Can You Play PS1 EBOOTs on PS3?

Not directly on official firmware (OFW).

Official Firmware (OFW)

• PS3's built-in PS1 emulator reads PS1 disc images (.ISO/.BIN/.CUE) or .PBP (PSP-format) packages placed in /PS3/GAME/ or via "Import PS1 Game" from Memory Card Utility.
• EBOOT.PBP is the PSP executable wrapper—OFW ignores it for PS1 emulation.

Custom Firmware (CFW / HEN)

• webMAN MOD / multiMAN / IrisMAN can mount EBOOT.PBP (PS1 Classics format) and launch via XMB.
• Requires PS3 on CFW (HEN, Rebug, Evilnat) – voids warranty, risks PSN ban.

Better Alternatives

• PC: DuckStation / PCSX-Redux / Beetle PSX – Best accuracy, upscaling, save states, shaders.
• PS Vita / PSTV – Native PS1 support, great OLED (Vita 1000), portable.
• PSP / PSP Go – Native PS1 (POPS), 480×272 perfect integer scale.
• RetroArch (multi-platform) – Beetle PSX HW core, run-ahead, shaders.

Legal Note

Dump your own BIOS (SCPH1001.BIN etc.) and discs → .ISO/.PBP. Downloading = piracy.