Gorka Akerreta

Gorka Akerreta, a native of Pamplona, Spain, emerged as a feel-good story in the poker world when he won the online poker Live Madrid Main Event in January 2026. Despite limited live tournament experience, he defied the odds to capture the €50,000 top prize after entering the event through a €55 online satellite.

Akerreta’s career-defining moment came at the Casino Gran Via in Madrid, where he outlasted a field of 360 entries to claim the €888 online poker Live Madrid Main Event. The victory was especially meaningful as he described it as a “great support for the family economy,” having two children aged 18 and 20. He defeated Raul Gordo in a brief heads-up match to secure the title and €50,000.

Akerreta has been playing poker for about eight years and considers himself primarily an online player. A recent back injury forced him into retirement from his regular work, making his tournament win a timely financial boost. Despite the life-changing score, he plans to continue playing in the same manner, focusing on improvement rather than drastically changing his approach.

Starting the final table in second chip position, Akerreta applied early pressure by eliminating Nima Jenabi in ninth place when his ace-seven cracked pocket queens. He navigated key river decisions and won the largest pot of the tournament when his ace-queen held against pocket tens, taking a commanding lead. Heads-up play lasted only a few hands, ending with Akerreta flopping two pair to seal the victory.

Akerreta’s triumph serves as a reminder that poker’s biggest opportunities can come from modest beginnings. His story resonates with recreational players who dream of turning a small satellite investment into a life-changing score, and his humility and grounded mindset highlight the enduring appeal of the game.