Victorious in the EPT Barcelona Main Event: Thomas Eychenne Takes the Crown
In the exciting conclusion of the 2023 EPT Barcelona Main Event, Frenchman Guillaume Eychenne emerged victorious, securing his first live tournament title. The 2,045-player field built a prize pool of €9,918,250, with the top 304 finishers sharing the spoils.
The final day began with Romania's Sebastian Ionita, who started as the chip leader, facing off against a talented field that included Eychenne. Dramatic moments unfolded throughout the day, with Italian player Umberto Zaffagnini attempting an airball bluff against Ionita, leaving him with a crippled stack. Zaffagnini's luck soon ran out, as he was fully depleted shortly after due to a loss to Eychenne.
Thomas Eychenne, a 35-year-old French professional poker player living in Malta, showed his skill and determination, eliminating Julian Pineda Lozano and earning a prize of €379,350. Three-handed play began with Eychenne chasing his rivals, but he soon turned the tables, eventually eliminating Ionita to claim the title.
The heads-up match started with equal stacks, but Eychenne, known for his heads-up prowess, negotiated a deal with Ionita, leaving €100,000 for the champion. Eychenne's win almost doubled his previous biggest score, achieved at the $25,000 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in 2023.
Eychenne's emotions ran high during his winner's interview, as he reflected on his journey and the significance of his first live tournament victory. Ionita finished in second place, earning a prize of €1,117,175.
As Eychenne looks to the future, he joins an elite group of poker players who have won seven-figure prizes. His victory at the EPT Barcelona Main Event is a testament to his skill and determination, and a memorable moment in the world of poker.
