PS Live League: Gerard Rubiralta, the golden boy of Spain’s new generation

November 28, 2025

Features

by PokerStars Staff

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6 Minute Read

This interview and accompanying article were prepared by Guille San Martin for the Spanish PokerStars Blog and subsequently translated into English and edited for publication.

In just three years, Gerard Rubiralta, or “Grubi” as he’s known online and in the Spanish community, has gone from online promise to fully established live reg, and now sits as the clear frontrunner of the PS Live League Medium board and one of the most in-form players in European poker.

None of this is accidental. Through volume, study, and consistency, he’s demonstrated a work ethic above most of his peers. With more than $700,000 in tournament earnings, a place inside Spain’s Top 60 All-Time Money List, titles in SCOOP, WCOOP, Golden Championships, Mini CEP, High Rollers… and an absurd run that saw him enjoy three SCOOP heads-up battles for a title in a single weekend, Rubiralta is a force.

This year has been the one that pushed him forward for good. Deep runs in Malta, Barcelona and Monte Carlo, six final tables across the League festivals, and a third-place finish in the High Roller at PokerStars Open Campione all showed that buy-in levels don’t impact his performance.

But his story doesn’t make sense without online poker. That’s where he learned, where he broke out, and where he continues to prove a competitive ceiling that very few young players reach today. It was on PokerStars where he cut his teeth, and now he’s not only in the running to win the Medium Live League board, but also in with a shot at becoming at PokerStars Ambassador.

We caught up with him to find out what it means to him.

INTERVIEW WITH RUBIRALTA

PokerStars Blog: You’ve had a huge year at the tables in 2025. If you had to choose your favourite moment, which one would it be and why?

Without a doubt, my deep run in the EPT Malta Main Event this year. Playing that tournament with Amadi and Malaka, going that far, feeling at my best level for so many hours, enjoying every moment… I loved the whole experience.

This year, you’ve made six final tables just within the League festivals. Which result would you say was the turning point of your season, and when did you realise you were going to fight for the Medium leaderboard?

I didn’t even know I had six final tables! My best result this year was the High Roller at the Open in Campione. But even more important for the leaderboard was cashing in most of the EPT Monte Carlo events. Those points add up fast. From that moment on, I fought for it by going to every stop.

Big names are chasing you, including Kenny Hallaert. With two tough festivals still to go, how do you see the leaderboard right now?

It’s looking good, but Kenny could still catch me. The rest have it more complicated. But I’ll stick to my plan: play my best, aim for good results, and let’s see if I can hold the lead.

What would winning the Medium leader board mean to you, both personally and professionally?

I really enjoy this kind of challenge. It motivates me, and these extra incentives make the grind even more fun. I’d be really happy to win it.

How do you handle the pressure of arriving as the leader for the final two stops? Do you enjoy it, or does it weigh on you?

I don’t think there’s pressure. In the end, I just have to play my best like always. And if I win it, great. I only see positive things. Every tournament, every bubble, every ITM, every final table… I enjoy everything twice as much.

Rubiralta is skipping PokerStars Open Cannes – will his lead be enough to win?

You’re planning these last two festivals knowing the leaderboard is on the line. How much does that affect your schedule, and how do you manage it?

I’d go to EPT Prague anyway to play the full festival, but I’d skip the Open in Cannes. And actually… I might have to skip the Prague Main Event because it doesn’t count for the leaderboard, and Kenny already told me he’s not playing it. I’ll probably do the same.

You’ve looked especially solid this year. Which part of your game do you feel has improved the most in 2025? Technical? Mental? Preparation?

Technically, for sure. I’ve been studying a lot. Mentally, I’ve always been strong. And off-table preparation is where I still have the most room to improve.

Tell me two things you’ve done better than ever at the tables this year…

I’ve improved in many areas, but it’s hard to pick just one. If I have to say something, I think my intuition has improved quite a bit, both online and live.

…and one thing that still hurts. If you could change one moment or one decision, which would it be?

I feel very fortunate, so nothing really “hurts.” But if I have to pick something, I’d say the hand against Juan Pardo in the Malta Main Event, where I lost a big pot and ended up short, and then busted the next hand. I would’ve loved to go deeper, maybe even win it.

But I’m not someone who wants to change the past. I know I’ll win an EPT Main Event someday, and the longer it takes, the more I’ll enjoy the journey–and the victory.

You’ve played many festivals this year. Which one has been your favourite of 2025 and why?

I love every EPT stop. But if I have to pick one, I’d say Malta because of the deep run I mentioned before. It was an incredible experience.

If tomorrow you were told you’re becoming a PokerStars Ambassador, what would it mean to you and what would you like to bring to the role?

I don’t know exactly what it would mean, but I would really like it. One thing I can say is that it would put me more in the spotlight, which would give me more situations where I’d have to step out of my comfort zone. That would be a great opportunity to grow.

I love poker and I think I transmit a huge amount of passion for the game. I also get along well with everyone and I like to think I pass on some of my happiness to others. And even though I’m not especially good in front of cameras or putting on a show, I could commentate TV tables or jump on stream with Willo, Alex, Dauch or Estiwinho. Talking about poker is always a pleasure.

What do you think about the PS Live League promotion?

Brilliant. Truly brilliant. It was a fantastic idea, and I really hope they continue with it next year.

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