Satellite Winner Turns €55 into €50,000 in 888poker LIVE Madrid Main Event

We’re solely three weeks into 2026, and 888poker has already managed to assist write an inspiring story that confirms that the poker dream continues to be alive and effectively.

Gorka Akerreta certified on-line for the 888poker LIVE Madrid Essential Occasion for simply €55, and he managed to show that seat right into a victory price €50,000. On his method to the highest, the Spaniard outlasted the sector of 360 entries for the largest success of his poker profession.

It was an apt end for the very first stay occasion of the yr, organized by 888poker, sending a transparent message that everybody’s welcome and anybody can win, so long as you dare to dream.

Large Motion in Madrid

Poker occasions in Spain by no means fail to draw crowds, and Madrid’s competition didn’t disappoint. With gamers from throughout Europe (and past) flocking to hitch the motion, the Essential Occasion noticed a last subject of 360 entries, creating a really respectable prize pool of €273,600.

A complete of 47 gamers made cash, choosing up at the least €1,700 for his or her efforts. As is common, fairly a couple of of 888poker’s ambassadors had been within the combine, however none of them made it to the ITM stage. Lucia Navarro made the very best effort, however her run finally led to 69th place.

Ian Simpson, who began 2025 by successful this very event, couldn’t replicate that success this yr. He made it to Day 2, however he was the primary of the remaining ambassadors to hit the rail, and Aaron Barone adopted him shortly after.

By the point the event obtained all the way down to the nine-handed last desk, everybody had locked up at the least €5,900, however with €50,000 for the winner, nobody was in any rush to go away their seat.

By way of nationwide illustration, the ultimate desk was a correct worldwide combine. For Europe, there have been 4 gamers from Spain, one from the UK, one from France, and one from Eire. Then, there was one participant from Argentina and one from China.

A Dream Spot for the Spaniard

There isn’t a doubt that every one who made the ultimate desk had been motivated to complete the job, however for Gorka Akerreta, this was a very particular second. Having certified for the event by way of a €55 on-line satellite tv for pc, he had already locked up hundreds, and he began the ultimate desk with a stable stack in addition.

It will need to have felt prefer it was his time, and, because it turned out, it was.

Akerreta began the ultimate desk second in chips, and he safely navigated his stack all the way down to the three-handed stage, fastidiously choosing his spots. Then, he lastly managed to double up by the chip chief to take management of the sport, courtesy of an ace on the flop.

The Spaniard entered the heads-up with a three-to-one lead over his compatriot Raul Gordo, and it solely took two fingers to seek out the winner. Akerreta’s A-3 stood up towards Gordo’s Ok-Q, and, similar to that, his story was full. He efficiently turned €55 into €50,000!

This was simply the primary of many stay festivals on 888poker’s 2026 calendar. Between the primary tour, Noche de Poker, and the UKPT, there may be loads extra motion to come back, and lots extra satellites open to everybody who dares chase their poker desires. There aren’t any ensures in poker, however each once in a while, all issues line up completely, which is why you shouldn’t be afraid to take your photographs.

And the worst-case situation? Even if you happen to don’t win, you’ll get an expertise to final you some time and probably meet some new pals to final you a lifetime!