William Hill Poker has announced that it is to sponsor the 2005 European Poker Awards and the European Ranking Awards.
Previously held in the Grand Casino, Helsinki, the awards which started in 2000 have moved this year to the ACF Club in Paris, and will take place on Sunday January 8, 2006.
European Ranking Prizes will presented for the categories of Stud Poker, Omaha and Texas Hold-em, plus the overall ranking winner and runner-up.
The European Poker Awards will be presented for the categories of: Rookie of the Year, Tournament Performance of the Year, Card Room Staff Person of the Year, Player of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.
The nominations for 2006 are:
Rookie of the Year: Patrik Antonius (Finland), Roland de Wolfe ( England), Peter Gunnarson ( Sweden), Noah Boeken (Holland), John Gale (England)
Tournament Performance of the Year: Patrik Antonius (Finland), Pascal Perrault (France), Andy Black (Ireland), Rob Hollink (Holland)
Player of the Year: Rob Hollink (Holland), Dave Colclough (England), Andy Black (Ireland), Juha Helppi ( Finland), Pascal Perrault (France)
Staff person(s) of the year: Sabine Hazoume (France – ACF Club), Edgar Stuchly & Joe Fuchshofer (Austria – Casinos Austria ,Bregenz), Thomas Lamatsch ( Austria – Concord Card Casino ), Gerard Serra Retamero ( Spain – formerly Casino Barcelona), Thomas Kremser (Austria – freelance)
Dan Taylor, Director of On-line gaming at William Hill commented; “I’m delighted to place the William Hill poker brand beside these coveted awards. We strive for excellence in our product and have specifically set out to represent the very best in poker.”
Nic Szeremeta, Managing Editor Of Poker Europa Magazine which organises the awards commented: “All of this year’s nominees have won something far more precious than money – it is the respect of their peers. Success can come and go but their achievements during the past year will not be forgotten.”
This year’s awards will be hosted by Poker 425 presenter Dave ‘Compo’ Compton and filmed exclusively by the popular diary programme for broadcast on Poker 425 (Sky Platform) on Wednesday January 11.