EPT Barcelona Open Poker Winner: Sebastian Ruthenberg

German poker player Sebastian Ruthenberg has won the 2008 EPT Barcelona Open.

Ruthenberg's win: A cool €1,360,100, his largest pay day thus far. He beat out 618 other players during the EPT fifth season.

Ruthenberg has two cashes at the World Series of Poker, both of which were at the 2008 WSOP, In his first cash he won the $5,000 Seven Card Stud Hi-Low World Championship, the bracelet and $328,762 after defeating professional poker player Chris Ferguson during heads-up play, In his second cash he finished in 68th place in the $2,500 No Limit Hold'em event.

As of 2008, his total live tournament winnings exceed $2,800,000.

The European Poker Tour (EPT) began in 2004 as part of the worldwide explosion in Texas Hold 'em popularity. It is a series of televised poker tournaments similar to those in the World Poker Tour (WPT).

In seasons 1-3, the most significant difference between the competing poker tours was the buy-in and its effect on the prize pool, with the EPT featuring buy-ins about half the size of the WPT. This changed in season 4 when the buy-in for most EPT events was increased to €8,000. (Due to increased popularity and lack of space in participating casinos). At 2007 exchange rates, this is approximately equal to the US$10,000 which is the buy-in for most WPT events.

Furthermore, the final table is made up of 8 players, as opposed to the 6 player final tables popularised by the WPT.

The EPT is sponsored by PokerStars.com and taped by Sunset + Vine for television broadcast across Europe.