CROUPIER A STAR AT TOP OF GAME
Casino ace is a big deal, playing his cards right to take home the title of Australasian champion
LEWIS Hopkins lays his cards on the table and doesn’t have a chip on either shoulder.
Three years ago, the 24-year-old was studying chemistry in New Zealand before making a sea change to the Glitter Strip, where he was trained up as a croupier.
Now he is considered Australia’s finest.
In November he competed against the finest croupiers from 13 top casinos around the world in a three-day competition in Perth.
It was his dedication to training to perfect his game craft, technical ability and guest service in classic games American roulette, blackjack and baccarat which led him to be crowned the 2019 Australasian Croupier Champion.
Now The Star worker is preparing to deal for some of the world’s best poker players at the Australian Open Poker and Super High Roller Bowl Australia on the Gold Coast starting next Saturday. Hopkins doesn’t know what talent he will get to deal to.
“I’m (nervous) in a way but I’m more excited,” he said.
“It’s a great feeling to have the chance to be part of these incredible international tournaments and be dealing for some of the world’s best poker players.
“It’s an opportunity to deal with some really recognised names.
“As a croupier, our job is to provide the best entertainment experience, no matter who is playing. You can’t help but get excited. It’s always exciting to mix things up.”
Australia is hosting the Australian Open Poker and Super High Roller Bowl Australia for the first time, due to a partnership with World Poker Tour and Poker Central.
Past competitions have been held in China and the UK.
In the Super High Roller Bowl Australia, professionals will play for a purse of about $5 million.