Peter Eastgate Returns To Poker After 7 Months Retirement

Around seven months since announcing his retirement from poker, the 2008 WSOP Main Event champion Peter Eastgate has officially announced that he is back in the game.
Peter Eastgate first reappeared in the spotlight this week after news was released that the retired Danish pro had entered the upcoming $25k NBC National Heads-Up Championship. At first the speculation was that Eastgate was making an isolated, star appearance at the tournament but now the 25 year-old has gone on to announce his shock comeback.
However, Eastgate was keen to convey a different perspective on the whole saga and said: 
“I do not consider this a comeback, as I always knew there was a good chance I would play poker again. During my hiatus from poker, PokerStars have been very supportive. Therefore, I am pleased that I will start out with playing two events where I will be sponsored by PokerStars.”
First up, starting February 21st Eastgate said he would be playing in his native country at PokerStars EPT Copenhagen, followed by the NBC National Heads-Up Championship in Las Vegas from March 3rd.
Without a doubt the poker industry will greatly benefit from having the WSOP Champion back at the tables, not least because of his respected status as a top pro. For instance, unlike many a recent WSOP winner, Eastgate enjoyed a lucrative playing career both before and after his enormous $9,152,416 win and has accumulated an impressive $1,751,795 from other live tournament winnings.
By contrast, 2006 champion Jamie Gold has added just $129,832 over the past few years, 2007 winner Jerry Yang $120,727 and 2009  Joe Cada a mere $51,450.
Further explaining his break from poker, Eastgate said:
“Last summer I decided that I wanted to stop playing poker and catch my breath and find out who I am and what I want to do with my life. Over the last 8 months I have had a chance to reconnect with my friends and most important, my family…Having had time to think about my life and future I feel I have figured out how I can combine playing poker with a healthy life outside of poker.”
Peter Eastgate also dismissed suggestions that he sold his 2008 WSOP Winners bracelet on e-bay last year to make a point, but instead said he was proud to have raised $100,000 for the charity UNICEF.