PokerStars EPT Winner Bounced Back from One Big Blind
Giuliano Bendinelli made an epic comeback during the final table play, spinning his 1BB stack into the EPT Barcelona title.
The biggest-ever EPT Main Event in history will be remembered for more than its record-breaking field. Giuliano Bendinelli, the eventual winner, reminded everyone that the old “a chip and a chair” adage was more than a comforting thought that comes to mind when you lose a big pot and are down to just a few big blinds.
The Italian managed to claw his way back into the prestigious PokerStars tournament from just one big blind and then proceeded to win the whole thing, claiming the title and the €1.5 million first prize.
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At one point during the six-handed final table, Bendinelli found himself heading to the rail, with a sole big blind remaining in front of him. It is hard to think that even Bendinelli himself believed he could master a comeback at that point, but the poker gods scripted an exciting and fitting conclusion to this historic EPT Barcelona Main Event.
Carried by his energetic rail, the Italian managed to find several much-needed double-ups and then proceeded to ride the wave all the way to his first EPT title. He and the runner-up Jimmy Guerrero struck a deal at the start of heads-up play, so Bendinelli took home less than the advertised cash for the winner, but it was still, by far, the most valuable prize of his career.
Earlier coverage
- PokerStars Cuts EPT Main Event Buy-In to €5,000 for 2027 Nov 10, 2026
- Brazil Fills Five Sunday Million Final-Table Seats as Kume23 Wins Spooky Season Finale Nov 10, 2026
- Tony Hinchcliffe Joins PokerStars Big Game on Tour’s Nov. 8 Return Nov 7, 2026
- PokerStars on FanDuel Goes Live in Alberta With a Standalone Player Pool Nov 6, 2026
