In retrospect, the Asian poker boom is not quite as significant as the Asian poker renaissance after international travel restrictions were eased after the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the Asian Poker Tour (APT), the guaranteed prize pools have consistently been eclipsed; the 1,434-strong record field for its Main Event in Taipei last month solidified the notion. But perhaps most noteworthy is the rampant invasion of players from across the globe that frequent APT stops and the latest is France’s top player and GGPoker ambassador, Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier.

"ElkY" in action at APT Taipei 2023

After testing the waters in Phu Quoc and Taipei, the 2-time WSOP Bracelet winner finally made inroads in the APT Summer Series Hanoi by cashing in the Main Event – finishing 69th for VND 226,070,000 (~$2,645) – and the 2-day High Roller 8-Max where he finished 8th for VND 347,370,000 ( ~$14,370).

“I really wanted that Lion Trophy,” the 43-year-old Vandoeuvre native exclaimed in an exclusive interview with the APT.

“It’s one of the coolest trophies ever.”

Despite amassing close to USD 15-million in tournament cashes spanning almost two decades, his first love has always been eSports and his passion for the craft first led him to Korea in 1999.

“I qualified for the [WarCraft] World Championships so I had to go there,” he said.

“I learned that Korea is the only country in the world at that time where you could go pro as a gamer so I stayed.”

"ElkY" during his pro gamer days

In his career as a gamer, his nemesis has always been Korean legend Yohwan Lim, who goes by the name of “BoxeR”. Lim has also transitioned into becoming an elite poker player.

“I’m two for eleven against him, “ElkY shared. “The two times I finished second place (in the 2002 World Cyber Games and in the 2002 Ongamenet WarCraft Retail League), he was the one who beat me. Of course, I beat him in poker later on, but that’s a different story.”

Living in Korea for a long time, Grospellier speaks the language and one of his closest friends is Korean poker icon Gab Yong Kim, who he confesses was one of his first Korean language instructors.

“He taught me all the bad words first, unfortunately,” he said of Kim.

Grospellier switched to poker in 2005 and by the following year had to relocate back to Europe because the Asian poker market was still in its infancy.

“There weren’t many poker tournaments here yet and it didn’t make sense for me to stay in Korea and fly to Europe or America every other week,” he said. “But now GGPoker has an office in Seoul so I’m back based in Asia.”

And now, Asia has become a premier poker destination.

The record-breaking 1,434-strong APT Taipei Main Event

“It’s been surprising how big the growth has been here in the last few years. The APT has a big role in that.”

He also shares that his experience in the APT has been enjoyable.

“I love the vibe,” Grospellier explained. “The staff is professional and friendly and they really know what they’re doing.”

Even the playing style is something he is still getting used to.

“The players here gamble a lot more and they treat it more like a game where they have fun,” Grospellier pointed out. “In Europe and in the US, it’s like heavy competition where people are usually more serious. This is the way poker should be played. It’s a game. It has to be fun. I have to commend Fred, Neil, Victor, and Michael for all the work they’ve put in.”

“The structures are fantastic and the overall vibe is why I’d love to come back.”

Grospellier also revealed which stop he’ll be seeing action in next.

“I will definitely play in Incheon,” he bared. “I really want that Lion Trophy.”

The three APT Lion Flagship trophies

Last year, Grospellier married Jenny No, his girlfriend of six years and they are expecting their first baby very soon.

“She’ll probably give birth in about two weeks,” he shared. “We’re expecting a girl.”

And the APT aficionados are expecting to experience more of “ElkY” as his hunt for that Lion Trophy continues.