In the early 2000s, poker experienced incredible popularity. Programs have multiplied, magazines and millions of people around the world have taken an interest in this game. A trend that lost momentum in the 2010s. With the health crisis, poker has regained color. Epiphenomenon or more lasting trend?
Madness of the 2000s
In the 2000s, we remember the Home Games organized at short notice at friends’ houses. This is when poker is in fashion. Many casinos are starting to offer it. In Paris, in gaming circles, there is a real phenomenon. The Aviation Club de France in Paris has acted as a pioneer in this area. Poker in France was then very flourishing.
The big poker festivals then multiplied. We remember the mythical World Poker Tour circuit with a stage in Paris. At that time, the players are numerous and play tournaments with high buy-ins. We remember the Partouche Poker Tour in Cannes which brought together the best players on the planet such as Phil Ivey and Phil Hellmuth .
We also remember the stages of the EPT Deauville which attracted the elite of poker. In the early 2010s, Winamax organized several editions of the Winamax Poker Tour at the Grande Halle de la Villette. In those years, poker experienced a decline. The poker rooms of many casinos in France have closed and attendance at online poker tables has begun to decline.
A revival in 2021
Thanks to the confinements linked to the health crisis, poker has experienced a new lease of life. Indeed, thousands of players have decided to open accounts. The various operators have seen a totally unprecedented influx of amateurs. Many private poker tournaments were organized at that time. This helped to maintain a kind of social bond. It remains to be seen whether these players who have discovered online poker in recent months will make the transition to Live.
In France, live poker tournaments resume from July. In France, TexApoker organizes many events. Several festivals are scheduled in Annecy, Cannes or Paris. Early booking figures show there is strong interest from players who have been weaned from live poker for months.
At the end of September, a new edition of the WSOP will take place. Players from all over the world will make the trip. We do not yet know the health protocol that will be put in place, but American players will be very numerous. Foreign players should also make the trip in number.
The French should be one of the largest contingents. On this 2021 edition, the French chances will be numerous: Pierre Calamusa, Yoh Viral , Alexandre Réard, Julien Martini… To name but a few. Players from Team Pro Winamax and PMU Poker will make the trip.