Giuliano Bendinelli Wins EPT Barcelona Main Event with Dramatic Comeback

Giuliano Bendinelli of Italy has won the PokerStars EPT Barcelona Main Event, taking home a massive €1,491,133 prize. The victory came after a remarkable comeback from just one big blind on the final day. A record-breaking field of 2,294 players competed in the €5,300 buy-in event at the Casino Barcelona.

The money bubble burst on day two, but it took until day six for the final six players to battle it out for the top honours. The remaining players included two Brazilians, along with competitors from France, Italy, Norway, and the Czech Republic, each guaranteed at least €334,480.

Bendinelli's journey was far from easy. He ran AQ into Guerrero’s AK, leaving him with just over one big blind. However, he mounted an incredible comeback, eliminating Kayhan Mokri Roshanfekr, who was up against pocket kings. Czech player Patrik Jaros was followed to the rail by Frenchman Jimmy Guerrero. Bendinelli powered into the lead by KOing Kovalski in another pair over pair situation. Brazil’s Neville Costa was the next victim of a resurgent Bendinelli, who then spiked a river straight to survive as Guerrero fought back heads-up. With a heads-up deal in place, the duo settled the destination of the trophy in dramatic fashion. Bendinelli said, “I can’t believe it. It’s the best day of my life. I’m speechless.”