Brits Triumph At European Poker Awards 2011
February 16, 2011 7:57 amThe incredible standard of British poker was reconfirmed on Sunday night in Paris after five of the eight European Poker Awards went to UK pros.
Leading the field with two separate awards was Brit Jake Cody, who was named the ‘Rookie of the Year.’ as well as the ‘Player of the Year.’
Jake Cody only started playing live tournaments seriously at the beginning of 2010 but got off to the best possible start by winning the €5k EPT Deauville for $1,213,194 in January. In the second half of 2010 Cody then took down his second major title of the year after victory at the £5k WPT London for $425,492. With around $1.7 million in winnings throughout the year Cody is a deserved winner of both the European Poker Awards titles.
UK’s Liv Boeree had the honour of being named ‘Europe’s Leading Lady,’ especially for her achievement in April of beating 1,240 players at the €5k EPT San Remo to collect the $1,698,300 first place prize. Liv went on to earn a total of $1,825,425 throughout 2010.
Other Brits picking up awards included 2010 WSOPE champion James Bord, who collected the title of ‘Outstanding Tournament Performance’ after his $1,281,048 win in London. Also, poker media ambassador Nic Szeremeta was honoured with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’
Non-Brits taking home honours included Norwegian Pro Andreas “skjervoy” Torbergsen, who was given the “Internet Player of the Year” award after amassing around $4 million online playing mostly at Full Tilt. Torbergsen was clearly delighted to have been chosen for the award over such competition as Patrik Antonius, Viktor “Isildur1” Blom and Chris “moorman1” Moorman, and commenting on the accolade said:
“Everyone likes to be noticed and recognized for their hard work and accomplishments and winning the award and being nominated with so many great players – it just feels damn good.”
Finally, Gerard Serra Retamero was named the ‘Poker Staff Person of the Year’, while Lithuanian-born Tony G was handed the ‘Poker Personality of the Year’ award. His antics throughout 2010 included trying to unmask Isildur1, and attempting to buy Peter Eastgate’s WSOP bracelet to make a collar for his dog.