Youness Barakat

In April 2025, Youness Barakat captured the title at the Diamond Poker Series PLO Grand Slam Tallinn €5,200 Million, held at the Chesterfield Poker Club. He outlasted a field of 202 entrants and defeated 2019 WSOP Main Event champion Hossein Ensan heads-up to claim the trophy and €157,940 first-place prize. The win marked Barakat’s largest career score and elevated his live earnings beyond $1,000,000. The final table was notable for its lighthearted, jovial atmosphere, with Barakat engaging in friendly banter with opponents.

Barakat has established himself as a Pot-Limit Omaha specialist. He noted after his win, “PLO has been my main game for a couple of years. PLO tournaments seem to really suit my style … Having a PLO-only series is like paradise for me.” His success in the Diamond Poker Series includes two previous final-table appearances in Tirana: a third-place finish in November 2024 and a fourth-place result in January 2025. He also won a €5,200 Single Day event during the first DPS series.

Originally from Italy, Barakat now resides in the United Kingdom. He describes his playing style as suited to the swingy nature of PLO and emphasizes the importance of adaptability. At the DPS final table, Barakat acknowledged the challenge of adjusting to opponent Alexander Petersen, remarking, “I know I just won, but that makes me think that there’s so much I need to improve.” Despite the competitive environment, he values maintaining a lighthearted approach, noting that understanding the swings of the game allows players to enjoy the process.