Simon Cope is a full time bridge professional from Hertfordshire, just outside London. As someone who gets to pursue his hobby as his work, he feels lucky enough already, but to be able to also tie bridge in from time to time with another passion, travelling, is the icing on the cake. Simon has been the NPC for the England Open team at the recent European Championships and Bermuda Bowls. Playing successes include winning the Gold Cup 2015 and 2018, Crockfords 2017 and playing on the Middlesex team that won the Tollemache in 2015. See Simon’s EBU profile.
Peter Crouch is a Chartered Accountant who spends his time juggling work for his clients, helping to look after his two children with his wife Sara and trying to get out to the Golf Course. His bridge successes include seven Gold Cup (most recently in 2018), two Spring Fours and two Premier League wins as well as representing England in a number of Camrose matches, in the European Championships and World Mind Sport Games. He was on the team that won the 2019 Vanderbilt (playing with Alex Hydes). See Peter’s EBU profile.
Simon Gillis is an Investment Manager, and sits on the finance committee of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. He has a wife, two children, lots of wine and no dog. He has two Gold Cup wins on his bridge CV (2016 and 2010) and has reached the semi-finals on other occasions including 2015. His team won the BAM at the World Championships in Lyon in August 2017. His impressive record also includes winning the Iceland Open twice, the Brighton teams and Deauville. He won the 2021 Shapiro Spring Fours with a team featuring Brogeland and Saelensminde. See Simon’s EBU profile.
Erik Saelensminde is a Norwegian International. He is a regular on Team Gillis and has contributed to their many successes.
Lederer Trophy 