As the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) celebrates its 20th anniversary at EPT Barcelona, it's a milestone not just for the world of poker but also for those who've contributed to its evolution. Among them is Cedric Billot, Associate Director of Live Events Operations for PokerStars, whose journey with the EPT began while it was in its infancy.
Billot proudly describes himself as an "EPT kid." His connection with the tour dates back to its early years, when he was a passionate poker player dreaming of making it to the EPT tables.
"EPT means 20 years of my goddamn life," he said with a laugh. For Billot, the EPT was always more than just a series of poker tournaments—it was the ultimate goal, a dream that felt closer and more attainable than the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
"The EPT was the tournament that put sparkles in my eyes more than the World Series," he recalled. "Maybe thanks to the content and PokerStars TV, the EPT live streams, it felt more prestigious, something I could touch by qualifying online."
His journey from a player trying to earn a seat at the EPT to eventually leading its operations is a legacy that Billot is extremely proud of.
Billot's journey with the EPT has seen its ups and downs, particularly when the brand was temporarily retired. In 2017, PokerStars decided to discontinue the EPT, a decision that Billot strongly disagreed with. "For me, it was a big disagreement with all the strategy. I left the company at this moment."
However, the poker community's outcry was loud and clear: They wanted the EPT back. After just ten months, PokerStars decided to revive the brand, a move that Billot praised as the right one.
"PokerStars took the right decision bringing back the EPT," he noted, and the return of the tour marked a new era, one that he was eager to be a part of once again.
European Poker Tour (EPT)'s 20th Anniversary: Looking Back at the First Ten Years
The acquisition of PokerStars by Flutter Entertainment brought about changes, but these have been largely positive for Billot.
While he acknowledged that the EPT has always been a strong brand, regardless of ownership, he feels Flutter has added significant value, particularly in recognizing the importance of live events. "Flutter values live events, maybe even more than the previous owners," Billot referenced. "They understand that live events bring massive elements of trust, generosity, and content creation."
This emphasis on live events has allowed the EPT to continue to thrive, with Flutter providing the resources and support needed to maintain its status as one of the most prestigious poker tours in the world.
With two decades of EPT history to look back on, Billot has no shortage of memorable moments. One of his earliest and most cherished memories is the EPT Sanremo in Italy, where a young Jason Mercier made a name for himself.
"It was the first EPT I saw, and it will always have something special to me," he said. "Jason Mercier, a young gun from America, made an incredible call at the final table, winning the title. It was a top moment for me."
Another highlight for Billot was watching compatriot Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier lift the PCA trophy in 2008, an event that was then part of the EPT. "As a Frenchman, it was a special moment for me."
One more unforgettable moment that lives long in Billot's brain took place at the 2016 EPT Barcelona. Sebastian Malec borrowed a famous phrase from Scotty Nguyen when he told his opponent, "If you call, it's over, baby," before bursting into tears upon winning the title.
"Seeing the emotions of a winner, especially after such a long and intense final table, is just the most beautiful moment of our job."
European Poker Tour (EPT)'s 20th Anniversary: Looking Back at the Past Ten Years
As a Frenchman, Billot has always dreamed of bringing the EPT to Paris. After years of regulatory hurdles and delays, that dream became a reality in 2023.
The success of EPT Paris has been a source of immense pride for Billot, who envisioned the event's potential to become one of the biggest stops on the tour. "We knew it would be a hit if we could make EPT Paris one day. And it was," he said. "There's a lot of pride in bringing the most prestigious poker tour to the French capital."
As the EPT continues to grow under the stewardship of Flutter Entertainment, Billot remains at the heart of its operations, ensuring that the tour retains its status as the pinnacle of poker excellence.
As he looks forward to the next 20 years, one thing is certain: the EPT will continue to be a place where dreams are made and memories are created.
