Europe Goes Poker Crazy
Sponsored by PokerStars, the European Poker Tour (EPT) began in 2004. Using the idea from the World Poker Tour, PokerStars wanted to create the European equivalent. The EPT developed a series of live tournaments called festivals held in cities across Europe. They capitalized on the enthusiastic interest in poker, driven by the famous “Chris Moneymaker” effect who won the WSOP through a satellite.
Innovation
The objective of the European Poker Tour was to create a televised poker circuit fueled by online satellites. They attracted players from over 100 countries. More significantly, the hole cam camera was adapted as a standard feature seen by millions of European viewers. And while notable professionals like Phil Ivey, Daniel Negreanu, and Gus Hansen began playing at events, it also opened the doors for players worldwide.
Destinations
The inaugural tournament took place in Barcelona, Spain and festivals eventually landed in: Spain, Monaco; Prague, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, Denmark, Ireland, Germany; Russia; Vienna, Austria, Hungary, Ukraine, France and others.
The European Poker Tour shaped the international poker landscape and prompted PokerStars to replicate the tour in other continents launching the Asia Pacific Poker Tour, Latin American Poker Tour, and the North American Poker Tour. The European Poker Tour propelled PokerStars into a global powerhouse in the poker world which it is today.
Poker Origins