ECA’s European Dealer Championship 2023 to crown Europe’s best croupiers at Brussels event
The 2023 edition of the European Dealer Championship (EDC), billed as a “prestigious event celebrating the casino industry’s finest,” is set to take place at Casinos Austria’s Grand Casino Brussels VIAGE from June 12th to 15th.
The European Casino Association (ECA) notes that the event demonstrates its “unwavering commitment to excellence” within the industry. The EDC will feature 37 exceptional dealers hailing from 20 European countries as they vie for the top title before a discerning international audience.
In total, the Championship will welcome over 300 enthusiastic spectators who will gather for what the association describes as a thrilling three-day event, culminating in the crowning of Europe’s elite dealers.
The association describes the ECA Dealer Championship as “renowned as Europe’s foremost and longest-standing competition of its kind,” which brings together elite croupiers handpicked at the national level.
During the Championship, dealers engage in what the ECA calls “a riveting knock-out tournament that tests their technical prowess, game control, hospitality acumen, and unshakeable nerves.”
The European Dealer Championship debuted in 2007 and has traversed 14 countries, garnering the participation of over 450 contestants and summoning more than 2,500 spectators from around Europe and beyond.
Swiss Casinos’ Christoph Boo, the current EDC champion, won in Monaco last year thanks to “his exceptional technical prowess, masterful game control, and unwavering dedication to player-centric hospitality,” notes ECA.
As per the association, aspiring victors in the 2023 European Dealer Championship are required to showcase their astute decision-making, lightning-fast reflexes, and seamless ability to balance chip management, mathematics, and engaging social interactions.
During the event, they will be meticulously evaluated by a panel of impartial international judges, who themselves have been top dealers at some point in their careers.
The ECA noted that the European Dealer Championship owes its prestige to its “esteemed jurors, experienced professionals dedicated to maintaining high standards in the gaming industry.”
“They play a vital role in evaluating each participant’s performance, thoroughly examining dealers’ game control, communication, and technical skills,” said the association. “This rigorous assessment guarantees a fair, transparent competition while providing invaluable feedback for participants to hone their abilities and thrive in their careers.”
Erwin van Lambaart, Chairman of the European Casino Association, said: “On June 12, we gather in the heart of Europe, where the European Casino Association collaborates with stakeholders and politicians to enhance the European casino sector and bolster our industry’s reputation for a sustainable future. Through the EDC, we aim to honor the art of gaming alongside friends and colleagues from the European land-based industry.”
He further stated: “EDC 2023 offers a platform for the world to observe the passion, professionalism, and hospitality extended to guests on European gaming floors. Celebrating this remarkable skill and talent has always been the core focus of the EDC, and we are proud to host this year’s edition in the European capital.”
Tournament Director Jaana Ruokamo added: “We eagerly anticipate the Brussels-hosted EDC, set in Europe’s heart. This event highlights our dealers’ achievements and dedication to Europe’s grandest stage. As judges, we’ll evaluate technical skills, precision, and craftsman/women-ship. Above all, we’ll celebrate the social bonds, enjoyment, and entertainment unique to land-based gaming.”
Hermann Pamminger
Hermann Pamminger, General Secretary of the ECA, concluded: “This year’s exceptional event, a grand celebration of land-based gaming talent, would not have been possible without the unwavering support from our esteemed sponsors in the supplier sector. The ECA extends its heartfelt gratitude to these leading companies for their longstanding commitment to this unique championship, ensuring its continued success and growth.”
At the 2023 European Dealer Championship, participants will be competing for prize money. The champion will claim the title of European Dealer Champion 2023 and receive a grand prize of €5,000 ($5377). The 2nd and 3rd place finishers will be awarded €3,000 ($3226) and €1,500 ($1613), respectively. In addition to the main prizes, there are five Skill Challenges, each offering a prize of €500 ($537) for the winners, showcasing the diverse talents and expertise of the competitors.