John Duthie has announced his retirement from his position as Chief Executive Officer for the European Poker Tour (EPT).
“It is time to move on,” he said, “and to leave the European Poker Tour in the capable hands of the existing management team.”
This is the second retirement, of sorts, for Duthie over the last couple days. Earlier this week, the British pro bowed out of his sponsorship deal with Team PokerStars. The 53 year-old stated his intention to remain active in the game, however, citing the coming of new opportunities over the next few years. Specifically, he is closely watching the potential legalization of the US poker market, which could provide new business opportunities.
As one of the main forces behind the establishment of the EPT in 2004, Duthie has seen his creation rise to incredible popularity. Fans of the Seasons 1-3 will remember his voice as part of the commentary team, which has since been handled by a number of other poker personalities.
Now in the midst of their eighth season, the EPT has become one of the premier series on the global poker calender. The most recent event, the EPT Prague, boasted a prize of €720,000. Next on the schedule is the popular PokerStars Caribbean Adventure, which is currently in progress.
Filling the vacated position will be Edgar Stuchly, a veteran of more than 20 years in the poker industry. Like Duthie before him, the the new CEO formerly served as the Head of Poker for Casinos Austria.
“I wish the new President of the company… the best of luck in his position,” said the outgoing captain, “and trust that he will oversee the continued growth of the largest poker tour in the world.”