Best Rakeback Poker Deals Online
Location:
France
Total Winnings:
$6,127,477
Titles:
• EPT PokerStars Caribbean Adventure 2009
• 2x WCOOP 2009
Bertrand Grospellier - ElkY was born on February 8, 1981 in Melun, France and is now the all time French money winner in poker tournaments. His competitive nature led him to video games at an early age, and by 2001, he moved to South Korea to become a professional gamer. The records he set and accomplishments he made in that industry still stand as some of the most impressive. The records he set and accomplishments he made in that industry still stand as some of the most impressive.
Grospellier was introduced to poker by a friend and realized that his analytic, quick-thinking gaming skills could be put to use on the poker tables. He immediately set out on a path to become the first person to reach “Supernova” status on the site, and upon doing that in two weeks, he took the next 4.5 months to become the first “Supernova Elite” player. Known by his online name “ElkY,” Grospellier quickly became known in online poker circles as one of the most impressive players in the game. He set the Guinness World Record for most Single Table Sit & Goes played in one hour for a total of 62 at a $6.50 buy in with a profit of $23.60
What made you start playing poker and who first taught you?
I first started playing on PokerStars out of sheer curiosity as some of my friends were already playing and i thought to myself: “a new game? Cool!”
When did you know you wanted to play poker professionally and that you had the ability to do it?
It kinda came naturally but as soon as i started the game seriously i realized the potential to be a professional, and i never doubted myself.
How supportive were your friends and family of your choice?
They were very supportive; i mean i quit studies after graduating from high school to move to Korea and play video games for a living, so how much different could poker be from that?!
It’s well documented that you found poker after being a successful gamer. What skills specifically where transferable to poker?
A lot of skills are actually common to both. Both are games of incomplete information where psychology and the ability to make fast decision are very important. Also, as for any competitive discipline, being strong mentally was key. And my skills with keyboard and mouse let me play up to 30 tables on PokerStars back in the day so I could get a lot of experience quickly.
Does playing poker feel like work or do you still enjoy the buzz?
I still love the game. The moment that i stop, I’ll probably do something else.
How did you adapt your game from playing online to live tournament poker? Did you find it difficult?
I didn’t especially find it difficult to adapt my game as online games are usually way tougher. It was just a few things that needed tuning to live games.
Do you feel most comfortable in cash games, SNGs or MTTs?
I first started as a Cash game player, then i grinded a lot of SNGs, but nowadays i guess i would be a tournament specialist because this is what i play the most, but i still enjoy all 3 very much!
What is your favourite poker variation?( NLTHE, Omaha for example) and why?
NLHE is my favourite poker game because it’s where i feel the most comfortable, but i also love Omaha, lots of fun !
How has Poker changed since you started playing?
The game is definitely a lot bigger, and it naturally became much tougher also, as so much information is available to all newcomers and people are studying the game way deeper.
Have people’s responses changed over the years when you say you are a professional poker player?
Being a professional poker player is much more recognized now in Europe, as it’s starting to become like another competition in the culture.
What’s your most memorable moment in a live poker tournament?
Winning the PCA 2008. It changed my life forever
How did it feel to be entered into the Guinness book of world records?
I’m really proud that i was able to bring PokerStars another of many entries in the Guinness book.
Where does “Elky” come from?
ElkY comes from a nickname from a roleplaying game, and then i used it in Korea as my name because it was hard for Asians to pronounce my real first name, Bertrand. Then when i started on PokerStars i used it as a nickname also so when i was meeting people in live tournaments i introduced myself as ElkY and it was easy to remember and sounded cool so it has stuck.
It’s been reported that you plan to make a move to London to be closer to the European action, why is that important at this stage in your career?
I’ve already been living in London since February 2008. It’s important because the PokerStars.com European Poker Tour events are my main focus for now, and i want to be close to the action so i can be at 100% when i arrive in tournaments.
Which tournament would you most like to win and why?
WSOP Main Event, obviously. It’s the one we all dream about.
How much time do you spend analysing hand histories and potential leaks in your game?
It really depends, but i talk about it a lot with my friends and mostly fellow Team PokerStars Pros. It helps tremendously.
Do you use poker training websites?
No
Has televised poker become more performance driven now with players showboating to the camera’s to achieve poker celebrity status?
I guess for some players it could be important, but i just love to win !
Poker tournaments are played all over the world, where is the best place you have been and why?
I loved the PokerStars.com European Poker Tour Snow Fest stop in Austria, because it’s the first time poker’s been to a ski resort!
Who are your poker role models?
When i first got in poker, t was Daniel Negreanu and Phil Ivey.
What do you expect (or would like) to see in the world of poker over the next 5 years?
I’d love it to grow bigger and be more recognized by mainstream medias.
Rakeback.co.uk would like to thank Bertrand Grosspellier for taking time to conduct this interview with us. We look forward to seeing him at future events. If you would like to read more about other PokerStars Pro players and members of the PokerStars team click on the link for more interviews.
*World Series of Poker and WSOP are trademarks of Harrah’s Interactive Entertainment, Inc. or its affiliates (collectively Harrah’s). HIE does not sponsor or endorse, and is not associated or affiliated with, Rakeback.co.uk or its products, services, promotions or tournaments. Any promotion or tournament on this site will not guarantee your seat or ability to register for any WSOP event or any WSOP affiliated event which is at the sole discretion of Harrah’s.
