The 11th annual European Poker Awards took place last night in the Aviation Club de France in Paris, where judges awarded nine of Europe's best poker players with prizes in different categories.

The events were followed closely by most of the European poker elite, who witnessed Sam Trickett of the UK receive the most prestigious accolade of them all as Player of the Year.

Trickett snatched up the award ahead of five other nominees; Pius Heinz, Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier, Andrey Pateychuk, Jake Cody, and Eugene Katchalov.

The honor reflects a marvelous year for Trickett, who made more than $4.5 million in live tournament cashes, as well as a reported $1 million in the Macau mega games.

Among his biggest results was a win in the Aussie Millions $100,000 Challenge, a runner-up finish in the Aussie Millions $250,000 Challenge, and the victory in the Partouche Poker Tour Main Event.

Meanwhile, Bertrand "ElkY" Grospellier also scooped a title in the special Rob Gardner Memorial Award category for Poker Personality of the Year, while Andrey Patuychuk was named Rookie of The Year.

Ilari "Ziigmund" Sahamies was crowned Internet Player of The Year, while Natalia Nikitina from Russia took the prize as Europe's Leading Lady.

The WSOPE in Cannes was named European Tournament of the Year, as well as Warren Lush was hailed as Poker Staff Person of the Year, and finally, Jesse May received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Read more about the award and the winners on the European Poker Awards website.