At the end of February, WPT returns to Paris. The last time the iconic series visited the French capital, was in 2013.
WPT and the city of Paris have a long history together, one that dates all the way back to Season I. Some of the most famous poker players made their name in this event and for almost all of them, it was their biggest cash too.
With that in mind, it seems a fitting tribute to enter the WPT archive and take a trip down memory lane. Below we relive the most iconic results achieved by some of the most iconic poker players in WPT Paris’ history.
It all began a little over 15 years ago, when in Season I (2003), David Benyamine ($430,969) beat Jan Boubli ($200,713) in the inaugural Grand Prix de Paris. It was appropriate that the first title was taken by native Frenchman Benyamine, who remains one of the most recognizable names in poker.
The following year in Season II (2004), it was Surinder Sunar who lifted the trophy for $822,631, which remains a career-best result for the Englishman. He defeated Lithuanian Tony G ($411,315) in the second WPT outing in Paris.
Another Brit, Roland de Wolfe ($599.600) was the last man standing in Season III (2005). He overcame Juha Helppi to take down his first major title. The win also gave de Wolfe his first step to winning a Triple Crown, a prestigious feat that he managed to achieve just three years later.
Christian Grundtvig netted a huge $965,865 in 2006, after prevailing over Jani Sointula ($453,533) in a Nordic heads-up battle in Season IV (2006). Once again, it was life-changing money for Grundtvig in a result that remains his career-best to this day.
Fast-forward a few years to 2010, and the Grand Prix returned to Paris by popular demand. Theo Jorgensen finished on top, despite a valiant challenge from runner up Antoine Amourette ($405,906). The $782,818 result was once again the biggest of his career and helped cement Jorgensen’s 5th place spot on Denmark’s all-time money list.
For the first time on this list, a non-European player makes an appearance. Matt Waxman took the crown and (yes, you’ve guessed it) his biggest live cash, for triumphing over Hugo Lemaire back in 2011. The American won $729,886 for the result.
Following in Waxman’s footsteps, fellow North American Matt Salsberg took down the event in 2012. The Canadian netted $515,720 after beating former Champion Theo Jorgensen ($341,149) heads up. Future Champion, Mohsin Charania also featured on the final table taking $121,987 for 5th place.
In 2013, it was Charania’s year to lift the trophy, walking away $469,477 better off after prevailing over Vasili Firsau ($317,867). With so many historical moments that have taken place throughout this event, WPT is delighted to return to Paris for 2020.
This time there will be a new venue. And by now, we don’t only mean new to the WPT. Opening its doors this year, Club Pierre Charron will offer a premium gaming experience in Paris’ largest poker room. Aside from the WPTDS Main Event, there will be a variety of tournaments to get involved in. Below we’ve listed a selection of the highlights.
WPTDeepStacks Paris Festival by partypoker LIVE
Festival dates:
February 20-March 2
Structures provided by partypoker LIVE
WPTDeepStacks Opener
Dates: February 21-23, 2020
Buy-in: €360 + €40 = €400
WPTDeepStacks Paris Main Event
Dates: February 27- March 2, 2020
Buy-in: €1,350 + €150 = €1,500
WPTDeepStacks High Roller
Dates: February 25-26, 2020
Buy-in: €2,300 + €200 = €2,500
Ladies Event
Date: March 1, 2020
Buy-in: €135 + €15 = €150
You can qualify online on partypoker.eu for as little as €2,20.
WPTDS Paris Main Event Feeder €2,20 (Daily)
WPTDS Paris Main Event Phase 1 €22 (Daily)
WPTDS Paris Main Event Final Phase €215 (Sundays 8 pm CET)
You can use your T$ from partypoker.com to register to all tournaments during the festival.