European Poker Tour Barcelona, No Limit Hold'em, 10-14 September 2008

Entrants: 619

Buyin: €8,000

Prize pool: €4,952,000

1. Sebastian Ruthenberg, Germany, €1,361,000
2. Fintan Gavin, Ireland, €792,000
3. Davidi Kitai, Belgium, €455,000
4. Daniele Mazzia, Italy, €351,000
5. Dren Ukella, Germany, €292,000
6. Jason Mercier, USA, €227,800
7. Samuel Chartier, Canada, €178,000
8. Martin Nielsen, Denmark, €119,000

Four years ago, the combination of a naked John Duthie, a lukewarm bubble bath and a bright idea saw the EPT pop out the poker womb at the Gran Casino de Barcelona where Alexander Stevic became the Tour's opening, and worst paid champion. Whilst the diminutive prize pool, star-less field and lack of organisation may have changed, one thing remains evidently constant – the EPT is as popular as ever.

With a total 619 players and a mouth-watering €1,361,000 first prize, it's of no surprise that players turned up in their droves.