Arriving like a hurricane, the 2003 poker boom swept up a whole raft of new players and drew them to the felt. Amongst them was a StarCraft supremo named Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier who would go on to top France’s all-time money list for live tournaments, amassing an incredible $13.5 million in the process!

With his imaginative play only topped by his creative hairstyle, ElkY firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in only his fourth live cash, placing second in an EPT Copenhagen event for just under $400K. The former gamer proceeded to travel the globe, competing in the world’s most prestigious events along the way.

The stakes may have changed but ElkY’s enthusiasm for the game has remained the same. ElkY particularly enjoys poker’s perfect mix of strategy, psychology, mathematics and just plain luck! Furthermore, the Frenchman has always been drawn to the game’s ability to bring together players from all backgrounds, and develop friendships through a shared love of poker.

A WSOP bracelet, $2 million in online earnings and the universal respect of the poker community further validates Elky’s transition from gamer to poker player. Despite his already impressive accomplishments, the entertaining Frenchman still possesses the drive and determination of a fresh-faced youngster. He is not done yet.