PokerStars Team Pro Sam Grafton Praises EPT as Tour Celebrates 20th Anniversary
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Over the years, countless players have experienced all that the European Poker Tour has to offer. Sam Grafton is no exception.
So, as the EPT Barcelona festival gets underway today — marking the tour's 20th anniversary — we spoke with the PokerStars Ambassador about his EPT memories and the impact it has had on his life.
One Word: Amazing
It's easy to understate Grafton's poker career. With over $15 million in career earnings and now a member of PokerStars Team Pro, he's played on countless tours in countless venues and has seen the industry continue to change and evolve.
"Poker is a super dynamic industry," said Grafton. "A lot of companies and tours have come and gone over the course of my career. Then, there are other ones that have become plinths in the poker calendar of most players.
"People have made their name through the EPT and won huge tournaments"
"And the EPT is one of them. And it's been one of these plinths for a long time."
From the stops, the people and the memories they make at on the tour, Grafton says it's amazing to have been a part of — both as a player and now as an Ambassador.
"There's been amazing stops, amazing memories, and amazing people. People have made their name through the EPT and won huge tournaments, and then there are just others who have gone to one and enjoyed it. And it's a tour that has a lot to enjoy!"
Complete Guide to EPT Barcelona 2024 - Everything You Need to Know
Grafton on the EPT
Having played his first EPT over a decade ago, Grafton says that the tour has greatly impacted his career.
"It's always been very important to me," he said. "I played EPT London in 2010. It's an event that I'll never forget. Then I played Deauville at the beginning of 2011, and I made friends there who are still my very good friends today. They're among my closest friends."
"It's had a huge impact on my career, and I've made many great memories at the stops."
So whether you're playing the Estrellas or EPT Main Events, High Roller tournaments, or even just a small side event, there's something for everyone. And Grafton says the impact of simply going to an EPT is huge.
"Of course, some people have a win or an EPT title which changes their life in terms of the money, but for some of us who haven't necessarily had our biggest scores on the EPT, the impact of going to those places is still enormous."
Sam Grafton EPT Main Event Cashes
| Date | Event | Place | Payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb-13 | EPT Deauville Main Event | 24th | € 23,000 |
| Dec-14 | EPT Prague Main Event | 12th | € 53,800 |
| Aug-16 | EPT Barcelona Main Event | 30th | € 26,550 |
| Apr-19 | EPT Monte Carlo Main Event | 123rd | € 8,800 |
| Feb-23 | EPT Paris Main Event | 202nd | € 9,250 |
