Manel Montalbán Shines at PokerStars Open Campione

From an Online Satellite to Six Figures: Manel Montalbán Shines at PokerStars Open Campione


From an Online Satellite to the Poker Elite


The PokerStars Open Campione made a spectacular debut, attracting some of Europe's top poker players and generating a massive prize pool. Among them was Manel Montalbán "Ginobili1988", who turned a small investment in an online satellite into an incredible €123,760 payout by finishing fourth in the €1,100 Main Event.

With 2,324 total entries, the tournament easily surpassed its €1 million guarantee, amassing a €2,326,080 prize pool. The title and the €363,000 first-place prize went to Adrian-Sorel State from Romania, who bested Giorgio Soceanu from Italy in an intense heads-up battle.


Montalbán’s Impressive Final Table Performance


Manel Montalbán entered the final table as the chip leader, making him one of the favorites to win the event. However, tough competition and an unfortunate key hand against State saw him exit in fourth place.

Key Hand:
🔹 Montalbán opens with ♠Q♠J against State’s big blind.
🔹 State defends with ♠K♠Q.
🔹 Flop: 9♠8♠3♣ (no action).
🔹 Turn: Q♦ (State takes the lead with a stronger kicker).
🔹 State bets big, and Montalbán struggles to fold on the river 7♠.

This unfortunate confrontation ended his deep run, but walking away with a six-figure payout solidifies his skill in live tournaments.


Final Table Results – PokerStars Open Campione


PositionPlayerCountryPrize
🥇 1stAdrian StateRomania€363,000
🥈 2ndGiorgio SoceanuItaly€225,200
🥉 3rdBarnaba PeroneItaly€160,880
🎖️ 4thManel MontalbánSpain€123,760
5thSalvatore RussoItaly€95,190
6thJakub SterbaCzech Rep.€73,210
7thGaspare SposatoItaly€56,330
8thAndreas PuntzAustria€43,340



A Huge Success for Montalbán and Spanish Poker


Despite falling short of the title, Manel Montalbán showcased his talent on the big stage. Transforming a small buy-in from an online satellite into a €123,760 prize is an outstanding achievement, proving he is ready for poker’s most demanding circuits.

The PokerStars Open concludes its first-ever edition in Italy with great success and now gears up for its next stop at the EPT Monte Carlo. Without a doubt, we can expect to see Montalbán competing in more top-tier tournaments.

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