Global Poker Index European Awards 2013 - PokerStars. EPT Awards 2010: Awards Reel - European Poker Tour PokerStars.com. 160121 Global Choice. The 2019 Global Poker Awards won't be awarded until the first week of March, but the final four in each category will be announced on Friday. With little time to go before the culling from the.
Table Of Contents
The Global Poker Index (GPI) and Poker Central announced the inaugural Global Poker Awards to be held at the PokerGO Studio in Las Vegas and broadcasted live on PokerGO on April 5. PokerStars is a sponsor of the awards.
Global Poker Awards 2018
The event merges the GPI's American Poker Awards and European Poker Awards into one ceremony recognizing the industry's top poker players, industry leaders, and media members.
Global Poker Index Awards 2020
'Our global initiatives behind the European Poker Awards and the American Poker Awards come together starting this year,' said GPI President Eric Danis. 'We're excited to bring recognition to the poker world's best players and most prominent industry contributors on an unprecedented scale.'
A total of twenty awards are slated to be handed out with a full list of categories and nominations to be revealed later. A nomination panel will vote for the finalists in each category before a jury of industry representatives will select the winners.
Poker Central is understandably excited about its involvement in the first Global Poker Awards.
'We're thrilled to deliver streaming coverage of the first-ever Global Poker Awards show live from the PokerGO Studio,' said Poker Central President Sam Simmons. 'We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the industry's best and brightest while providing PokerGO subscribers a front row seat for all the festivities.'
History of the American Poker Awards
2014 American Poker Awards
The four-year history of the American Poker Awards dates back to 2014, with the ceremony held in 2015. Dan Colman won the GPI Player of the Year and Vanessa Selbst won the GPI Female Player of the Year awards. Also honored were Daniel Negreanu (Poker's Best Ambassador), Brandon Shack-Harris (Breakout Player of the Year), Steve Lipscomb (Lifetime Achievement Award), Adam Pliska (Industry Person of the Year, and Chris Grove (Media Person of the Year).
2014 American Poker Awards Winners
- Poker's Best Ambassador: Daniel Negreanu
- 2014 GPI Player of the Year: Dan Colman
- 2014 GPI Female Player of the Year: Vanessa Selbst
- Breakout Player of the Year: Brandon Shack-Harris
- Lifetime Achievement Award: World Poker Tour founder Steve Lipscomb
- Industry Person of the Year: WPT President Adam Pliska
- Media Person of the Year: Online Poker Report's Chris Grove
- Tournament Performance of the Year: Mark Newhouse in WSOP Main Event
- Media Content of the Year: Brad Willis for PokerStars Blog's 'WSOP 2014: Stages / Never Stop Fighting'
- Event of the Year (buy-in over $2,000): World Series of Poker Main Event
- Event of the Year (buy-in under $2,000): WSOP Monster Stack
- Charitable Initiative of the Year: 'All In' for Kids Poker Tournament Presented by CHOP & WPT Foundation
- Innovation of the Year: Twitch for Live Streaming Poker
2015 American Poker Awards
The following year saw Negreanu become the first two-time winner of an American Poker Award after being taking home the Moment of the Year award for his eleventh place finish in the 2015 WSOP Main Event. Byron Kaverman earned the GPI Player of the Year and Kelly Minkin was honored as the GPI Female Player of the Year.
Others taking home awards included Donnie Peters, Anthony Zinno, Joshua Beckley, Matt Savage, Kara Scott, Joe Giron, and Kevin 'Kevmath' Mathers.
2015 American Poker Awards Winners
- Media Person of the Year: Donnie Peters, Editor-in-Chief, PokerNews.com
- Tournament Performance of the Year: Anthony Zinno, WPT L.A. Poker Classic
- Moment of the Year: Daniel Negreanu busts 11th in WSOP Main Event
- Breakout Performance of the Year: Joshua Beckley
- Event of the Year (Buy-in Up To $2,000): WSOP Colossus, Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas
- Event of the Year (Buy-in Over $2,000): WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, Hollywood, FL
- Industry Person of the Year: Matt Savage, TDA Founder, WPT Executive Director
Charitable Initiative of the Year: Charity Series of Poker, Matt Stout - Poker Presenter of the Year: Kara Scott
- Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year: WSOP Online Bracelet event
- Media Content of the Year: Joe Giron's elimination photo of Daniel Negreanu in WSOP Main Event
- Jury Award: Kevin 'Kevmath' Mathers
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mike Sexton
- 2015 GPI Player of the Year: Byron Kaverman
- 2015 GPI Female Player of the Year: Kelly Minkin
2016 American Poker Awards
Savage followed up the Industry Person of the Year award in 2015 with the Jury Award in 2016, joining Negreanu as the event's only two-time winners at the time. David Peters earned the American GPI Player of the Year while Kate Hall snagged the award for the American GPI Female Player of the Year.
Honored for the first time were Joe Stapleton, Sean McCormack, Maurice Hawkins, Ari Engel, Dan Smith, Mori Eskandani, Jason Mercier, Lance Bradley, Jason Somerville, Joe Ingram, Cliff Josephy, and John Holley.
2016 American Poker Awards Winners
- 2016 American GPI Player of the Year: David Peters
- 2016 American GPI Female Player of the Year: Cate Hall
- Media Person of the Year: Joe Stapleton
- Industry Person of the Year: Sean McCormack
- Breakout Performance of the Year: Maurice Hawkins
- Tournament Performance of the Year: Ari Engel
- Mid-Major Circuit of the Year: WSOP Circuit
- Event of the Year: Super High Roller Bowl
- Charitable Initiative of the Year: Dan Smith Charity Drive
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mori Eskandani
- Moment of the Year: Jason Mercier at the WSOP
- Media Content of the Year: Bob, Charlie and a Life-Changing WSOP Main Event Journey (Lance Bradley)
- Twitch Streamer of the Year: Jason Somerville
- Podcast of the Year: Poker Life Podcast (Joe Ingram)
- PocketFives Legacy Award: Cliff Josephy
- Hendon Mob Award: John Holley
- Jury Prize: Matt Savage
2017 American Poker Awards
In 2017, Savage became the first person to win three American Poker Awards in three different ceremonies, while Andrew Neeme became the first person to win two awards in the same year. Bradley and Engel joined the ranks of two-time award winners.
Bryn Kenney was honored as the GPI American Player of the Year and Kristen Bicknell earned the GPI Female Player of the Year. Others to win awards for the first time included Artur Papazyan, Scott Blumstein, Lon Mceachern, Norman Chad, Ema Zajmovic, Jaime Staples, Nick Schulman, Brent Hanks, Will O'Connor, Remko Rinkema, Cary Katz, and Eric Danis.
2017 American Poker Awards Winners
- 2017 GPI American Player of the Year: Bryn Kenney
- 2017 GPI Female Player of the Year: Kristen Bicknell
- Poker Journalist of the Year: Lance Bradley
- Industry Person of the Year: Matt Savage
- Breakout Player of the Year: Artur Papazyan
- Tournament Performance of the Year: Scott Blumstein (WSOP Main Event)
- Mid-Major Circuit of the Year: WPTDeepStacks (WPTDS)
- Event of the Year: partypoker MILLIONS North America (Playground Poker Club, Montreal)
- Charitable Initiative of the Year: One Step Closer Foundation
- Award for Lifetime Achievement in Poker: Lon Mceachern and Norman Chad
- Moment of the Year: Ema Zajmovic becomes the first female player to win an open event on World Poker Tour
- Poker Media Content of the Year: Dead Money: A Super High Roller Bowl Story (PokerCentral documentary)
- Poker Streamer of the Year: Jaime Staples
- Poker Broadcaster of the Year: Nick Schulman
- Video Blogger of the Year: Andrew Neeme
- Poker Podcast of the Year: PokerCentral Podcast (Brent Hanks, Will O'Connor, Remko Rinkema)
- PocketFives Legacy Award: Ari Engel
- Biggest Influencer in Poker: Cary Katz
- Jury Prize: Eric Danis
- People's Choice Award for Poker Personality of the Year: Andrew Neeme
History of the European Poker Awards
The European Poker Awards has a long and storied 15-year history dating back to 2001 with the last ceremony taking place in 2016 awarding accomplishments from 2015.
During the last year of the ceremony in 2015, Fedor Holz shipped the GPI Player of the Year award and Liv Boeree was honored as the GPI Female Player of the Year. Remko Rinkema, who won an American Poker Award in 2017 was honored as the Media Person of the Year during the 2015 European Poker Awards.
Adrian Mateos Diaz remarkably shipped his fourth European Poker Awards in 2015 when he won the Tournament Performance of the Year.
Others winning 2015 European Poker Awards included Jesse May, Hermance Blum, Dzimitry Urbanovich, John Gale, and Neil Stoddart.
Here is a look back at all of the European Poker Awards in its 15-year history courtesy compliments of the European Poker Awards.
European Poker Award Winners
| Year | Award | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Media Content of the Year | Jesse May |
| GPI Player of the Year | Fedor Holz | |
| GPI Female Player of the Year | Liv Boeree | |
| Media Person of the Year | Remko Rinkema | |
| Industry Person of the Year | Hermance Blum | |
| Breakout Player of the Year | Dzmitry Urbanovich | |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Adrian Mateos Diaz | |
| Event of the Year (Buy-in up to € 2000) | Norwegian Championships Norway Cup | |
| Event of the Year (Buy-in over € 2000) | EPT Barcelona Main Event | |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | Norwegian Championship broadcast | |
| Moment of the Year | John Gale returns from three years off | |
| Media Content of the Year | Devilfish: A Friend with a Heart of Gold | |
| Jury Award | Neil Stoddart | |
| 2014 | Poker's Best Ambassador | George Danzer |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Martin Jacobson | |
| Breakout Player of the Year | Jack Salter | |
| Charitable Initiative of the Year | REG Charity | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Pierre Neuville | |
| Media Content of the Year | Victor Saumont, Nosebleed | |
| Media Person of the Year | Marc Convey | |
| Industry Person of the Year | Leon Tsoukernik | |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | Unibet, launching their own gaming platform | |
| Event of the Year (Buy-in up to € 2000) | Battle of Malta | |
| Event of the Year (Buy-in over € 2000) | EPT Vienna Main Event | |
| GPI Player of the Year | Ole Schemion | |
| GPI Female Player of the Year | Liv Boeree | |
| Polish Player of the Year | Dominic Panka | |
| Ukrainian Player of the Year | Eugene Katchalov | |
| Irish Player of the Year | Dermot Blain | |
| French Player of the Year | Erwann Pecheux | |
| Russian Player of the Year | Anatoly Filatov | |
| Spanish Player of the Year | Adrian Mateos Diaz | |
| Italian Player of the Year | Mustapha Kanit | |
| UK Player of the Year | Oliver Price | |
| 2013 | Lifetime Achievement Award | Barny Boatman |
| Rookie of the Year | Adrian Mateos Diaz | |
| Poker Personality of the Year | Roger Hairabedian | |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Philipp Gruissem | |
| Online Player of the Year | Toby Lewis | |
| Industry Person of the Year | Neil Johnson | |
| Event of the Year | FTP Galway Festival | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Ana Marquez | |
| Live European Player of the Year | Ole Schemion | |
| Belgium Player of the Year | Davidi Kitai | |
| Finnish Player of the Year | Joni Jouhkimainen | |
| French Player of the Year | Benjamin Pollak | |
| UK Player of the Year | Stephen Chidwick | |
| Irish Player of the Year | Dermot Blain | |
| Italian Player of the Year | Dario Sammartino | |
| Dutch Player of the Year | Govert Metaal | |
| Spanish Player of the Year | Adrian Mateos Diaz | |
| 2012 | UK Player of the Year | Roberto Romanello |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Gus Hansen | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Lucille Cailly | |
| French Player of the Year | Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier | |
| Rookie of the Year | Ole Schemion | |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Davidi Kitai | |
| Online Player of the Year | Jens Kyllonen | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Simon Trumper | |
| Poker Personality of the Year | Kara Scott | |
| Event of the Year | EPT Barcelona | |
| GPI Player of the Year | Marvin Rettenmaier | |
| German Player of the Year | Marvin Rettenmaier | |
| Belgian Player of the Year | Davidi Kitai | |
| Finnish Player of the Year | Juha Helppi | |
| Irish Player of the Year | Dermot Blain | |
| Italian Player of the Year | Andrea Dato | |
| Austrian Player of the Year | Ivo Donev | |
| Spanish Player of the Year | Cesar Garcia | |
| 2011 | Poker Personality of the Year | Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier |
| Rookie of the Year | Andrey Pateychuk | |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Pius Heinz | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Natalia Nikitina | |
| Online Player of the Year | Ilari Sahamies | |
| Event of the Year | WSOP-E Cannes | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Warren Lush | |
| Player of the Year | Sam Trickett | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Jesse May | |
| 2010 | Rookie of the Year | Jake Cody |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | James Bord | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Liv Boeree | |
| Online Player of the Year | Andreas Torbergsen | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Gerard Serra Retamero | |
| Poker Personality of the Year | Tony Guoga | |
| Player of the Year | Jake Cody | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Nic Szeremeta | |
| 2009 | Player of the Year | Vitaly Lunkin |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Sandra Naujoks | |
| Rookie of the Year | Antoine Saout | |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Jeff Lisandro | |
| Online Player of the Year | Patrick Antonius | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Tony Guoga | |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | Edgar Stuchly | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Bruno Fitoussi | |
| 2008 | Player of the Year | Bertrand 'Elky' Grospellier |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Peter Eastgate | |
| Rookie of the Year | Ivan Demidov | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Sandra Naujoks | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Jonathan Raab | |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | Rob Yong | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Marcel Luske | |
| 2007 | Player of the Year | Alex Kravchenko |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Annette Obrestad | |
| Rookie of the Year | Soren Kongsgaard | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Katja Thater | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Madeleine Harper | |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | Rob Gardner | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Thomas Kremser | |
| 2006 | Player of the Year | Roland de Wolfe |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Vicky Coren | |
| Rookie of the Year | Mats Iremark | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Roy Houghton | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | John Duthie | |
| 2005 | Player of the Year | Rob Hollink |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Rob Hollink | |
| Rookie of the Year | Patrik Antonius | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Sabine Hazoume | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Dave Colclough | |
| 2004 | Player of the Year | Marcel Luske |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Martin de Kniff | |
| Rookie of the Year | Jani Sointulla | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Andres Burget | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Dave Ulliott | |
| 2003 | Player of the Year | Dave Colclough |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Gus Hansen | |
| Rookie of the Year | Juha Helppi | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Teresa Nousiainen | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Lucy Rokach | |
| 2002 | Player of the Year | Gary Bush |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Barny Boatman | |
| Rookie of the Year | Kirill Gerasimov | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Adele Brujin | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Liam Flood | |
| 2001 | Player of the Year | Marcel Luske |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Simon Trumper | |
| Rookie of the Year | Alex Kravchenko | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Thomas Kremser | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Pascal Perrault |
* Lead Image courtesy of PokerGO.
Global Poker Index Awards Nominees
Tags
Adam PliskaAlex KravchenkoAndrey PateychukAri EngelBrent HanksAnnette ObrestadDaniel NegreanuDavid PetersDavidi KitaiJason MercierMartin JacobsonKara ScottVanessa SelbstStephen ChidwickPius HeinzMark NewhouseMarcel LuskeMaurice HawkinsLiRelated Players
Daniel NegreanuAnnette ObrestadMarcel LuskeJason MercierVanessa SelbstAlex Kravchenko
It was bound to happen eventually. For the first time ever, the world of poker will gather together at one time to celebrate the excellence of the community and the achievements of its players. On April 5, the First Annual Global Poker Awards will be held and will be broadcast live over the streaming PokerGO channel.
20 Awards, Worldwide Recognition
A grand total of 20 awards will be given out at these ceremonies, although there isn't a solid list of the awards as of yet. Prior to the awards, a panel will nominate the players and/or contributors who will be the potential recipients of the awards, with another 'jury made up of industry representatives' determining who will win the final awards. The end results? The awards show, the Global Poker Awards, which will be handed out on April 5.
'We're thrilled to deliver streaming coverage of the first-ever Global Poker Awards show live from the PokerGO Studio,' said Sam Simmons, president of Poker Central. 'We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the industry's best and brightest while providing PokerGO subscribers a front row seat for all the festivities.'
Global Poker Index Awards 2019
'Our global initiatives behind the European Poker Awards and the American Poker Awards come together starting this year,' said Eric Danis, Global Poker Index president. 'We're excited to bring recognition to the poker world's best players and most prominent industry contributors on an unprecedented scale.'
You Read That Right…No More European or American Poker Awards
Danis' comment is spot on in that the history that was covered in the European Poker Awards – and the building of a prestigious award in the American Poker Awards – will be destroyed by this move in that they will no longer be awarded.
History of the American Poker Awards
2014 American Poker Awards
The four-year history of the American Poker Awards dates back to 2014, with the ceremony held in 2015. Dan Colman won the GPI Player of the Year and Vanessa Selbst won the GPI Female Player of the Year awards. Also honored were Daniel Negreanu (Poker's Best Ambassador), Brandon Shack-Harris (Breakout Player of the Year), Steve Lipscomb (Lifetime Achievement Award), Adam Pliska (Industry Person of the Year, and Chris Grove (Media Person of the Year).
2014 American Poker Awards Winners
- Poker's Best Ambassador: Daniel Negreanu
- 2014 GPI Player of the Year: Dan Colman
- 2014 GPI Female Player of the Year: Vanessa Selbst
- Breakout Player of the Year: Brandon Shack-Harris
- Lifetime Achievement Award: World Poker Tour founder Steve Lipscomb
- Industry Person of the Year: WPT President Adam Pliska
- Media Person of the Year: Online Poker Report's Chris Grove
- Tournament Performance of the Year: Mark Newhouse in WSOP Main Event
- Media Content of the Year: Brad Willis for PokerStars Blog's 'WSOP 2014: Stages / Never Stop Fighting'
- Event of the Year (buy-in over $2,000): World Series of Poker Main Event
- Event of the Year (buy-in under $2,000): WSOP Monster Stack
- Charitable Initiative of the Year: 'All In' for Kids Poker Tournament Presented by CHOP & WPT Foundation
- Innovation of the Year: Twitch for Live Streaming Poker
2015 American Poker Awards
The following year saw Negreanu become the first two-time winner of an American Poker Award after being taking home the Moment of the Year award for his eleventh place finish in the 2015 WSOP Main Event. Byron Kaverman earned the GPI Player of the Year and Kelly Minkin was honored as the GPI Female Player of the Year.
Others taking home awards included Donnie Peters, Anthony Zinno, Joshua Beckley, Matt Savage, Kara Scott, Joe Giron, and Kevin 'Kevmath' Mathers.
2015 American Poker Awards Winners
- Media Person of the Year: Donnie Peters, Editor-in-Chief, PokerNews.com
- Tournament Performance of the Year: Anthony Zinno, WPT L.A. Poker Classic
- Moment of the Year: Daniel Negreanu busts 11th in WSOP Main Event
- Breakout Performance of the Year: Joshua Beckley
- Event of the Year (Buy-in Up To $2,000): WSOP Colossus, Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas
- Event of the Year (Buy-in Over $2,000): WPT Seminole Hard Rock Poker Showdown, Hollywood, FL
- Industry Person of the Year: Matt Savage, TDA Founder, WPT Executive Director
Charitable Initiative of the Year: Charity Series of Poker, Matt Stout - Poker Presenter of the Year: Kara Scott
- Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year: WSOP Online Bracelet event
- Media Content of the Year: Joe Giron's elimination photo of Daniel Negreanu in WSOP Main Event
- Jury Award: Kevin 'Kevmath' Mathers
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mike Sexton
- 2015 GPI Player of the Year: Byron Kaverman
- 2015 GPI Female Player of the Year: Kelly Minkin
2016 American Poker Awards
Savage followed up the Industry Person of the Year award in 2015 with the Jury Award in 2016, joining Negreanu as the event's only two-time winners at the time. David Peters earned the American GPI Player of the Year while Kate Hall snagged the award for the American GPI Female Player of the Year.
Honored for the first time were Joe Stapleton, Sean McCormack, Maurice Hawkins, Ari Engel, Dan Smith, Mori Eskandani, Jason Mercier, Lance Bradley, Jason Somerville, Joe Ingram, Cliff Josephy, and John Holley.
2016 American Poker Awards Winners
- 2016 American GPI Player of the Year: David Peters
- 2016 American GPI Female Player of the Year: Cate Hall
- Media Person of the Year: Joe Stapleton
- Industry Person of the Year: Sean McCormack
- Breakout Performance of the Year: Maurice Hawkins
- Tournament Performance of the Year: Ari Engel
- Mid-Major Circuit of the Year: WSOP Circuit
- Event of the Year: Super High Roller Bowl
- Charitable Initiative of the Year: Dan Smith Charity Drive
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Mori Eskandani
- Moment of the Year: Jason Mercier at the WSOP
- Media Content of the Year: Bob, Charlie and a Life-Changing WSOP Main Event Journey (Lance Bradley)
- Twitch Streamer of the Year: Jason Somerville
- Podcast of the Year: Poker Life Podcast (Joe Ingram)
- PocketFives Legacy Award: Cliff Josephy
- Hendon Mob Award: John Holley
- Jury Prize: Matt Savage
2017 American Poker Awards
In 2017, Savage became the first person to win three American Poker Awards in three different ceremonies, while Andrew Neeme became the first person to win two awards in the same year. Bradley and Engel joined the ranks of two-time award winners.
Bryn Kenney was honored as the GPI American Player of the Year and Kristen Bicknell earned the GPI Female Player of the Year. Others to win awards for the first time included Artur Papazyan, Scott Blumstein, Lon Mceachern, Norman Chad, Ema Zajmovic, Jaime Staples, Nick Schulman, Brent Hanks, Will O'Connor, Remko Rinkema, Cary Katz, and Eric Danis.
2017 American Poker Awards Winners
- 2017 GPI American Player of the Year: Bryn Kenney
- 2017 GPI Female Player of the Year: Kristen Bicknell
- Poker Journalist of the Year: Lance Bradley
- Industry Person of the Year: Matt Savage
- Breakout Player of the Year: Artur Papazyan
- Tournament Performance of the Year: Scott Blumstein (WSOP Main Event)
- Mid-Major Circuit of the Year: WPTDeepStacks (WPTDS)
- Event of the Year: partypoker MILLIONS North America (Playground Poker Club, Montreal)
- Charitable Initiative of the Year: One Step Closer Foundation
- Award for Lifetime Achievement in Poker: Lon Mceachern and Norman Chad
- Moment of the Year: Ema Zajmovic becomes the first female player to win an open event on World Poker Tour
- Poker Media Content of the Year: Dead Money: A Super High Roller Bowl Story (PokerCentral documentary)
- Poker Streamer of the Year: Jaime Staples
- Poker Broadcaster of the Year: Nick Schulman
- Video Blogger of the Year: Andrew Neeme
- Poker Podcast of the Year: PokerCentral Podcast (Brent Hanks, Will O'Connor, Remko Rinkema)
- PocketFives Legacy Award: Ari Engel
- Biggest Influencer in Poker: Cary Katz
- Jury Prize: Eric Danis
- People's Choice Award for Poker Personality of the Year: Andrew Neeme
History of the European Poker Awards
The European Poker Awards has a long and storied 15-year history dating back to 2001 with the last ceremony taking place in 2016 awarding accomplishments from 2015.
During the last year of the ceremony in 2015, Fedor Holz shipped the GPI Player of the Year award and Liv Boeree was honored as the GPI Female Player of the Year. Remko Rinkema, who won an American Poker Award in 2017 was honored as the Media Person of the Year during the 2015 European Poker Awards.
Adrian Mateos Diaz remarkably shipped his fourth European Poker Awards in 2015 when he won the Tournament Performance of the Year.
Others winning 2015 European Poker Awards included Jesse May, Hermance Blum, Dzimitry Urbanovich, John Gale, and Neil Stoddart.
Here is a look back at all of the European Poker Awards in its 15-year history courtesy compliments of the European Poker Awards.
European Poker Award Winners
| Year | Award | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Media Content of the Year | Jesse May |
| GPI Player of the Year | Fedor Holz | |
| GPI Female Player of the Year | Liv Boeree | |
| Media Person of the Year | Remko Rinkema | |
| Industry Person of the Year | Hermance Blum | |
| Breakout Player of the Year | Dzmitry Urbanovich | |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Adrian Mateos Diaz | |
| Event of the Year (Buy-in up to € 2000) | Norwegian Championships Norway Cup | |
| Event of the Year (Buy-in over € 2000) | EPT Barcelona Main Event | |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | Norwegian Championship broadcast | |
| Moment of the Year | John Gale returns from three years off | |
| Media Content of the Year | Devilfish: A Friend with a Heart of Gold | |
| Jury Award | Neil Stoddart | |
| 2014 | Poker's Best Ambassador | George Danzer |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Martin Jacobson | |
| Breakout Player of the Year | Jack Salter | |
| Charitable Initiative of the Year | REG Charity | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Pierre Neuville | |
| Media Content of the Year | Victor Saumont, Nosebleed | |
| Media Person of the Year | Marc Convey | |
| Industry Person of the Year | Leon Tsoukernik | |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | Unibet, launching their own gaming platform | |
| Event of the Year (Buy-in up to € 2000) | Battle of Malta | |
| Event of the Year (Buy-in over € 2000) | EPT Vienna Main Event | |
| GPI Player of the Year | Ole Schemion | |
| GPI Female Player of the Year | Liv Boeree | |
| Polish Player of the Year | Dominic Panka | |
| Ukrainian Player of the Year | Eugene Katchalov | |
| Irish Player of the Year | Dermot Blain | |
| French Player of the Year | Erwann Pecheux | |
| Russian Player of the Year | Anatoly Filatov | |
| Spanish Player of the Year | Adrian Mateos Diaz | |
| Italian Player of the Year | Mustapha Kanit | |
| UK Player of the Year | Oliver Price | |
| 2013 | Lifetime Achievement Award | Barny Boatman |
| Rookie of the Year | Adrian Mateos Diaz | |
| Poker Personality of the Year | Roger Hairabedian | |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Philipp Gruissem | |
| Online Player of the Year | Toby Lewis | |
| Industry Person of the Year | Neil Johnson | |
| Event of the Year | FTP Galway Festival | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Ana Marquez | |
| Live European Player of the Year | Ole Schemion | |
| Belgium Player of the Year | Davidi Kitai | |
| Finnish Player of the Year | Joni Jouhkimainen | |
| French Player of the Year | Benjamin Pollak | |
| UK Player of the Year | Stephen Chidwick | |
| Irish Player of the Year | Dermot Blain | |
| Italian Player of the Year | Dario Sammartino | |
| Dutch Player of the Year | Govert Metaal | |
| Spanish Player of the Year | Adrian Mateos Diaz | |
| 2012 | UK Player of the Year | Roberto Romanello |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Gus Hansen | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Lucille Cailly | |
| French Player of the Year | Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier | |
| Rookie of the Year | Ole Schemion | |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Davidi Kitai | |
| Online Player of the Year | Jens Kyllonen | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Simon Trumper | |
| Poker Personality of the Year | Kara Scott | |
| Event of the Year | EPT Barcelona | |
| GPI Player of the Year | Marvin Rettenmaier | |
| German Player of the Year | Marvin Rettenmaier | |
| Belgian Player of the Year | Davidi Kitai | |
| Finnish Player of the Year | Juha Helppi | |
| Irish Player of the Year | Dermot Blain | |
| Italian Player of the Year | Andrea Dato | |
| Austrian Player of the Year | Ivo Donev | |
| Spanish Player of the Year | Cesar Garcia | |
| 2011 | Poker Personality of the Year | Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier |
| Rookie of the Year | Andrey Pateychuk | |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Pius Heinz | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Natalia Nikitina | |
| Online Player of the Year | Ilari Sahamies | |
| Event of the Year | WSOP-E Cannes | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Warren Lush | |
| Player of the Year | Sam Trickett | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Jesse May | |
| 2010 | Rookie of the Year | Jake Cody |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | James Bord | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Liv Boeree | |
| Online Player of the Year | Andreas Torbergsen | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Gerard Serra Retamero | |
| Poker Personality of the Year | Tony Guoga | |
| Player of the Year | Jake Cody | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Nic Szeremeta | |
| 2009 | Player of the Year | Vitaly Lunkin |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Sandra Naujoks | |
| Rookie of the Year | Antoine Saout | |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Jeff Lisandro | |
| Online Player of the Year | Patrick Antonius | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Tony Guoga | |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | Edgar Stuchly | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Bruno Fitoussi | |
| 2008 | Player of the Year | Bertrand 'Elky' Grospellier |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Peter Eastgate | |
| Rookie of the Year | Ivan Demidov | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Sandra Naujoks | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Jonathan Raab | |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | Rob Yong | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Marcel Luske | |
| 2007 | Player of the Year | Alex Kravchenko |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Annette Obrestad | |
| Rookie of the Year | Soren Kongsgaard | |
| Leading Lady of the Year Award | Katja Thater | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Madeleine Harper | |
| Poker Innovation or Initiative of the Year | Rob Gardner | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Thomas Kremser | |
| 2006 | Player of the Year | Roland de Wolfe |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Vicky Coren | |
| Rookie of the Year | Mats Iremark | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Roy Houghton | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | John Duthie | |
| 2005 | Player of the Year | Rob Hollink |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Rob Hollink | |
| Rookie of the Year | Patrik Antonius | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Sabine Hazoume | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Dave Colclough | |
| 2004 | Player of the Year | Marcel Luske |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Martin de Kniff | |
| Rookie of the Year | Jani Sointulla | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Andres Burget | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Dave Ulliott | |
| 2003 | Player of the Year | Dave Colclough |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Gus Hansen | |
| Rookie of the Year | Juha Helppi | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Teresa Nousiainen | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Lucy Rokach | |
| 2002 | Player of the Year | Gary Bush |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Barny Boatman | |
| Rookie of the Year | Kirill Gerasimov | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Adele Brujin | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Liam Flood | |
| 2001 | Player of the Year | Marcel Luske |
| Tournament Performance of the Year | Simon Trumper | |
| Rookie of the Year | Alex Kravchenko | |
| Poker Staff Person of the Year | Thomas Kremser | |
| Lifetime Achievement Award | Pascal Perrault |
* Lead Image courtesy of PokerGO.
Global Poker Index Awards Nominees
Tags
Adam PliskaAlex KravchenkoAndrey PateychukAri EngelBrent HanksAnnette ObrestadDaniel NegreanuDavid PetersDavidi KitaiJason MercierMartin JacobsonKara ScottVanessa SelbstStephen ChidwickPius HeinzMark NewhouseMarcel LuskeMaurice HawkinsLiRelated Players
Daniel NegreanuAnnette ObrestadMarcel LuskeJason MercierVanessa SelbstAlex Kravchenko
It was bound to happen eventually. For the first time ever, the world of poker will gather together at one time to celebrate the excellence of the community and the achievements of its players. On April 5, the First Annual Global Poker Awards will be held and will be broadcast live over the streaming PokerGO channel.
20 Awards, Worldwide Recognition
A grand total of 20 awards will be given out at these ceremonies, although there isn't a solid list of the awards as of yet. Prior to the awards, a panel will nominate the players and/or contributors who will be the potential recipients of the awards, with another 'jury made up of industry representatives' determining who will win the final awards. The end results? The awards show, the Global Poker Awards, which will be handed out on April 5.
'We're thrilled to deliver streaming coverage of the first-ever Global Poker Awards show live from the PokerGO Studio,' said Sam Simmons, president of Poker Central. 'We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the industry's best and brightest while providing PokerGO subscribers a front row seat for all the festivities.'
Global Poker Index Awards 2019
'Our global initiatives behind the European Poker Awards and the American Poker Awards come together starting this year,' said Eric Danis, Global Poker Index president. 'We're excited to bring recognition to the poker world's best players and most prominent industry contributors on an unprecedented scale.'
You Read That Right…No More European or American Poker Awards
Danis' comment is spot on in that the history that was covered in the European Poker Awards – and the building of a prestigious award in the American Poker Awards – will be destroyed by this move in that they will no longer be awarded.
This is particularly saddening in the case of the European Poker Awards. Those awards date back to 2001 and have honored a venerable 'Who's Who' of the European poker community. As European players have routinely been given short shrift by their American counterparts (are you listening, Poker Hall of Fame?), the European Poker Awards was something that the continent's superstars could hang their hats on. Now, it is no more.
Such notables as Pascal Perrault (the first ever winner of the European Poker Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2001), multiple European Poker Award winners Marcel Luske, Rob Hollink and Victoria Coren-Mitchell, Gus Hansen, and the late Dave Colclough and David Ulliott all have European Poker Awards on their respective mantles. And since poker seems to have a difficulty in honoring its history, the European Poker Awards were something that aficionados of the game could hang onto since it had been awarded for almost two decades; the World Series of Poker and the Irish Poker Open are the only other things that can count such longevity.
The American Poker Awards was also on its way to building up a nice historical frame of reference. Awarded since 2015 in ceremonies held in Los Angeles, the American Poker Awards were becoming something that North American players and industry contributors were looking forward to as an honor. Multiple American Poker Awards recipients included Jason Mercier, tournament director Matt Savage, Mike Sexton, Daniel Negreanu, Vanessa Selbst and a host of media personalities who have covered the game for the fans.
Global Poker Index Awards Winners
Alas, these separate awards – and their histories – have now come to an end.
Perhaps Some Excitement Will Build…
Whereas there used to be a huge buzz over the European version and the American version would have been scheduled for its ceremonies this month (the last four years saw it at the end of February/beginning of March), the announcement of the change to the Global Poker Awards brought little commentary from the very people they are looking to honor. Perhaps that will change once the GPI actually come up with nominees and maybe hold it in some area that isn't a television studio on April 5…but it also may not be able to capture the magic that the old European and American ceremonies generated.
