John Dafoe Returns to Poker: A New Chapter with PartyPoker

John Dafoe, the former president of European Poker Tour (EPT), has made a significant return to the poker world after a four-year absence. Dafoe left his position at EPT in January 2013, but his return is partly motivated by the collapse of EPT and the opportunities he sees in the market.

Dafoe's decision to return was influenced by discussions with representatives from PartyPoker, who shared exciting projects such as events in Sochi and King's Casino in Rozvadov. He was also moved by the emotional response to the closure of EPT, which was captured in a farewell video produced by Francin Watson's team.

Before his involvement with EPT, Dafoe had a diverse career as a freelance director, working on series for BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. His introduction to poker came from watching a game of seven-card stud at the Victoria Casino in London. This experience sparked his interest in the game, leading him to win the Poker Million tournament on the Isle of Man in 2000. Dafoe's vision for the future of poker includes leveraging his past experiences and ideas, such as his concept for an online poker platform from the mid-1990s.