An Auckland software developer has become the first New Zealander to win a World Series of Poker title, taking home $931,000 in prize money after three intense days of play in Las Vegas.
Simon Watt, 27, claimed the third no-limit hold'em title of the series after he trumped professional player Tom Dwan with a full house in the final hand yesterday.
He said the experience had been amazing and strange.
"You just have to concentrate on the hands and try and forget how much money you are playing for," he told the World Series website.
"My parents were initially not too keen on my playing poker, especially my mother. This should help."
The gallery at the Rio Hotel and Casino was packed to capacity with a crowd of hundreds, but Watt was cheered on by only one supporter -- best friend Joe Ellis, who had flown over from New Zealand to support him.
The event is rumoured to have attracted side bets in the millions of dollars.
Watt has only one other major tournament title under his belt, after a win at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour championship in Auckland last year.
