Impressive Local Turnout at EPT Deauville Gives French Poker Hope

February 4th, 2015 | by Greg Shaun

French players turn out in force for EPT Deauville.

French flourish at EPT Deauville (Image:wikimedia.org)

Despite a dip in the French poker economy, EPT Deauville has welcomed a slew of grinders for its annual Main Event.

Taking place in the plush surroundings of the French coastal resort’s Casino BarriÃ¨re, the â‚¬5,300 EPT MTT attracted an overall field of 592 runners and, according to a report by PokerStars, French players accounted for 41 percent of that total.

Ups and Downs for French Poker

That figure is 7 percent higher than the France’s closest rivals, Italy.

Although the news of a tournament based in France being dominated wouldn’t usually make the headlines, the story is significant as it follows a recent a recent report by AutoritÃ© de rÃ©gulation des jeux en ligne (ARJEL).

Looking back at the close of 2014 showed that in the fourth quarter online poker revenues dropped by â‚¬17.3 million.

That downswing is due in large part to the continued decline of cash game revenues across all regulated French poker sites.

Potential for Improvement

However, there was a glimmer of hope for French igaming in the announcement as it was revealed online MTTs enjoyed an upswing. Analyzing January’s figures, ARJEL reported that the overall takings for online tournaments increased by â‚¬6.5 million.

Although a marginal upturn in online MTT takings won’t go very far with regards to quelling the fears of French gamers, the combination of this report, coupled with impressive showing at EPT Deauville, has given the French community some hope.

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.

Rousso Parts Ways with PokerStars

Another story emanating from PokerStars HQ in the last 24 hours was the release of Vanessa Rousso.

The longtime representative was featured on the site’s pro page until the close of January, but a recent check revels her image has now been removed.

Rousso’s Twitter page has also removed any mention of a relationship with PokerStars as has her Facebook fan page.

As yet the American pro has yet to comment on the issue, but early reports suggest her contract may have expired.

Despite being one of PokerStars’ longest serving pros, Rousso’s media profile has declined in recent months as she’s turned to attention to other pursuits, including her career as a DJ.

Rousso doesn’t appear to be completely diminished with poker, however.

According to her Twitter page she hosting a seminar dubbed “Zen Poker” alongside Brian Rast and Kristy Arnett on February 21.