PokerStars hauls honors at European Poker Awards

ONCHAN, Isle of Man -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- PokerStars, an Amaya Gaming Group, Inc. (TSX: AYA) company, last night put in a strong showing at the European Poker Awards in Malta with six awards going to sponsored players and staff, including Team PokerStars Pros Liv Boeree, George Danzer and Eugene Katchalov.

The 2014 efforts of the three members of Team PokerStars Pro were recognized with Boeree winning the Female Player of the Year award, Katchalov bagging Ukrainian Player of the Year and Danzer scooping the Poker Ambassador of the Year title. The EPT 10 Vienna Main Event received the award for Event of the Year (buy-in over $2,000), PokerStars Blog’s French reporter Victor Saumont was honored with the Best Poker Media Content for his documentary "Nosebleeds," while EPTLive commentator and PokerStars Blog reporter Marc Convey picked up the gong for Media Person of the Year.

Danzer was recognized last year for his poker talent when he secured the WSOP Player of the Year title. This award confirms Danzer’s place at the game’s top table. The German, who has won WCOOP and SCOOP titles, is well known among the poker community as an enthusiastic advocate of the game and regularly gives free coaching and video updates during big live and online festivals.

A thrilled Danzer said: “It makes me really happy that I won a trophy at the European Poker Awards. I would like to thank everybody who voted. Winning the best poker ambassador award shows that people believe I approach the game in the right way and that’s my goal.”

After receiving the Event of the Year award, EPT President Edgar Stuchly said: “We’re always grateful to receive recognition for any event we organize, but to win an award for EPT Vienna, held in a city very close to my heart, is particularly special. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of hundreds of people. From our amazing casino and venue partners, to our staff who work tirelessly around the clock; this award is for all of them.

“The European Poker Tour is focused on providing outstanding experiences for our players, and this award is independent confirmation that PokerStars and the European Poker Tour are delivering on this commitment to players.”

The awards, which took place in Malta to coincide with the PokerStars EPT Malta Poker Festival, are the icing on the cake of a successful string of recent honors that includes:

· Three American Poker Awards

· Three British Poker Awards

· Two International Gaming Awards

· Two Gaming App Awards

· Two eGR Operator Awards