Patrik Antonius dominated the high stakes tables at Full Tilt Poker last year, winning more than 9 million dollars at tables crowded by the best online players in the world. It is only just that in the space of three days he was awarded both the European and Nordic Online Player of the Year Awards in Paris and Copenhagen respectively. While not being able to attend either ceremony, Patrik talked to Coinflip.com to give his comments and share some happy news from Mexico where he is vacationing at the moment.


"I value the European Poker Award highly since I consider myself first and foremost an online player these days," Patrik said to Coinflip.com.

"My play was in great shape, and it was a really interesting and eventful year at Full Tilt Poker. Isildur brought a whole new dimension to the games and created huge action. I have always wanted to play against the very best and learn something new about poker every day. I like it when tough and aggressive fresh blood shows up cause it's always an opportunity to learn for me, too," Patrik reflects.

It is somewhat surprising that the category for Online Player of the Year was introduced at the European Poker Awards for the first time only this year.

"The Big Game has moved online," Antonius confirms. "Of course it may be difficult to award players who might be playing anonymous. If Isildur had continued his great run, he should have been awarded this trophy," the Finns says modestly.

The Swedish nick name "Isildur1" showed up at the high stakes tables in November and immediately went on a huge $7 million upswing before losing it all.

The Nordic Poker Award title is especially sweet for Antonius.

"At NPA the fans voted for the nominees and I'm very happy to get chosen from such tough company [including Ilari "Ziigmund" Sahamies]. A big thank you for all voters!"

Patrik concludes with some happy news about his family.

"I have a very special reason to look forward to next summer. My fiancee Maya is pregnant again and she's due in August. We are all very excited about it, especially our two-year old daughter Mila who can't wait to become a big sister!"

"I'm sorry for not being able to come and accept my awards," Patrik finishes off. "I had to flee the European winter to the Mexican sun."