Dream Realized: Thomas Eychenne Claims EPT Barcelona Title

The European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona has always been a battleground for champions, but this year the spotlight shone brightest on Thomas Eychenne, the French poker pro who turned dreams into reality by clinching the Main Event title. From countless near-misses to finally hoisting the Golden Shard trophy, Eychenne’s victory is a tale of persistence, grit, and undeniable poker mastery.

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From Dreams to Reality: Eychenne’s Journey

For years, Thomas Eychenne visualized himself standing on the biggest stage, trophy in hand, basking in the glory of victory. His career had been decorated with deep runs and final tables but haunted by the absence of a major live win. That narrative changed in Barcelona as he battled through a field of 2,045 players and secured a career-defining payday of €1,217,175 after a heads-up deal. Eychenne’s victory is not just about the money—it’s about validation. After four runner-up finishes, he finally etched his name among the legends of European poker.

EPT Barcelona Main Event Final Table Results

The Road to the Title

Early Pressure and Breakthroughs

Eychenne faced an uphill climb at the final table, with Sebastian Ionita holding the chip lead. But his patience and calculated aggression paid off. A pivotal hand against Julian Pineda Lozano, where Eychenne’s two pair held strong against a busted straight draw, shifted momentum his way.

Crushing the Opposition

From there, Eychenne unleashed his experience. He eliminated Anton Suarez with trip fives, and later scored a crucial knockout against Umberto Zaffagnini when a queen on the river completed his straight. With each elimination, his confidence grew, and the dream felt closer.

Heads-Up Brilliance

Eychenne’s final obstacle was Romania’s Sebastian Ionita. Both players agreed to a deal, locking up seven-figure paydays, but Eychenne’s heads-up prowess proved unstoppable. Declaring himself a specialist, he systematically dismantled Ionita, eventually sealing the win with Ace-King against Ace-Six.

Eychenne’s Reaction: A Weight Lifted

“It feels amazing. It’s my first tournament win. I’ve been waiting for this moment for years,” said Eychenne, basking in the confetti storm.

For a player who had endured four runner-up heartbreaks, this victory was more than just a title—it was redemption. “From now on, I think I’ll feel less pressure. All those second-place finishes get in your head. But today, I proved to myself that I can close.”

Why This Win Matters

Eychenne’s triumph at EPT Barcelona is significant for several reasons:

1. Breaking the Barrier: After years of near misses, he’s now a proven closer.
2. Building Legacy: With €2.7M+ in prior live earnings, this win elevates him into poker’s elite.
3. Historic Venue: Barcelona is the birthplace of the EPT, and its name now joins two decades of champions.

This is not just another poker victory—it’s the birth of a legacy.

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What’s Next for Eychenne?

Eychenne hinted he’ll be back to defend his title in Barcelona, but the poker world expects to see him deep in more EPT stops, high rollers, and perhaps another strong WSOP run. With his confidence sky-high, this could be the beginning of an era where Thomas Eychenne becomes a fixture at the top of leaderboards worldwide.

FAQs About Thomas Eychenne’s EPT Barcelona Victory

Q1: Who is Thomas Eychenne?
Thomas Eychenne is a French professional poker player with millions in live earnings, known for his bankroll challenge streams and now the 2025 EPT Barcelona Main Event champion.

Q2: How much did Eychenne win at EPT Barcelona?
He secured €1,217,175 after a heads-up deal with runner-up Sebastian Ionita.

Q3: How many players competed in the Main Event?
A massive 2,045 players entered the EPT Barcelona Main Event, one of the largest fields in its history.

Q4: What was Eychenne’s biggest challenge before this win?
Despite numerous final tables and four runner-up finishes, Eychenne had never closed out a live tournament win until now.

Q5: What makes EPT Barcelona special?
As the birthplace of the European Poker Tour, EPT Barcelona is one of the most prestigious stops, with champions’ photos lining the walls of Casino Barcelona.

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Content Courtesy: POKERNEWS