Every event at the inaugural Sixers Series shifts the rhythm of tournament poker—and the Main Event’s €150,000 guarantee gives plenty of reason to lean in.
Casino Barcelona is shaking up its usual poker rhythm. From October 13 to 18, the venue more commonly known as host of the European Poker Tour is rolling out a brand‑new festival—aptly named the Sixers Poker Series—where for the first time, every tournament is strictly six‑handed. That’s no small change for anyone used to full‑ring or nine‑handed fields, and it signals a deliberate tilt toward action‑heavy, short‑handed poker.
The Six‑Handed Experiment at the Felt
According to coverage by PokerNews, the series began October 13 with a €220 No‑Limit Hold’em “Niners” event, followed by a €1,200 High Roller on October 14, before the €660 Main Event launched October 15. Later in the week, players will also have their pick of a €230 Progressive Knockout, a €335 Mystery Bounty, and a €220 Closer—each played six‑handed. The innovation isn’t just a quirky footnote; it’s the festival’s defining feature.
Cardplayer Lifestyle likewise reports that every tournament during the Sixers Series adheres to the six‑handed format, confirming PokerNews’ take and underscoring that the structure applies across the entire festival.
Main Event Hooks €150,000 Guarantee
The action peaks with the €660 Main Event, boasting a substantial €150,000 guaranteed prize pool, as highlighted by PokerNews. Players either buy in directly or battle through €125 satellite flights, all starting with 50,000 chips—though the turbo variant on Day 1c uses only 20‑minute levels. Significantly, unlimited re‑entries are permitted up until the start of Level 15, which should increase both field size and combative depth.
PokerNews also points to the 2024 edition of a similar €660 Sixers Main Event, which drew nearly 300 entries and created a €159,660 prize pool. The winning payout was around €30,000, with top‑four payouts at least €10,500—a useful precedent for what this year’s festival might generate.
What’s at Stake—and Why It Matters
- Short‑handed intensity: Six‑handed games are terrain for relentless aggression, frequent confrontation, and rapid decision‑making. They demand a different style—assertive, adaptive, and capable of thriving under pressure.
- Accessible buy‑in levels: With buy‑ins ranging from €220 to €1,200, the series casts a wide net. The inclusion of €125 satellites ensures grinders and amateurs can still get in the mix.
- Guaranteed action: That €150,000 guarantee on the Main Event amplifies excitement and makes planning easier for players eyeing ROI in a shortened field.
- Tournament identity: By branding the entire festival as six‑handed, Sixers stands apart from standard multi‑event poker weeks, positioning itself as a proving ground for short‑handed expertise.
Early Verdict and Looking Ahead
The introduction of an all‑six‑handed series could reshape perceptions about how poker festivals are structured. It prioritizes dynamic tables, strategic flexibility, and quick escalation—three ingredients that make for electrifying poker and easier spectator appeal. Whether Sixers becomes a one‑off experiment or a recurring holiday on the poker calendar depends on turnout, player feedback, and how well the festival balances structure with spectacle.
But for now, Casino Barcelona has rolled out a bold proposition: fewer players per table, more action, and a Main Event with real punch. In the shifting landscape of live poker, that’s both a challenge and an invitation—and one that plenty of players will be eager to accept.
Sources
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