Because the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) celebrates its twentieth anniversary at EPT Barcelona, it is a milestone not only for the world of poker but in addition for many who’ve contributed to its evolution. Amongst them is Cedric Billot, Affiliate Director of Stay Occasions Operations for PokerStars, whose journey with the EPT started whereas it was in its infancy.
An EPT Child at Coronary heart
Billot proudly describes himself as an “EPT child.” His reference to the tour dates again to its early years, when he was a passionate poker participant dreaming of constructing it to the EPT tables.
“EPT means 20 years of my goddamn life,” he mentioned with fun. For Billot, the EPT was at all times greater than only a collection of poker tournaments—it was the final word objective, a dream that felt nearer and extra attainable than the World Sequence of Poker (WSOP).
“The EPT was the event that put sparkles in my eyes greater than the World Sequence,” he recalled. “Perhaps due to the content material and PokerStars TV, the EPT dwell streams, it felt extra prestigious, one thing I may contact by qualifying on-line.”
His journey from a participant making an attempt to earn a seat on the EPT to ultimately main its operations is a legacy that Billot is extraordinarily pleased with.
The Rise, Fall, and Resurgence of the EPT
Billot’s journey with the EPT has seen its ups and downs, significantly when the model was briefly retired. In 2017, PokerStars determined to discontinue the EPT, a choice that Billot strongly disagreed with. “For me, it was a giant disagreement with all of the technique. I left the corporate at this second.”
Nevertheless, the poker group’s outcry was loud and clear: They wished the EPT again. After simply ten months, PokerStars determined to revive the model, a transfer that Billot praised as the proper one.
“PokerStars took the proper determination bringing again the EPT,” he famous, and the return of the tour marked a brand new period, one which he was desirous to be part of as soon as once more.
European Poker Tour (EPT)’s twentieth Anniversary: Wanting Again on the First Ten Years
The Flutter Period of the EPT
The acquisition of PokerStars by Flutter Leisure caused modifications, however these have been largely optimistic for Billot.
Whereas he acknowledged that the EPT has at all times been a powerful model, no matter possession, he feels Flutter has added important worth, significantly in recognizing the significance of dwell occasions. “Flutter values dwell occasions, perhaps much more than the earlier house owners,” Billot referenced. “They perceive that dwell occasions carry huge components of belief, generosity, and content material creation.”
This emphasis on dwell occasions has allowed the EPT to proceed to thrive, with Flutter offering the assets and assist wanted to take care of its standing as probably the most prestigious poker excursions on this planet.
Memorable Moments: From Sanremo to Barcelona
With twenty years of EPT historical past to look again on, Billot has no scarcity of memorable moments. One in every of his earliest and most cherished reminiscences is the EPT Sanremo in Italy, the place a younger Jason Mercier made a reputation for himself.
“It was the primary EPT I noticed, and it’ll at all times have one thing particular to me,” he mentioned. “Jason Mercier, a younger gun from America, made an unbelievable name on the ultimate desk, successful the title. It was a high second for me.”
One other spotlight for Billot was watching compatriot Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier elevate the PCA trophy in 2008, an occasion that was then a part of the EPT. “As a Frenchman, it was a particular second for me.”
Yet another unforgettable second that lives lengthy in Billot’s mind befell on the 2016 EPT Barcelona. Sebastian Malec borrowed a well-known phrase from Scotty Nguyen when he instructed his opponent, “Should you name, it is over, child,” earlier than bursting into tears upon successful the title.
“Seeing the feelings of a winner, particularly after such an extended and intense ultimate desk, is simply probably the most lovely second of our job.”
European Poker Tour (EPT)’s twentieth Anniversary: Wanting Again on the Previous Ten Years
Billot’s Desires Realized with EPT Paris
As a Frenchman, Billot has at all times dreamed of bringing the EPT to Paris. After years of regulatory hurdles and delays, that dream turned a actuality in 2023.
The success of EPT Paris has been a supply of immense satisfaction for Billot, who envisioned the occasion’s potential to grow to be one of many largest stops on the tour. “We knew it will be successful if we may make EPT Paris sooner or later. And it was,” he mentioned. “There’s loads of satisfaction in bringing probably the most prestigious poker tour to the French capital.”
Because the EPT continues to develop below the stewardship of Flutter Leisure, Billot stays on the coronary heart of its operations, guaranteeing that the tour retains its standing as the top of poker excellence.
As he seems to be ahead to the subsequent 20 years, one factor is for certain: the EPT will proceed to be a spot the place goals are made and reminiscences are created.
Editor & Stay Reporter
