Having founded the European Poker Tour (EPT) back in 2004 and served as the tour’s Chief Executive Officer for eight years, John Duthie is now back in the live poker world with a new role as President of partypoker LIVE.

partypoker said in a release that they are “delighted” to announce their new hire, who has agreed to a five-year deal with the company. In his new role, Duthie will oversee and guide partypoker LIVE, the site’s new global poker tour that was announced in January.

“I have been impressed with the progress of partypoker and in particular the number of trusted, experienced and well respected individuals and organisations that have chosen to put their support behind the partypoker brand,” Duthie said.

“I believe there is a gap in the market for an operator whose primary focus is poker and who will listen to, and work with, the poker community as this was something that was absolutely key to the growth and success of the EPT.”

Under Duthie’s watch, the EPT became a giant in the live poker world, producing some of the largest and most prestigious poker tournaments on the planet. He resigned from his role as EPT CEO back in 2012, by which point the tour was in its eighth season. After Season 13 ended in Prague in December 2016, the EPT has now been re-branded as the PokerStars Championship.

Duthie now hopes to surpass his previous success with the EPT, which he also credited for much of PokerStars’ success.

“I still love the game just as much as the first time I saw my first flop and I believe this passion will help partypoker LIVE become the largest and most fun poker tour in the world,” he said. “I plan to enjoy myself immensely working with and meeting old friends.”

Tom Waters, Managing Director of partypoker, commented: “We are thrilled that John has joined us at the beginning of this journey. Very few people in the world have made such a significant contribution to poker and his experience, relationships and understanding of players will be a huge asset to us.

“Our guarantees are ambitious but our marketing strategy is to provide value to players instead of investing money outside of the poker community and we are confident that with John’s guidance we can optimise this strategy for the benefit of the live poker market.

“partypoker LIVE will offer a minimum of $5M GTD for $5K buy-in, $1M GTD for $1K buy-in and $500K GTD for $200 buy-in, and we plan to visit as many continents and countries as possible. All events will feature at least one Online Day 1 for players who have limited time to spend away from home or simply wish to reduce their expenses. We love our holiday themed events such as the Caribbean Poker Party and are planning more of these.”

Duthie is considered a legend of not only British poker but the game in general. He has more than $3.2 million in live earnings to his name, perhaps most notably winning the groundbreaking inaugural Poker Million back in 2000. His name is often mentioned in consideration for the Poker Hall of Fame.

Take a look at the partypoker LIVE confirmed events for 2017 below. In addition to those previously announced, a new event has now been confirmed: the partypoker Million Germany. The €1,100 Main Event comes with a €1 million guarantee and will run June 1st – 5th at King’s Casino, Rozvadov.

· Mar 23rd-27th partypoker Million Sochi [Sochi Casino & Resort] $1M GTE [$1,100 buy-in]

· Apr 6th-10th partypoker Grand Prix Austria [CCC Montesino] €500K GTE [€225 buy-in]

· Apr 18th-23rd partypoker MILLIONS [Dusk Till Dawn] £6M GTE [£5,300 buy-in]

· Apr 25th–May 1st partypoker Grand Prix Canada [Playground] CA$500K GTE [CA$220 buy-in]

· April 27th–May 1st partypoker Grand Prix Germany [Kings Casino] €500k GTE [€225 buy-in]

· May 5th–10th partypoker Million North America [Playground] CAD$5M GTE [CAD$5,300 buy-in]

· June 1st – 5th partypoker Million Germany [Kings Casino] €1M GTE [€1,100 buy-in]

For more information including details of satellites and Online Day 1’s to these events click here.