EPT Barcelona: In it for cheap: Meet some of the qualification whizzes
More than 130 players in the EPT Barcelona Main Event field this week won their ticket playing online at PokerStars. Some do this kind of thing often. Some are now playing their first ever live tournament thanks to their qualification on the cheap.
Many of these satellite whizzes took the time to answer a pre-tournament questionnaire about their experience at the poker tables, and to reveal their hopes for the event.
Here’s where we can introduce some of these players, who are hoping to turn peanuts into a huge payday.
Lorenzo Rinaldi, Italy
- PokerStars Power Path Gold Pass winner
Lorenzo Rinaldi
The Gold Pass was a crazy climb. I started by winning a €50 ticket via an All-in Shootout. The same evening, I went for the decisive tournament and, overcoming a field of 600 people, I won the Gold Pass. When the confirmation arrived I exploded with joy.
This will be my first EPT ever. A real debut that I await with enormous enthusiasm. I’m excited about the 360-degree experience, the unique atmosphere of the big live events, the level of organisation and the opportunity to experience a tournament of this caliber up close in a fantastic city.
I define myself as an amateur player. My job doesn’t leave me a lot of time to play as much as I’d like, but I more than make up for it with a huge love and passion for this game.
If I won, I would use the winnings to start a passive income business, so as to create the financial freedom to travel and explore the world.
Rafael Ponce Campos, Spain
- PokerStars Power Path Gold Pass winner
Rafael Ponce Campos
I earned my Gold Pass through an online qualifier. I kept playing and working towards the goal of getting the package, and eventually I managed to win it. When I realised that I had actually qualified for the EPT Barcelona Main Event, I was incredibly happy. It was a moment I will never forget.
This will be my first EPT Main Event. It’s a very special moment for me because I have always wanted to play an EPT live, and Barcelona will be my first one. I’m most looking forward to experiencing the atmosphere of a big live EPT, playing against some of the best players in the world and, of course, seeing how far I can go.
I’ve played a lot of online poker, but playing such an important tournament live is something completely different. I’m really excited to live the whole experience.
I would describe myself as a competitive and instinctive player. I try to stay calm at the table, pay close attention to my opponents and adapt my game depending on the situation. I enjoy making decisions based on the information I get from the table and fighting for every pot.
If I made the final table, it would already be an incredible achievement for me. If I were lucky enough to win the tournament, I would definitely use the money to improve my life and secure a better future for myself and my family. It would be a life-changing moment.
Ovidiu Lungu, Romania
- PokerStars Power Path Gold Pass winner
Ovidiu Lungu
I won my Gold pass via the steps – from €11 to €55 to Gold Pass! I have never played an EPT Main Event. It’s my first time. I am a true lover of the game. If I win, I can’t spend that kind of money, I need to invest it.
Claus Pedersen, Denmark
- Qualified via €55 satellite into €530 satellite
Claus Pedersen
I have never played an EPT Main Event before. I am looking forward to experiencing an EPT festival for the first time in my life – the people, the whole scene, the atmosphere. Hopefully, I’ll get to play with some of the top tier poker players in the world. I hope to get some good experiences and learnings to take home with me.
I am a casual/recreational player who has been playing poker for a bit more than 20 years. My start came in online tournaments and small home games, arranged by the staff association at my work, before trying real live tournaments at which I was always trembling with nervousness and adrenaline during the first couple of hands I involved myself in. I started with No Limit Hold’Em tournaments. I liked the fact that I could not lose more than my buy-in in a tournament. Over the years, I have taken up cash games and PLO4 and PLO5 as well, but I still consider NLHE tournaments as my primary game.
I have studied the game extensively. Not like a professional, but I have bought and read a shelf of poker books, and done my fair share of online tutorials, blogs, vlogs, and videos. I like all aspects of poker. The game, the math, the psychology, and the fun and social part. I am not equally good at all of them, but I try to learn and improve whenever I can. I have an enormous respect for money, and I often say that money is not everything but enough money liberates you from many concerns. So, even though we are talking potentially life-changing amounts, I am a bit on the conservative side.
If I got far, I would consider buying a real estate property of some sort. I would most certainly invest a substantial part, and, besides that, I would treat myself with a piece of quiet luxury or two, an extra nice skiing trip, and throw celebration parties for family, friends, and of course my local poker club. Lastly, I would set some of the money aside for another EPT.
Gabin Henrion, France
- Qualified via €250 satellite
Gabin Henrion
This will be my very first EPT Main Event. I am 18 years old and three months, so playing my first EPT in Barcelona means a lot to me.
First of all, it is a childhood dream becoming a reality. I have been playing poker since I was 6 years old. My father has been a professional poker player for 30 years. I grew up around poker, so finally getting the chance to play my first EPT is something very special to me.
I am especially looking forward to experiencing the highest level of poker and competing against some of the best players in the world. But I am also really excited to discover the atmosphere around the EPT — the huge number of players, all the different personalities, the energy around the tables, and everything that makes an event like this so unique.
I would describe myself as an aggressive player — sometimes maybe a little too aggressive! I can be quite annoying to have at your table because I put a lot of pressure on my opponents, and I have absolutely no fear of bluffing. At the same time, I know how to be patient. If the situation requires it, I can go three or four hours without playing many hands and wait for the right opportunity.
I think one of my biggest strengths is that I am not afraid of making difficult decisions. I have been playing poker since I was a kid, so I am very comfortable under pressure. And I don’t really feel nervous when I am at the table.
If I won the tournament, my first priority would be my family. I would want my mother to be able to stop working and make sure my family is financially secure. After that, I would obviously continue playing poker. My goal is not just to win one big tournament. I want to keep improving, play the biggest events in the world, and one day become one of the best poker players I can possibly be.
Thank you again for this opportunity. I am really looking forward to being there and experiencing my very first EPT in Barcelona.
Pau Vela, Spain
- Qualified via €50 satellite into €250 satellite
Pau Vela
This will be my first Main Event and in Barcelona that’s where I’m from. To be honest, being able to play an EPT is just a dream. I want to enjoy every minute of it and I will keep a positive attitude. I consider myself a solid player and hard worker and an online grinder. If I won big money, I will have a great dinner with friends and have some fun. Maybe travel. But there is a big chance I will be opening the lobby a few days after. I’ll get back to grinding online.
Elerson Kirsten, Brazil
- Qualified via €530 satellite
Elerson Kirsten
I have played one previous EPT. It was in the past year. I expect to perform well with my decisions. I feel ready for challenges, with good experience and knowledge. If I won money, I don’t really know what I would do, but I would continue to invest in things that bring me a return in all parts of my life with more quality, obviously. Maybe to celebrate a nice family trip would be nice.
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