Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier – From Starcraft to Winning a Poker Triple Crown
In competitive gaming, only a few individuals have managed to transcend their initial success and conquer an entirely different arena with equal prowess. One such exception future is Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier - a name that resonates with both the gaming and poker communities worldwide.
Born in France, Grospellier has established himself as a true legend, making his mark as an accomplished professional in both the digital and real-life card realms.
ElkY has accumulated an impressive list of accolades throughout his poker career. He boasts the highly coveted poker triple crown, having triumphed in prestigious tournaments across different continents, including the World Poker Tour (WPT), The World Series of Poker (WSOP), and the European Poker Tour (EPT).
Not only is ElkY celebrated as one of the most famous gamblers in poker, but he has also been recognized as a valuable ambassador for the game. For over a decade, he represented PokerStars as a member of Team Pro and is now an ambassador for GGpoker.
Additionally, his expertise and popularity led him to become a PartyPoker Pro from 2018 to 2020, further solidifying his status as a true icon of the poker world.
Full Name
Net Worth
Source of Wealth
Famous for
BornThis article talks about the remarkable journey of Bertrand “ElkY” Grospellier, exploring the milestones, triumphs, and of course, the ElkY net worth.
ElkY Highlights
- Was a professional StarCraft and World of Warcraft player before transitioning to poker
- Won the Poker Triple Crown (WPT, WSOP, and WPT title)
- Set the Guinness World Record for the most Single Table Sit & Goes played in one hour
- The first player to reach Supernova and Supernova Elite on PokerStars
- A great philanthropist and charity worker
Bertrand Grospellier Early Years and Professional Gaming
Born on February 8, 1981, in Melun, France, Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier’s childhood laid the foundation for his future success in the gaming and poker world.
Growing up in an environment influenced by strategy games, ElkY discovered his passion for competition early on.
As a young boy, ElkY exhibited exceptional talent in mathematics, which nurtured his analytical mind and problem-solving skills. This aptitude for logical thinking would prove invaluable in his later gaming and poker endeavors.
At 16, his life took a pivotal turn when he stumbled upon the world of competitive gaming. He found himself immersed in the strategic universe of games like StarCraft, where he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the top players in France.
Bertrand relocated to South Korea in 2001 to pursue his love for StarCraft. There he competed in numerous competitions, winning prizes and the respect of the StarCraft community.
These years spent in competitive gaming would set the stage for ElkY's remarkable journey in poker.
ElkY's Professional Poker Career
After his introduction to online poker in 2004 by a friend, Grospellier swiftly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the poker world. He ascended to the high-stakes tables within a year of getting introduced to poker and using his eSports alias ElkY.
This early success prompted him to shift his focus entirely from StarCraft and become a full-time poker player.
In 2008, Bertrand achieved a momentous victory at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA), winning the $8,000 No Limi Hold’em event for a staggering $2 million. This triumph, held under the European Poker Tour brand, secured ElkY an EPT title.
2008 proved exceptional for ElkY as he continued to excel on the live tournament circuit. He won a $15,000 World Poker Tour championship event, earning an impressive $1,411,015.
His poker prowess reached new heights in 2011 when he won his first World Series of Poker gold bracelet. He emerged victorious in the $10,000 Seven Card Stud championship, pocketing $331,639 and completing the coveted “Triple Crown” by capturing titles in the WSOP, EPT, and WPT.
In 2017 he secured a second-place finish in the prestigious $111,111 Big One for One Drop high roller event at the WSOP, earning an impressive $2.2 million, his largest single live tournament cash to date.
ElkY’s success extended to the World Series of Poker Europe in 2019, where he triumphed in the €550 No Limit Hold’em. The Colossus event, adding $211,000 to his already illustrious career earnings.
"In poker, you have to learn quickly and adapt constantly. The game is always evolving, and those who can adapt and stay ahead of the curve are the ones who succeed."
Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier - Online Poker Achievements
Under his recognizable screen name, ElkY has earned over $2 million in online poker tournaments on PokerStars.
In 2009, he claimed two prestigious World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) titles. He won the $530 No Limit Hold’em Event 38 for $232,000 and the $215 No Limit Hold’em Event 43 for $263,323.
Two years later, he won the $25,000 Heads-Up NLHE Event 35 at the Spring Championship of Online Poker and earned $112,500.
ElkY’s online gambling career is characterized not only by his success in some of the biggest poker tournaments in the world but also by his ability to set records. In an astonishing feat, he set the Guinness World Record for the most Single Table Sit & Goes played in one hour, totaling an impressive six games with a $6.50 buy-in, resulting in a profit of $23.60.
He also accomplished a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first player to attain PokerStars Supernova and Supernova elite statutes. His exceptional dedication was evident as he swiftly accumulated 100,000 player points within two weeks.
Undeterred, he continued his remarkable feat, accumulating an additional 1,000,000 points over a span of four and a half months.
Poker Sponsorships and Contribution
Throughout his poker career, ElkY has been sought after by top-tied online poker platforms. This led to him securing multiple sponsorship deals.
Grospellier’s sponsorship journey began in 2006 when he joined the prestigious PokerStars Team Pro. He proudly represented the most prominent online poker site for twelve years (2006 to 2018).
As a PokerStars ambassador, ElkY played a significant role in promoting the brand and solidifying his position as one of the game’s most respected and recognizable figures.
In 2018, ElkY’s sponsorship endeavors took a new turn as he transitioned to become a PartyPoker pro.
Two years later, Bertrand made another significant sponsorship move by signing a deal with GGpoker, the fastest-growing online poker platform at the time. This partnership marked a new chapter in his career, aligning him with a dynamic and innovative brand known for its groundbreaking tournament and cutting-edge poker technology.
Throughout his sponsorship deals with PokerStars, PartyPoker, and GGpoker, ElkY’s presence and contributions have extended beyond the felt, showcasing his ability to connect with fans, promote the game, and inspire a new generation of poker enthusiasts.
ElkY Net Worth and Earnings
Estimating the exact Bertrand 'ElkY' Grospellier net worth can be challenging due to varying information available online. However, his live tournament earnings, amounting to $14,887,867, show his poker career's success.
Determining a poker player’s net worth is complex, as it depends on multiple factors, including online and live winnings, action swapping, and sponsorship deals.
Considering these factors, it is reasonable to estimate that ElkY net worth could be as high as 10 million dollars, although precise figures may vary.
Where Is ElkY Today?
At GGPoker, ElkY utilizes his passion for poker to engage with fans and leverage social media to provide captivating content. Whether showcasing the triumphs, setbacks, or everything in between, he ensures an enjoyable experience for all.
In addition to his active involvement with GGPoker, Grospellier has been participating in the Asian Poker Tour.
In an exciting personal update, ElkY took to his Twitter account to announce the joyous news that he and his wife, Jenny No, are expecting a baby girl. This heartwarming revelation will add a new chapter to Bertrand’s life and highlights the joys beyond the poker tables.
FAQ
Who Is ElkY?
ElkY, whose real name is Bertrand Grospellier, is a renowned professional poker player and former eSports competitor.
Grospellier has won numerous titles and represented major online poker platforms throughout his career.
What Is ElkY Net Worth?
Although there is no definitive information about his net worth online, it is safe to expect that ElkY’s net worth is in the range of 5 to 10 million dollars.
The gambler amassed this fortune through competitive gaming, poker, and sponsorship deals.
How Many WSOP Titles Did ElkY Win?
Until this point in his career, ElkY has won two World Series of Poker gold bracelets. He won his maiden WSOP title in 2011 after triumphing in the $10,000 Seven Card Stud Championship.
His second bracelet came in the 2019 WSOPE €550 Colossus No-Limit Hold’em event when he won €191,172.
Is ElkY Married?
Grospellier married his long-term girlfriend, Jenny No, in May of 2022. At the time of writing this article, the couple is expecting a baby girl.
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