POKER – ‘a card game, played in various forms throughout the world’ is how this was described in a simple online search.
In truth, this game and the community feeling that PokerStars have generated provides much, much more.
The European Poker Tour was in Paris for the very first time in February, and nobody really knew what to expect I include myself in that.
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It was the start of a jam-packed year for the tour, with many prestigious locations ahead of a bumper 2023 schedule.
In the world’s most romantic city, would this game of deceptiveness be perceived well and be accepted as a success? The answer is an overwhelming yes.
PokerStars’ attention to detail and ability to stage an epic experience was something that took me by huge, yet pleasant surprise.
The tournament was staged at the Hyatt Regency Etoile in Paris, just a stone's throw away from Le Meridien Etoile where I housed myself for four days.
There was a slight buzz around the place outside but nothing too over the top, given that the 1,606 entries for the Main Event were the second-highest EPT event outside Barcelona.
But when those lift doors burst open on floor number one, the noise and colour that greeted you immediately was something really special, before walking through the ‘tunnel’ to the main tournament room with bright lights, which can only be described as being like a football tunnel heading out for a big Champions League night.
It gave out such a buzz and feeling something special was happening. And that was just as a spectator – goodness knows how it felt for the players.
After a quick tour around and first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower in all its glory from the 34th floor Skybar, it was time for the first event of my stay – the PokerStars Players Party.
Held at the exquisite Fouquet’s Paris – across the road from the incredible Louis Vuitton building – PokerStars welcomed their players from all over the world for a night to let their hair down with drinks, food, music, and entertainment.
Day two kicked off with a poker tutorial for the attendees, hosted by the hugely talented PokerStars ambassadors Jennifer Shahade and Nick Walsh.
Sitting at a table with six others – three males and three females – the instructors were incredibly patient and helped remove the nerves, particularly for two of the ladies who’d never played before.
Their teaching skills allowed us to have a mini-tournament at our tables too. Given I had played before, my own performance was shocking.
But the final heads up was contested by the two that hadn’t played before, showing that a bit of teaching can go some way to making it an easy game to learn, while fun at the same time.
A lack of women players was brought up, given that the four within our group more or less doubles the female population of players inside the room. Jen was keen to stress that getting more women into the game was key.
She said: “Having more women coming into poker and playing the game is powerful. Not just for the game but for women themselves, I feel it helps teach about negotiation.
“And sometimes in these events people underestimate you!”
Some free time to explore Paris followed before a group trip to Moulin Rouge. Not usually my cup of tea but there was a sense of anticipation on the bus and we were well looked after and it was a great event.
Such was the success of EPT Paris, our main poker tournament scheduled for us to have more of a go was unfortunately canceled, with the tournament itself being so busy.
Players who had been knocked out still wanted to hang around to watch their friends and competitors.
Thankfully, after a lovely cruise trip on the River Seine, we managed to get in to watch the tournament live.
A view of the feature table showed the intensity that poker can attract, while the dozens of other tables were alight with noise and Carnival-like atmosphere as the competition continued.
We were afforded the luxury of being able to take in the tournament from multiple vantage points and really enjoy watching the game being played out first hand.
One player turned to me passing to say: “You can do my next bet, you might have more luck than me.”
Unfortunately, that would have been against the rules. Though good job for him after my display the day previously.
Leaving at the same time the tournament paused for a break was poor timing on my behalf but it allowed me to see rivalries become friendships for that 20-minute period.
Check out our tips for playing online poker
Guys and girls just hustling one another a moment ago, now sharing a lighter, buying each other refreshments, and hanging out outside in view of the Parisian city and nearby Eiffel Tower.
It was incredible to witness that fun yet intense gameplay just being paused so effectively as players enjoyed each other’s company.
A dinner with PokerStars members rounded off the trip superbly as we all told stories of our few days in Paris and the interactions we had.
Those last two sentences more or less summed it up. It’s more than the game that was defined in the opening words.
Wikipedia defines Poker as “a family of comparing card games in which players wager over which hand is best according to that specific game's rules.”
After a few days with the PokerStars crew, ‘a family’ is very much the correct way to define it.
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So if you get the chance to check in at one of their incredible tournaments coming up this year – listed below – you won't be disappointed.
- EPT Monte Carlo (April 26-May 6, 2023)
- EPT Barcelona (August 21-September 3, 2023)
- EPT Cyprus (October 11-22, 2023)
- EPT Prague (December 6-17, 2023)
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
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