Poker Glory in Spain: Fabiano Kovalski Wins Back-To-Back Titles at EPT Barcelona

Barcelona appears to be a sanctuary for Fabiano Kovalski’s poker career, as the Brazilian professional once again proved his dominance at the felt. During the recently concluded 2026 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Barcelona festival, Kovalski managed a feat rarely seen in the high-stakes world: winning two major titles in the span of just forty-eight hours. His familiarity with Casino Barcelona is well-documented, as he has now collected six of his eight largest career scores at this specific venue, including his top three career paydays.

The 38-year-old pro’s recent heater began on August 27, when he navigated a tough field to win the €3,250 Mystery Bounty event. While many would have rested on such a significant achievement, Kovalski jumped straight into the high-stakes action of the €10,300 No-Limit Hold’em High Roller. By August 29, he was once again posing for winner photos, having secured the largest single cash of his professional career. This streak underscores not just luck, but a profound level of skill and psychological endurance required to compete at the highest levels of international poker.

Numbers and facts

The financial results of Kovalski’s trip to the Catalonian capital are staggering. His victory in the Mystery Bounty event earned him $447,099. Two days later, he emerged victorious in the High Roller, banking an additional $843,645. In total, across four different cashes during the series, including a 120th-place finish in the Main Event, Kovalski walked away with over $1.3 million. This performance boosted his lifetime live tournament earnings to $4,758,530, securing his position among the elite top 10 players on Brazil’s national money list.

The High Roller event itself saw 429 entries, creating a massive prize pool of $4,827,108. The competition was fierce, with the top 62 players receiving a payout. Kovalski ultimately struck a heads-up deal with Igor Picone, who earned a respectable $691,267 for his second-place finish. Other notable deep runs included Alexandre Reard from France, who finished 6th for $191,864, and veteran Eugene Katchalov, who placed 19th. The sheer volume of entries for a €10,300 buy-in event highlights the continued growth and prestige of the EPT brand in 2026.

Background

Kovalski’s affinity for Barcelona dates back several years. In 2022, he finished fourth in the EPT Barcelona Main Event, earning $582,238, which remains his second-largest career cash. His recent surge has also significantly impacted his standing in the global poker rankings. Before this successful stint, Kovalski had not earned any Card Player Player of the Year (POY) points for the 2026 season. With the 1,440 points from the bounty event and 1,800 points from the High Roller, he vaulted to 44th place in the overall standings.

Similarly, Igor Picone’s runner-up finish provided him with 1,500 points, which, combined with his previous performance in Paris, moved him to 85th place on the leaderboard. The points race is a crucial metric for professional players seeking sponsorships and recognition within the industry. Kovalski's rise from zero points to the top 50 in a single week is a testament to the high mathematical weight given to EPT titles.

Why it matters for German players

For poker fans in Germany, watching a professional like Kovalski succeed on the international stage serves as inspiration, but it also highlights the differences in regulatory environments. While live events in Spain operate under local regional laws, German residents playing online must adhere to the Interstate Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). This treaty ensures that players are protected through the GGL’s white list, which only includes operators that meet strict safety standards.

German players are subject to a cross-operator deposit limit of 1,000 Euro per month and must be registered in the LUGAS central monitoring system. These measures are designed to prevent problem gambling, a stark contrast to the unregulated "wild west" of MGA or Curacao-licensed sites that often lack player protection mechanisms. When engaging in online poker, German users should always verify that their chosen platform carries the official GGL seal to ensure legal play and guaranteed payouts of their winnings.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For casinos licensed by the GGL, the success of international stars like Kovalski emphasizes the need for high-quality poker offerings within a safe framework. While the stakes in German online poker are often more modest due to legal restrictions intended to protect consumers, the interest in the game remains high. GGL-licensed operators must balance the excitement of the game with the mandatory 1 Euro per spin limit for slots and similar restrictive measures for poker to maintain their licenses. By providing a transparent and regulated environment, these casinos offer a sustainable alternative to the risky offshore market, ensuring that the integrity of the game is preserved for all participants.

„Fabiano Kovalski hails from Brazil, but one would be forgiven for thinking he was from Spain given the incredible amount of tournament poker success he has found inside Casino Barcelona.“ - Editorial note on his dominance at Casino Barcelona