Roger Dubuis, a leader in fine watchmaking and pioneer of contemporary skeleton calibres, as a part of its partnership with the Global Poker Index (GPI), poker’s ranking authority, has awarded the Player of the Year winner with a Roger Dubuis timepiece at the first-ever GPI American Poker Awards, which took place at the SLS Hotel in Los Angeles.

The annual gala dinner, hosted by well-known poker player and media personality Kara Scott, honoured top players and industry contributors from a diverse array of categories in the thrilling sport of poker.

One of the evening’s most prestigious awards, Player of the Year went to Dan Smith, an elite and skilled player who has earned impressive recognition in the game. The young talent was awarded with a La Monégasque timepiece from Roger Dubuis by Jorge Puentes, brand president of North America.

“It is a pleasure to award this exceptional talent with an equally exceptional Roger Dubuis timepiece,” said Puentes.

“It is a symbol of our shared quest for top performance and success in an extremely competitive and exciting industry.”

“It is an honour not only to receive the award but also to own such a brilliant piece of fine watchmaking,” said Smith.

“I have come to admire the passionate and daring nature of the brand and I can’t think of a better way to commemorate this moment than with a one-of-a-kind piece from Roger Dubuis.”

A contemporary interpretation of watchmaking codes rooted in tradition, La Monégasque places its bets firmly on audacity and excellence, which makes it a particularly fitting award for Smith.

With its distinctive silhouette accentuated by refined and elegant lines, the bespoke piece is personalised with Smith’s name metallised on the sapphire glass caseback, revealing the exclusive in-house RD821 mechanical self-winding calibre.

As a part of its partnership with the Global Poker Index, Roger Dubuis will also honour the continental Player of the Year at the European Poker Awards, scheduled to take place on March 25 in Malta.