French Players Out in Force for EPT Deauville

French Players Out in Force for EPT Deauville

Wednesday, 4 February 2015

It probably shouldn't come as much of a surprise, but this year's EPT Deauville event is being dominated by French players. According to a recent survey of the runners anteing up in the French coastal resort, more than 240 locals anted up in this year's Main Event.

That showing by French grinders accounts for 41% of the total field which is 7% more representation than the country's closest rival, Italy. Thanks to appearances by the likes of Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier and Lucien Cohen, this year's EPT Deauville field has reached 592 players in spite of an impending "crisis" in the French poker community.

A recent report by Autorité de régulation des jeux en ligne (ARJEL) showed that in the fourth quarter of 2014, online poker revenues dropped by €17.3 million. However, an upturn in the number of French players turning their attentions to tournaments has given the country a glimmer of hope.

Despite online cash games revenues dropping since France became a regulated igaming nation, virtual MTTs have held firm. In fact, in January the overall takings for online tournaments increased by €6.5 million.

This news, coupled with an impressive local showing at EPT Deauville, has given the French community a reason to believe the poker economy might not be completely doomed. Although the road back to salvation is likely to be a long one, it does appear that French players are still yearning to ante-up.

However, many experts still fear that unless the government drastically alters the way in which it handles the igaming industry, the poker economy will continue to contract and squeeze out more and more players.

At the close of day 2 at EPT Deauville, it was Alex Tikhoniuk out in front. Kevin Macphee and Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier also finished strongly with 138 of the 592 starters still standing.



Tags: ElkY, Bertrand Grospellier, EPT Deauville,