EPT Season 6 (2009-2010)
Recap of the 6th European Poker Tour Season
Season 6 of the European Poker Tour offered unmatched entertainment. Events were filled with nail-biting action involving top players and unexpected turns.
Exciting Start in Barcelona
One notable event in Season 6 EPT was the first-place win in Barcelona by American Carter Phillips. Phillips, a relative unknown in the poker world, made significant wins in 2010. First, he walked away with $1.2 million in the Barcelona EPT event. Shortly thereafter, he won almost half a million dollars in the $1500 No Limit Hold’em Six Handed event at the World Series of Poker.
Thrilling Competition in London
The London event was also won by an American, Aaron Gustavson. Peter Eastgate, the Dane who took the title at the 2008 World Series of Poker, came in second place. Eastgate paused his poker career a year later, making this his last big win, despite finishing second.
Small but Intense Warsaw Event
The Warsaw event, the smallest of the Season 6 European Poker Tour with only 207 buy-ins, was won by Frenchman Christophe Benzimra. Sweden’s Anton Wigg took first place in Copenhagen.
Rising Star in Deauville
Jake Cody exploded onto the poker scene less than a year before winning the event in Deauville, France. This Brit became an overnight sensation. He made waves by winning the Grosvenor UK Poker Tour side event and the UK and Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT) money in 2009. Cody then beat out 768 players to win the Deauville Main Event. Seven months later, he won the main event at World Poker Tour London. Cody’s unique poker story includes an initial bankroll of £10, which grew into millions of dollars in winnings.
Unforgettable Drama in Berlin
Season 6 of the European Poker Tour added Berlin as a stop, resulting in unexpected and tumultuous events. On March 6th, 2010, four masked men entered the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Berlin and robbed the casino. Although they did not enter the tournament area, the crowd was shocked. No one was seriously injured. A guard attempting to detain one of the robbers suffered a minor cut. Play was interrupted when people panicked, and EPTLive ceased their broadcast. However, the main game was not suspended, a decision many players disagreed with. Kevin MacPhee, who won the main event, expressed his concerns about continuing the game. The ladies’ event was delayed, and a side game was canceled. The robbers got away with almost a quarter of a million euros but were apprehended days later and sentenced to three years in prison.
New Destinations on the Tour
Season 6 also added Kiev, Ukraine, where Russian Maxim Lykov took the title. In Saltzburg, Austria (referred to as “Snowfest”), Allen Baekke from Denmark won. Antonio Matias won in Vilamoura, Portugal, on his home soil.
Strong Play in Prague
In Prague, Italian poker player Luca Pagano came in 6th place. This was a considerable step down from his previous positions: third in the Barcelona Open Season 1 EPT event and fourth in Warsaw earlier in Season 6. Known as a serious EPT contender, Luca has also placed in two events in the 2006 World Series of Poker. He has had several money finishes in the EPT and made it to the final tables six times. Ultimately, the Prague title went to Czech Jan Skampa.
Record-Breaking Event in Sanremo
Sanremo had the largest event in the European Poker Tour with 1,240 buy-ins. Liv Boeree captured the first-place prize of €1.25 million. Already a substantial name in poker, Boeree started her career on Ultimate Poker Showdown, a UK reality show. Afterward, she became a spokesperson for the game, hosting television shows and writing poker columns. Boeree also holds a degree in physics/astrophysics, is an accomplished guitarist, and a model. The competition in Sanremo was her biggest win, proving she was more than just a pretty face.
Another Grand Finale in Monte Carlo
Like previous seasons, the Season 6 EPT Grand Final was held in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Nicolas Chouity of Lebanon came into the main event with a substantial chip lead, which he maintained throughout the game, winning the €1.7 million prize with pocket aces.
Conclusion
Season 6 of the European Poker Tour was filled with unexpected turns and thrilling moments. The inclusion of new locations and the rise of new champions made it one of the most memorable seasons in EPT history.