Hansen and Rettenmaier Honors Highlight GPI European Poker Awards

Success. That word alone describes the GPI European Poker Awards in Paris on January 22, 2013.

The festivities were sponsored by the Global Poker Index, Aviation Club de France, and Poker52 Europa, at the Elysées Biarritz on the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Kara Scott served as the hostess for the evening’s awards presentations and industry recognitions, along with GPI CEO Alexandre Dreyfus.

As players, executives, and honorees sat down to an elegant setting, the 12^th annual awards got underway to pay respect to the best of the poker industry in 2012. Dreyfus began with some words about his vision for GPI and reasons for purchasing the company. The player awards then began.

Winner of French Player of the Year: Bertrand Grospellier

Winner of German Player of the Year: Marvin Rettenmaier

Winner of UK Player of the Year: Roberto Romanello

Winner of Belgian Player of the Year: Davidi Kitai

Winner of Irish Player of the Year: Dermot Blain

Winner of Finnish Player of the Year: Juha Helppi

Winner of Italian Player of the Year: Andrea Dato

Winner of Austrian Player of the Year: Ivo Donev

Winner of Spanish Player of the Year: Cesar Garcia

The ceremony paused for attendees to enjoy a classic French meal and champagne, as well as entertainment by magician Siméon Wolfgang. More awards followed:

Rookie of the Year: Ole Schemion

Best Tournament Performance of the Year: Davidi Kitai

Europe’s Leading Lady: Lucille Cailly

Internet Player of the Year: Jens Kyllönen

Poker Staff Person of the Year: Simon Trumper

Rob Gardner Memorial Award for Poker Personality of the Year: Kara Scott

Best Tournament of the Year: EPT Barcelona

GPI Player of the Year: Marvin Rettenmaier

Lifetime Achievement Award: Gus Hansen (presented by Jesse May)

The ceremony concluded, and many attendees expressed feelings about the evening. Patrick Nally, for example, British entrepreneur and pioneer of modern sports business industry, tweeted: “Attended European Poker & @GlobalPokerindx awards in Paris tonight, fascinating mix of industry and player celebrities. It’s a big business.”