EPT Barcelona 2026: 'No Bubble' Format Debuts to Rave Reviews, Brock Wilson and Yves Thalmann Shine
EPT Barcelona 2026 introduced a revolutionary 'In the Money at 180,000' format, eliminating the bubble. Brock Wilson wins €20K High Roller, Yves Thalmann takes Senior's HR, and Mads Underbjerg stages a comeback.
EPT Barcelona 2026: 'No Bubble' Format Debuts to Rave Reviews
The European Poker Tour (EPT) stop in Barcelona this year delivered a groundbreaking innovation that has players buzzing. Alongside the traditional events, a new tournament format effectively eliminated the most stressful moment in poker: the financial bubble. The 'In the Money at 180,000' format became an instant hit, exceeding organizers' expectations and hinting at a different future for live poker.
When the Goal Is the Stack, Not Survival
The highlight of the opening days was Event #12: €550 - In the Money at 180,000. This revolutionary concept changed the goal from outlasting opponents to accumulating chips. Players started with 30,000 chips, and as soon as someone reached 180,000, they bagged their chips for Day 2 and were guaranteed a payout. This eliminated the traditional stalling and hand-for-hand play on the bubble.
Initially capped at 300 entries, demand was so high that the limit was lifted, resulting in 572 entries (440 unique players) and a prize pool of €274,560. The dynamics shifted dramatically, forcing players to play aggressively to gather chips, as merely surviving meant nothing.
Frenchman Sacha Cohen became the first champion of this format, taking home €52,000. In heads-up, he defeated author and PokerStars Team Pro Maria Konnikova, who earned €32,500—the best female result of the festival so far.
Final Table Results of Event #12: €550 NL Hold'em - In the Money at 180,000
Brock Wilson Leaves Opponents No Chance
Event #17: €20K NLH was among the most expensive tournaments of the festival, attracting many familiar faces. A total of 32 entries generated a prize pool of €614,656. Only the top five received payouts, with Swedish legend Niklas Astedt finishing as the bubble boy.
American Brock Wilson claimed victory and the top prize of €233,556, securing his second EPT trophy—his first came a year ago, also in Barcelona. Estonian Ottomar Ladva took second place for €150,600. Ladva has historically performed well in Barcelona, with three EPT titles there and this being his tenth final table in the city.
Final Table Results of Event #17: €20,000 NL Hold'em
Yves Thalmann Dominates the Veterans' Duel
For players over 50, the €3,250 Senior's High Roller saw 46 entries, creating a prize pool of €133,860. Seven players reached the money, and Swiss player Yves Thalmann emerged victorious, defeating Dutchman Antoine Vranken in heads-up. Vranken narrowly missed a unique double, having won the classic €1K seniors' event the day before. Thalmann took home his first EPT trophy and a €43,530 prize, marking a new career high.
Final Table Results of Event #11: €3,250 Senior's High Roller
Mads Underbjerg's Spectacular Comeback
Late-night action featured Event #19: €3,150 Hyper Turbo, a fast-structured tournament that attracted a quality field of 37 entries, pushing the prize pool to €107,670. Danish player Mads Larsen Underbjerg was the hero of the evening, staging an incredible comeback in heads-up against Greek player Apostolos Kofidis. Underbjerg wiped out a 1:4 chip deficit with three consecutive all-in wins, and in the decisive hand hit a straight with K-5 against A-6 to take the title and €40,870.
Final Table Results of Event #19: €3,150 NL Hold'em Hyper Turbo - Freezeout
Sources: PS Live, Flickr
FAQ
- It's a tournament format where players start with 30,000 chips and are guaranteed a payout once they reach 180,000 chips. This eliminates the traditional bubble and encourages aggressive play.