Sebastian Ruthenberg Captures EPT Barcelona Open

Professional German poker player Sebastian Ruthenberg, 24, became the first winner of a Season 5 EPT Event by winning the PokerStars European Poker Tour Barcelona Open yesterday, taking home 1,360,100 Euros first prize (USD $1,923,880, GBP 1,078,714). Ruthenberg came to the final table as chip leader, and after a quick three hands of heads-up play, defeated Fintan Gavin of Ireland to become the EPT Barcelona champion.

A total of 619 players entered the sell-out 8,000 Euro buy-in event, creating a record prize pool of 4,952,000 Euros (about USD $7,024,838 or GBP 3,925,230).

Making their first EPT appearances as PokerStars Ambassadors were Swedish NHL superstar Mats Sundin and Spanish tennis legend Sergi Bruguera. Notable poker pros in attendance included: Chad Brown (who finished 34th for Euros 17,300), Daniel Negreanu, Greg Raymer and Vanessa Rousso.

Ruthenberg emerged as chip leader very early in the tournament on Day 1b, and finished that day as the leader, and since stayed near the top of the leaderboard.

The very international final table and chip counts were:

Since going pro six months after studying IT at college, Ruthenberg, AKA "miamivice", quickly moved into higher games and doing well, especially after winning the German Open in 2006. Last year he came third in EPT3 Dortmund. This past June was a great highlight for him, when he won a World Series of Poker bracelet in Event 33- WSOP 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo World Championship 8 or Better.

The final standings and prize money won (in Euros) at the 2008 EPT Barcelona Open were:

For schedules and results of Season 1-5 EPTs, click here.

For a schedule of upcoming Season 5 EPT events, click here.

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