6 board. Kostic had bet 250,000 on the flop, 550,00 on the turn and 1,450,000 on the river. Katchalov check-called until the river then passed.
Kostic now chip leader, past 10,000,000. — RD
12.48am: Kostic on the flop
Another dry spell , broken only by Dragan Kostic betting 1,700,000 on a flop of 52J to win a pot. Still no sign of anything pivotal happening. — SB
12.35am: One for Schleich, one for Kostic
The board read 5A6A and Martin Schleich’s 275,000 bet was called by Dragan Kostic. On the 3 river, Kostic checked, then folded when Schleich bet a weighty 1,375,000.
A few hands later, Schleich raised to 400,000, Eugene Katchalov re-raised to 1.1 million, only for Kostic to move all-in for 4 million. The others folded quickly. — SY
12.20am: Play resumes
We’re back into the three-handed action. — RD
12.01am: Good morning
That is all. — SY
12am: The break is here, Spanish hopes fading
The last level has been a slow one but the overall trend has been for Dragan Kostic’s stack to slowly dwindle. The Spaniard’s stack has faded to 5,300,000 and with it the hopes for a first Spanish EPT champion. Katchalov up over 8,300,000, Martin Schleich has around 10,700,000. — RD
11.50pm: Three to the flop
Dragan Kostic bet 350,000 and got calls from Martin Schleich and Eugene Katchalov. All three of them checked the JAQ flop and on the 3 turn Schleich made it 575,000 only for Katchalov to re-raise to 1,250,000. Kostic folded and Schleic followed suit. — SY
11.45pm: Out of the ordinary
After a few raise and takes and the first flop for while – missed by me because I was talking to someone about how few flops there had been – a pot of some size.
Dragan Kostic opened for 360,000 which Martin Schleich raised to 950,000. Kostas called.
The flop came 684 and Schleich bet another 675,000, launching it in as if shoo-ing a cat. Kostas called again and got a Q turn card in return.
Schleich checked and Kostas bet 1,575,000. Schleich had an answer to this and moved all-in. Kostic tanked, then folded. – SB
11.30pm: Nothing to see here
Quiet period. No big pots, no substantial chip movement. Nothing more to be said. — SY
11.15pm: The master of defensive poker
Martin Schleich appears to be trying to master the art of defensive poker check-calling down Eugene Katchalov every chance he gets. It doesn’t look pretty but it does seem to be paying off, albeit slowly, at the moment.
Kostic has dribbled down to about 6,500,000, the other two on around 9,000,000. — RD
11.05pm: Nothing to report
Another passage of play with little to show for it. Eugene Katchalov wins a hand on a flop of JAQ, betting for force out Dragan Kostic. In the next Kostic raised pre-flop, with no takers, before Schleich won the next hand , betting on a flop of 639 against Kostic. A pre-flop raise by Katchalov? Fold, fold. – SB
11pm: Three hands, two flops
First hand Martin Schleich bet 325,000 and Dragan Kostic called. The flop was 46J and Kostic check-called Schleich’s 375,000 continuation bet. But on the 2 river, Kostic check-folded the meaty 975,000 bet from the German.
Next hand, Kostic made it 360,000 and Eugene Katchalov called from the big blind. On the KQ3 flop, Katchalov checked then folded to a 360,000 bet.
Third hand saw our first pre-flop three-bet for some time. Schleich bet 325,000 and then folded when faced with a re-raise to 850,000 from Katchalov. The stacks are still pretty even. — SY
10.45pm: Play kicks off, three players remain
Dragan Kostic has edged into the lead after a blistering finish to the last level. That said, there’s not a huge amount of difference between any of the three, Eugene Katchalov narrowly in second. — RD
10.40pm: Barcelona retrospective
The video crew take a retrospective look at EPT Barcelona.
10.20pm: Level ends
The level comes to an end with a pots the peters out between Eugene Katchalov and Dragan Kostic. On a flop of 86Q Kostic bet 500,000, which Katchalov called for a turn card 2. Another 700,000 from Kostic won the hand. – SB
10.18pm: Kostic acid
The last few hands have been relatively small but have largely gone to Dragan Kostic who has either hit a run of cards or has switched gears; he’s getting a lot more bets in. Four pots on the bounce have pushed him over 8,000,000. Both Eugene Katchalov and Martin Schleich have been at the wrong end of the pots. — RD
10.10pm: Much ado about nothing
Three-handed play continues in small-ball fashion. The pattern is the button raises and picks up the blinds and antes, or gets a call and takes is with a continuation bet on the flop. Stand by, we’re due a big pot soon. — SY
10pm: Three way pots
Not much to talk about during the past five minutes. Martin Schleich took a small pot from Eugene Katchalov, Kostic talk a small three way pot on the flop and just now Katchalov won a hand that had a little more meat on it.
Katchalov opened for 250,000 from the button which both Schleich and Kostic called for a flop of JQ6. All three of them checked that for a J turn. This time Kostic bet 250,000, forcing Schleich out, but Katchalov called for a 9 river. When Kostic checked Katchalov bet 650,000 which gave Kostic pause for thought. Eventually he decided to call. Katchalov showed him AJ. Kostic tapped the table and mucked his cards. – SB
9.55pm: Katchalov groan
Eugene Katchalov opened the button for 250,000 and was called by Dragan Kostic in the small blind and Martin Schleich in the big blind.
Katchalov c-bet 400,000 into the AQJ flop and Schleich made the call after Kostic bowed out.
The 8 turn card was enough for Katchalov to bet a further 800,000, Schleich called again.
The river brought the straight with the 10 and both players checked. Showdown.
Katchalov: [a][t] for two pair
Schleicch: [a]9 for the low straight
Katchalov showed a rare flash of exasperation and looked to the heavens. Both players on around 9,600,000 now. Kostic trailing. — RD
9.45pm: Raul Mestre out in 4th for €244,000
The Spaniard had been all-in more times in the last few levels than anyone, and it was only a matter time before it ended badly for him.
Eugene Katchalov raised to 300,000 and Dragan Kostic called before the fatal shove from Mestre for 1,150,000. Katchalov then moved all-in himself for around nine million. It would have put Kostic all-in to call, but he folded.
Mestre: A5
Katchalov: [10d]Q
Katchalov was not a huge dog, and the flop of J88 added to his outs. One of those, the 9 duly came on the turn to fill his straight and Mestre was now drawing dead.
Mestre leaves with €244,000, while all three remaining players are now guaranteed at least €315,000. — SY
9.40pm: Kostic all-in
Eugene Katchalov called in the small blind (rare) for 120,000 and Dragan Kostic checked his big blind for a flop of 289. Katchalov bet 160,000 which Kostic called, then another 320,000 on the 2 turn.
Kostic passed but was in action again on the next hand. Again Katchalov was first to bet, making it 250,000 which Kostic called before Raul Mestre moved all in for close to 3,000,000. Katchalov folded but Kostic, smiling slightly, decided to call, meaning he was now the player at risk.
Kostic turned over 77 to Mestre’s K9.
The board ran 85A83 and despite the Spanish railbirds calling for “Ass!” no ass came. Kostic doubled up. – SB
9.27pm: Mestre all-ins
Raul Mestre was all-in last hand after three-bet squeezing all-in over the top of a Martin Schleich raise/Dragan Kostic call.
That won him more than the 225,000 he’d lost the hand before when he opened the button for 225,000 and had been shgoved on by Eugene Katchalov in the blinds. — RD
9.20pm: Tomeu Gomila out in fifth place
After Eugene Katchalov took a pot from Martin Schleich, betting the turn on a board of A6107, Schleich just pulled that back from Tomeu Gomila, sending the Spaniard to the rail in the process, leaving four players in the main event.
Gomila opened for 250,000 from under the gun which Schleich raised to 675. Gomila’s response was to move all-in which Schleich called showing QQ and Gomila AK.
With the crowd on their feet the board came J82J9. No ace or king to save Gomila, who earns €185,000. The remaining four players are guaranteed €244,000. — SB
9.10pm: Back for more action
Players are returning to their seats and cards will be in the air shortly. Euegene Katchalov continues to dominate. Here are the current stacks:
Eugene Katchalov,8.7 million
Martin Schleich 5 million
Dragan Kostic, 4 million
Raul Mestre 3.5 million
Tomeu Gomila, 3 million
PokerStars Blog reporting team (in order of indigestion from dinner): = 1st: Rick Dacey, Stephen Bartley and Simon Young
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
You might have noticed something about the European Poker Tour in recent weeks. You might have gotten this feeling that something was up, that the people behind the scenes had more than an ace up their sleeve. First, there was the announcement of new president Edgar Stuchly. Next came the record-breaking field at EPT Barcelona. Now, the EPT has yet another revelation. This autumn, the EPT will make its first-ever trip to Loutraki, Greece.
Just 85 km south of Athens, Loutraki is a seaside city on the Gulf of Cortinth named for its famous thermal baths. Also known for having one of the biggest casinos in all of Europe, Loutraki will now play host to the continent’s biggest and richest poker circuit.
The inaugural Greek stop will take EPT players to the insanely nice beach-side Club Hotel Casino Loutraki November 15-20 for a five-day €4,400 main event and a full slate of side tourneys.
Loutraki has already proven itself to be a great poker stop. Two PokerStars-sponsored Greek Poker Cups events drew more than five hundred players earlier this year.
Greek players are also no stranger to the EPT. In recent years, Greek poker pros Konstantinos Alexiou and George “gkap13” Kapalas have made EPT final tables. Kapalas is one of three PokerStars-sponsored “Greek Challengers” who plan to play EPT Loutraki. He will join Alexis “J0hnny_Dr@m@” Zervos and Stavros “IDOLLS” Kalfas for the main event.
“This is great news that the EPT will visit Greece. I’m truly excited to have such a prestigious tournament taking place in my country,” Kapalas said.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
2.40pm: Break
That’s the end of the level, and our remaining seven final table players are on a 20-minute comfort break. — SY
2.35pm: Likely a good laydown
The board was showing K9A5K and Eugene Katchalov had called Tomeu Gomila on every each street before the river. At that point, Gomila bet 800,000. Katchalov tanked for four minutes. He’d seen Gomila make some outrageous bluffs over the past few days, but he chose to fold.
Both Rick Dacey and I believe Gomila had it this time. Firstly, he did not turn over a bluff (which he tends to do), but secondly he looked a little gutted not have got a call. But then again, what do we know? He probably had 72. — SY
2.32pm: Schleich takes on Gomila
Martin Schleich has just three-bet Tomei Gomila off a 110,000 button raise by making it 375,000 out of the big blind. The Spaniard never looked like playing on and mucked his hand. Since taking the Day 1A chip lead Schleich has never been far from the chip lead, very calm and collected. — RD
2.26pm: Four-bet takes it
Eugene Katchalov opened for 110,000 and Raul Mestre re-raised to 225,000 from the small blind. Katchalov was in no mood to lose another pot to the Spaniard, and raised again to 750,000 total. Mestre looked like a child who was disappointed with his Christmas present, and folded. — SY
2.18pm: Mestre picks up a nice one
Raul Mestre raised and was called by Saar Wilf before Eugene Katchalov re-raised to 360,000. Both called. On the KJ9 flop, Katchalov bet 550,000 but Mestre re-raised to 1.1 million. Wilf folded quickly, while Katchalov took three minutes to do the same. — SY
2.08pm: About time
Michael Schleich wins his first pot of the day, worth around 500,000. He and Tomeu Gomila got all the way to the river on a A78Q7 board. Both checked and, with neither holding a heart, Schleich’s A5 was good. — SY
2.01pm: Katchalov busts Isabel Baltazar (€73,000)
Team PokerStars Pro Eugene Katchalov’s comeback has continued with an aces into queens set-up that has knocked Isabel Baltazar into touch.
Katchalov opened for 110,000 and was three-bet by Baltazar to 275,000. The action passed around and Katchalov moved all-in. It was always going to be a call just as it was always going to be two big hands. Based on her play from the last few days there’s little chance Baltazar would be three-betting light and in turn Katchalov would never be getting it in light. Blatazar made the call and looked instantly disappointed.
Katchalov: AA
Baltazar: QQ
The board ran out 888K6 to send Baltazar to the rail and Katchalov up to 2,800,000. This is very bad news for the rest of the table. Katchalov’s triple crown hopes have a renewed vim. — RD
1.52pm: Katchalov doubles
I’m pretty sure no one on this table wants to see Eugene Katchalov accumulating chips. This is his sixth major final table of the year already, and you wouldn’t bet against him going all the way and taking this title.
Certainly, he has just doubled up to get a more playable stack. Saar Wilf raised to 125,000 and Katchalov pushed for 625,000. Wilf did the maths in his head, and elected to call. Katchalov was pretty pleased when the hands were turned over.
Katchalov: AQ
Wilf: Q9
Wilf was dominated, and the board ran 4J876 to seal the deal. Katchalov up to 1.3 million, Wilf is on about 6 million. — SY
1.47pm: Enthusiastic crowd
There’s a noisy rail here. With four Spaniards starting the final table, the locals have a good deal of cheering to do. — SY
1.45pm: Perez shoves
Tomeu Gomila opened the action and Dave Grohl lookalike Juan Manuel Perez moved all-in for 940,000. After a short amount of posturing he passed. Perez up to 1,150,000. — RD
1.40pm: More for Wilf
Saar Wilf’s good start continues, this time winning a sizable pot off Isabel Baltazar. He called her pre-flop raise to see a K6A flop. Both checked and on the 2 turn Baltazar called Wilf’s 150,000 bet. He made it 275,000 on 2 river, again getting a call. Wilf turned over A5. It was good. — SY
1.35pm: All in, fold
Team PokerStars Pro Eugene Katchalov moved all-in and everyone folded. Katchalov is looking to join the Triple Crown club today by adding an EPT title to his WSOP and WPT victories. — SY
1.31pm: Wilf chip leader
Saar Wilf takes the chip lead after a pot worth more than 2.5 million against Tomeu Gomila. On a 7K752 board, and with betting on every street, Wilf showed AA, nicely ahead of Gomila’s pocket jacks.
Wilf is up to 6.7 million, Gomila down to 4.6 million. — SY
1.25pm: Expect more of this
First hand and Tomeu Gomila sets out his stall. Raul Mestre opened with a raise to 110,000 and Gomila re-raised to 285,000 to take the pot. Gomila is an aggressive sort, and will no doubt be bullying a fair bit. — SY
1.22pm: We’re off
Play has started.
1.15pm: Maybe just five minutes more
I think we’re nearly ready to start. Hope so, I have a flight to catch tomorrow. — SY
1.05pm: Drumming fingers
The people in TV land are still setting up. I’d give it another ten minutes. I-Spy anyone? — SY
12.10pm: Long delay
If you came here expecting to read about the final table, you can’t. The TV crew have taken it upon themselves to move the start time to 1pm. That’s more than irked the players and the media, who all made the effort to get here for a noon start. Harumph.— SY
11.50am: New champion to be crowned
We return to the Gran Casino Barcelona with eight players (notice I didn’t say men, we have one female in the shape of Isabel Baltazar) fighting it out for the €850,000 first place prize and the second Season 8 EPT title. Tomeu Gomila is currently the man to beat. — RD
PokerStars Blog reporting team in Barcelona (in order of money lost on Montpellier vs. Amiens last night): Rick Dacey (£47.50), Simon Young (£10), Stephen Bartley £2.50). Photos by Neil Stoddart.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
4.50pm: Wilf winces as Kostic costs him
Dragan Kostic opened for 160,000 from under the gun which Saar Wilf called for a flop of A5Q. Kostic bet again, 250,000 this time which Wilf called against for a Q turn, at which point Kostic moved all-in for 1,000,000.
Wilf thought long and hard, eventually calling; wincing as he turned over AJ. He had reason to be cautious – Kostic turned over AK, winning the hand after the 10 river card.
Players are now on a 15 minute break. – SB
4.45pm: It’s all Greek to me
Exciting news just released by PokerStars: the European Poker Tour is heading to Greece. As someone who has just returned from a splendid summer holiday on the Greek island of Corfu, I can tell you that you’re in for a treat.
The event will run November 15-20, and you can read all about the EPT event in Greece here. — SY
4.25pm: Perez eliminated in seventh place
Juan Manuel Perez departs in seventh place, sent to the rail by Tomeu Gomila.
Gomila opened for 135,000 in middle position and Perez raised to 335,000. Gomila then announced all-in which Perez called showing AK. Gomila turned over 1010.
The board ran 3J7210 to send Perez to the rail to collect €105,000. – SB
4.15pm: Big pot to Wilf
Saar Wilf has taken a large pot from Tomeu Gomila to chip up to 7,250,000.
Gomila had opened the pot from the hijack and had been called by Wilf in the cut-off and Eugene Katchalov in the big blind. Gomila had c-bet 155,000 into the Q10J flop and both other players called.
Gomila led 500,000 into the 4 turn and Wilf raised to 1,300,000. Gomila called but check-folded to a 2,000,000 bet on the 5 river. — RD
4pm: Two pots
Eugene Katchalov opened for 135,000 on the button which Raul Mestre called for a flop of 10JJ. Mestre checked and Katchalov bet out 150,000, enough to win the hand.
In the next pot Saar Wilf opened for 150,000 which was raised to 365,000 by Juan Manuel Perez. Wilf called for a flop of 745 which he checked. Perez moved all-in prompting Wilf to fold. – SB
3.50pm: Perez pushes tens
Tomei Gomila had opened the hijack for 130,000 and Juan Manuel Perez moved all-in for around a million. Gomila passed and was shown pocket tens. — RD
3.45pm: Katchalov all in
Eugene Katchalov bet 135,000 only for Tomeu Gomila to raise to 285,000. Katchalov then moved all, sending Gomila into the tank. When he emerged, he elected to fold. — SY
3.40pm: Wilf’s pot
Eugene Katchalov, Saar Wilf, Tomeu Gomila and Dragan Kostic all saw a 54Q flop. Katchalov bet 225,000 but then folded, like everyone else, when Wilf re-raised to 625,000. — SY
3.35pm: Play restarts
Whatever the hitch was, it’s been fixed. Play is under way again. — SY
3.26pm: Hitch gets larger
The players have left the table as the TV technical hitch grows. Time to get coffee (to either drink or rub in the eyeballs). — RD
3.24pm: Are you a structure geek?
For those of you that like to pore over structures like a poker geek you can look at the blinds and antes by clicking on this red bit of text here. — RD
3.18pm: The Young Report
Honed from years working in Fleet Street, Simon Young’s investigative skills have been put into full effect.
“There’s a technical hitch, but I’ve no idea what it is,” said Young.
Brilliant, thanks for that. — RD
3.14pm: Pause in play
I’d love to be able to tell you why play has been halted but I have no idea beyond saying that it’s probably some TV nonsense. Simon Young is en route to the table to find out what’s going.
“I’m going to find out what’s going on,” said Young.
Play starting again soon, we hope. — RD
3.03pm: Back at the table
The final seven players are back in their seats and ready to go.
1. Saar Wilf, 5,600,000
2. Martin Schleich, 2,420,000
3. Juan Manuel Perez, 1,160,000
4. Eugene Katchalov, Team PokerStars Pro 2,300,000
5. empty
6. Dragan Kostic, 2,260,000
7. Raul Mestre, 5,605,000
8. Tomeu Gomila 4,925,000
Average stack is 58 big blinds so plenty of play left here. Perez, the short stack, has almost 20 big blinds. — RD
2.40pm: Break
That’s the end of the level, and our remaining seven final table players are on a 20-minute comfort break. — SY
2.35pm: Likely a good laydown
The board was showing K9A5K and Eugene Katchalov had called Tomeu Gomila on each street before the river. At that point, Gomila bet 800,000. Katchalov tanked for four minutes. He’d seen Gomila make some outrageous bluffs over the past few days, but he chose to fold.
Both Rick Dacey and I believe Gomila had it this time. Firstly, he did not turn over a bluff (which he tends to do), but secondly he looked a little gutted not have got a call. But then again, what do we know? He probably had 72. — SY
2.32pm: Schleich takes on Gomila
Martin Schleich has just three-bet Tomei Gomila off a 110,000 button raise by making it 375,000 out of the big blind. The Spaniard never looked like playing on and mucked his hand. Since taking the Day 1A chip lead Schleich has never been far from the chip lead, very calm and collected. — RD
2.26pm: Four-bet takes it
Eugene Katchalov opened for 110,000 and Raul Mestre re-raised to 225,000 from the small blind. Katchalov was in no mood to lose another pot to the Spaniard, and raised again to 750,000 total. Mestre looked like a child who was disappointed with his Christmas present, and folded. — SY
2.18pm: Mestre picks up a nice one
Raul Mestre raised and was called by Saar Wilf before Eugene Katchalov re-raised to 360,000. Both called. On the KJ9 flop, Katchalov bet 550,000 but Mestre re-raised to 1.1 million. Wilf folded quickly, while Katchalov took three minutes to do the same. — SY
2.08pm: About time
Michael Schleich wins his first pot of the day, worth around 500,000. He and Tomeu Gomila got all the way to the river on a A78Q7 board. Both checked and, with neither holding a heart, Schleich’s A5 was good. — SY
2.01pm: Katchalov busts Isabel Baltazar (€73,000)
Team PokerStars Pro Eugene Katchalov’s comeback has continued with an aces into queens set-up that has knocked Isabel Baltazar into touch.
Katchalov opened for 110,000 and was three-bet by Baltazar to 275,000. The action passed around and Katchalov moved all-in. It was always going to be a call just as it was always going to be two big hands. Based on her play from the last few days there’s little chance Baltazar would be three-betting light and in turn Katchalov would never be getting it in light. Blatazar made the call and looked instantly disappointed.
Katchalov: AA
Baltazar: QQ
The board ran out 888K6 to send Baltazar to the rail and Katchalov up to 2,800,000. This is very bad news for the rest of the table. Katchalov’s triple crown hopes have a renewed vim. — RD
1.52pm: Katchalov doubles
I’m pretty sure no one on this table wants to see Eugene Katchalov accumulating chips. This is his sixth major final table of the year already, and you wouldn’t bet against him going all the way and taking this title.
Certainly, he has just doubled up to get a more playable stack. Saar Wilf raised to 125,000 and Katchalov pushed for 625,000. Wilf did the maths in his head, and elected to call. Katchalov was pretty pleased when the hands were turned over.
Katchalov: AQ
Wilf: Q9
Wilf was dominated, and the board ran 4J876 to seal the deal. Katchalov up to 1.3 million, Wilf is on about 6 million. — SY
1.47pm: Enthusiastic crowd
There’s a noisy rail here. With four Spaniards starting the final table, the locals have a good deal of cheering to do. — SY
1.45pm: Perez shoves
Tomeu Gomila opened the action and Dave Grohl lookalike Juan Manuel Perez moved all-in for 940,000. After a short amount of posturing he passed. Perez up to 1,150,000. — RD
1.40pm: More for Wilf
Saar Wilf’s good start continues, this time winning a sizable pot off Isabel Baltazar. He called her pre-flop raise to see a K6A flop. Both checked and on the 2 turn Baltazar called Wilf’s 150,000 bet. He made it 275,000 on 2 river, again getting a call. Wilf turned over A5. It was good. — SY
1.35pm: All in, fold
Team PokerStars Pro Eugene Katchalov moved all-in and everyone folded. Katchalov is looking to join the Triple Crown club today by adding an EPT title to his WSOP and WPT victories. — SY
1.31pm: Wilf chip leader
Saar Wilf takes the chip lead after a pot worth more than 2.5 million against Tomeu Gomila. On a 7K752 board, and with betting on every street, Wilf showed AA, nicely ahead of Gomila’s pocket jacks.
Wilf is up to 6.7 million, Gomila down to 4.6 million. — SY
1.25pm: Expect more of this
First hand and Tomeu Gomila sets out his stall. Raul Mestre opened with a raise to 110,000 and Gomila re-raised to 285,000 to take the pot. Gomila is an aggressive sort, and will no doubt be bullying a fair bit. — SY
1.22pm: We’re off
Play has started.
1.15pm: Maybe just five minutes more
I think we’re nearly ready to start. Hope so, I have a flight to catch tomorrow. — SY
1.05pm: Drumming fingers
The people in TV land are still setting up. I’d give it another ten minutes. I-Spy anyone? — SY
12.10pm: Long delay
If you came here expecting to read about the final table, you can’t. The TV crew have taken it upon themselves to move the start time to 1pm. That’s more than irked the players and the media, who all made the effort to get here for a noon start. Harumph.— SY
11.50am: New champion to be crowned
We return to the Gran Casino Barcelona with eight players (notice I didn’t say men, we have one female in the shape of Isabel Baltazar) fighting it out for the €850,000 first place prize and the second Season 8 EPT title. Tomeu Gomila is currently the man to beat. — RD
PokerStars Blog reporting team in Barcelona (in order of money lost on Montpellier vs. Amiens last night): Rick Dacey (£47.50), Simon Young (£10), Stephen Bartley £2.50). Photos by Neil Stoddart.
This EPT is brought to you by PokerStars, the official sponsor of the European Poker Tour. Win your way into the biggest events Europe has to offer at Europe.
| Jump to | Page 1 of 5 | Next |
Copyright © 2001-2024
CardPlayer.com. All rights reserved.
