Manuel Ferrari crowned at EPT Barcelona after three-way deal
Ferrari led the final table of the Main Event at EPT Barcelona, securing his largest prize after reaching an agreement with Lukas van Eeden and Jose Criado.
Key Takeaways
- Manuel Ferrari won the Main Event of the EPT Barcelona 2026 after a deal between three players.
- Ferrari received a prize of €1,002,488, the largest of his career.
- Jose Criado and Lukas van Eeden completed the podium with prizes exceeding €900,000.
- The negotiations resulted in three stacks being almost even following Van Eeden's comeback.
- The EPT will continue the season in Prague from December 2 to 13, 2026.
Manuel Ferrari conquered the Main Event of the EPT Barcelona 2026, ensuring victory and a prize exceeding one million euros after entering into a three-way deal in the decisive moments of the tournament. The Italian, who started the final day as chipleader, capitalized on his advantage against high-level opponents at a final table broadcast live.
The three-way deal defines the final stretch of the EPT Barcelona Main Event
The final table of six players included Manuel Ferrari, Spaniard Jose Criado, and Chinese player Xiaosheng Zheng, all high in the chip count. Alongside them were Dutch Lukas van Eeden, Irish Michael Dwyer, and Lebanese Nicolas Chouity. Ferrari also led on the penultimate day, with Criado determined to achieve the first Main Event title for Spain. Ferrari's favoritism remained until the crucial three-way deal.
Sequence of eliminations: from Lebanese Chouity to the final heads-up
Nicolas Chouity was the first eliminated, followed by Michael Dwyer and Xiaosheng Zheng. Three contenders remained with tight stacks after Van Eeden's comeback, who doubled his chip stack after going all-in with a pair of sevens against Criado. This move allowed the Dutchman to fully re-enter the title fight and equalize the balance of power, prompting the beginning of negotiations.
The prize distribution deal and the outcome
After a brief dialogue, Ferrari, Van Eeden, and Criado subscribed to a deal based on chip counts, guaranteeing each a significant amount while reserving the difference for the final winner. Jose Criado, the local favorite, soon fell to third place after losing his last chips to Ferrari. The heads-up between Ferrari and Van Eeden was resolved quickly in favor of the Italian, who took advantage of the momentum and numerical edge after the deal.
"The win of over one million euros is, by far, the greatest achievement in Ferrari's career, who prior to EPT Barcelona had only accumulated $579,000 in live prizes." — PokerStars/Manuel Kovsca
Results and figures: record earnings for Ferrari
Ferrari took home €1,002,488, a remarkable leap from his earnings accumulated since 2018. This title in Barcelona marks his best record, surpassing even his two previous victories in PokerStars events, achieved in January 2026 and June 2025, which until now were his only results above six figures. The podium was completed by Lukas van Eeden (€927,420) and Jose Criado (€910,642), while Xiaosheng Zheng (€471,250), Michael Dwyer (€362,500), and Nicolas Chouity (€278,950) filled the remaining spots.
Final standings of the Main Event EPT Barcelona 2026
- Manuel Ferrari – €1,002,488*
- Lukas van Eeden – €927,420*
- Jose Criado – €910,642*
- Xiaosheng Zheng – €471,250
- Michael Dwyer – €362,500
- Nicolas Chouity – €278,950
(*Earnings after deal)
EPT schedule and return to Prague
The European Poker Tour (EPT), led by PokerStars, confirmed that the next stop will be Prague. The festival returns for its traditional winter appointment, from December 2 to 13, 2026. This transition to the Czech market maintains the continuity of one of the most relevant circuits for operators, professional players, and the live poker industry.
Images from the tournament were provided by PokerStars and Manuel Kovsca.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Main Event of the EPT Barcelona 2026?
Manuel Ferrari won the Main Event of the EPT Barcelona 2026, achieving the title after a three-way deal with Lukas van Eeden and Jose Criado.
What was Manuel Ferrari's prize for his victory?
The prize for Manuel Ferrari was €1,002,488, the largest amount obtained in his professional career to date.
How was the prize distribution decided at the final table?
The last three players, Ferrari, Van Eeden, and Criado, reached a distribution agreement based on the chip count, reserving a portion of the prize for the final winner.
When and where will the next stop of the European Poker Tour be?
The next stage of the European Poker Tour will be in Prague from December 2 to 13, 2026, as confirmed by PokerStars.
What are the complete results of the final table of EPT Barcelona 2026?
The final table results were: 1st Manuel Ferrari (€1,002,488), 2nd Lukas van Eeden (€927,420), 3rd Jose Criado (€910,642), 4th Xiaosheng Zheng (€471,250), 5th Michael Dwyer (€362,500), and 6th Nicolas Chouity (€278,950).
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About the author
Sofía Carrasco
Poker Correspondent
Sofía Carrasco covers live and online poker — tournament series from the WSOP and EPT to the daily room grind, promotions, and the industry moves behind them. The reports keep every score, pot, and player name exactly as the record shows, and follow the story past the final hand: who qualified, what the structure rewarded, and how the field is shifting. For player moves, software, and regulation across the poker economy, Sofía Carrasco is the first read.
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