Barny Boatman Outlasts 1,747 Entries To Win EPT Paris Main Event

In the 2024 PokerStars European Poker Tour Paris €5,300 no-limit hold’em main event, history was made as Barny Boatman emerged as the champion from a field of 1,747 entries. At 68 years old, Boatman became the oldest player ever to secure an EPT main event title, cementing his status as a British poker legend.

Barny Boatman’s victory not only bestowed upon him this remarkable distinction but also rewarded him with a career-best prize of €1,287,800 ($1,390,824 USD), surpassing his previous high score at the 2013 World Series of Poker. As a member of the renowned UK poker group known as the Hendon Mob, Barny Boatman now boasts a career tournament earnings exceeding $4.8 million.

Reflecting on his achievement, Boatman expressed disbelief, stating, “This doesn’t feel real. It’s way the biggest result I’ve had in poker, nothing’s close.” He credited his success to a stroke of luck, particularly in the crucial moments of the game.

With this triumph, Barny Boatman claimed his sixth tournament title, including two bracelet wins. His victory also propelled him to the top of the 2024 POY standings presented by Global Poker, marking his first POY-qualified score of the year.

The event attracted significant attention, culminating in a total prize pool of $9,038,000, with notable players such as Dimitar Danchev, Eliot Hudon, Farid Jattin, and Ami Barer making deep runs. However, only six contenders advanced to the final day, with Boatman positioned third in chips at the start.

Boatman’s journey to victory saw him navigating through intense competition, including crucial hands against formidable opponents like Eric Afriat and David Kaufmann. His strategic play and nerve ultimately led him to triumph, culminating in a decisive heads-up battle against Kaufmann, where Boatman emerged victorious with a commanding chip lead.

In a pivotal hand during the heads-up play, Boatman’s well-timed aggression paid off, securing him the title and a memorable victory. As Boatman celebrated his win, Kaufmann earned $869,130 as the second-place finisher, concluding a thrilling and historic event in the annals of poker history.

2024 EPT Paris Final Table Results