John Duthie Splits with PokerStars

Poker pro and European Poker Tour founder John Duthie has parted ways with both PokerStars and the EPT, ending an era that saw him bring the EPT into the spotlight as one of the most important poker tours in the world.

Duthie first split with online poker giant PokerStars when he chose not to renew his contract with the site at the end of 2011. This move actually caused significant confusion in the online poker world; many speculated that Duthie had left PokerStars (or been forced out) due to his opposition to the recent changes in PokerStars’ rake structures and VIP program. However, Duthie soon made it clear that the split and the rake protest were entirely unrelated.

Later in the week, Duthie then stepped down as CEO of the European Poker Tour. This wasn’t a complete surprise, as the EPT is partially owned by PokerStars.

Under Duthie’s leadership, the EPT became one of the most important poker tours in the world. Over the course of the tour’s first eight seasons, the EPT has continuously grown in size and prestige, attracting stronger fields as the years went on. Today, the EPT is seen as being nearly as important as the World Poker Tour and the World Series of Poker; in fact, the popular “Triple Crown” designation has been awarded to players who have won a title at the WSOP, on the WPT, and on the EPT – elevating the tour’s status even further.

While Duthie hasn’t said exactly what his plans are for the future, he did make references to “amazing opportunities” that might be opening up in the next two years, particularly in the US market. There were no hints as to what, if any, organizations he hoped to work with.

Along with his work as a promoter for the EPT and PokerStars, Duthie is also a successful poker player in his own right. Over his career, the English pro has won over $3.1 million in live tournament play, including winning the first ever Poker Million tournament in 2000.