5th ECA’s European Dealer Championship was held in Belgrade

This first lustrum of the European Dealer Championship was hosted by Grand Casino Beograd in Belgrade, Serbia. It was a captivating event from the beginning right up to the end and a huge success. The organisation of the event by Grand Casino Beograd’s team was simply impeccable. Everybody praised their hospitability, kindness and professionalism that made this so impressive and fun.

This year, ECA announced and warmly congratulated the winners of the European Dealer Championship 2011: Liisa Rennstein from Estonia (Olympic Casino) triumphed with the first prize, taking home the top prize of a trip to Las Vegas. The runner-up was Iulia-Luiza Caradeanu from Romania (Casino Bucharest), and Anastasios Zappidis from Greece (Regency Casino Mont Parnes) won the third prize.

In a competitive yet friendly atmosphere, the winners demonstrated excellent technical skills, knowledge and control of the games. However they were not only judged on their technical skills. Equally as important were their hospitability and attention to the players. Not only do the dealers have to be fully concentrated throughout the game, but they also have to keep a fun, hospitable and entertaining atmosphere around the tables.

“ECA is proud to have the pick of the crop participating at this event”, said the Chairman of ECA, Ron Goudsmit, adding that “it is a great promotion for the casino industry.” “Our aim with this event is to celebrate the craftsmanship and hospitability needed for this profession”, explained Ron Goudsmit. “We would like to congratulate all the finalists. The skills and expertise they showed superbly reflect the professionalism and quality of the dealers in European casinos. We would also like to thank and praise everyone at Grand Casino Beograd for their hospitality and the perfect organisation of this event. Christos Tsemberas, the Chairman of the Board of Grand Casino Beograd, has every reason to be proud of his team”.

Tsemberas explained that “Grand Casino Beograd was highly honoured to host this key event and delighted to have this opportunity to welcome all the European representatives of the casino world in their casino," adding that “this event is a great opportunity to discover Belgrade and enjoy the city”.

Launched in 2007, the ECA's annual European Dealer Championship is now a key event in the European gaming calendar. Participating dealers are judged in a range of categories, including hospitality and communication skills, technical expertise, discretion and control of the game.