Robert Chow Wins $393,548 at World Series of Poker Circuit Hammond, Indiana

51-year-old Robert Chow has won $393,548 at the World Series of Poker Circuit in Hammond, Indiana, which is about a 40 minute drive from Chicago.  1,615 entries were recorded for the main event. 

"I've been the bridesmaid a couple times," Chow told ESPN.com. "This is the first time I've actually cracked through and made first place. I'm ecstatic. I thought I had a deep run this year at the WSOP Seniors event when I came in 66th."

Though eliminated on Day 1A, he re-entered on Day 1B after winning a satellite. 

"When we came back with 20 players, I just felt good," he said. "I never had the chip lead until we got down to the final table and I knew there was a lot of very accomplished, very aggressive players here, but I just felt good. I didn't try to push the game, I let the game come to me and that was the best way to handle it and it worked. Everything just fell into place."

As a result of his win, Chow receives abid into the national championship.

"It's validation of all the grinding and the hard work," said Chow. "I've come close and never finished. This is definitely a very significant, major event. It's the main event, a Circuit, and I beat out 1,600 people. I can't feel any better."

The Circuit's next stop begins on Thursday at the IP Casino Resort & Spa in Biloxi, Miss.

- Patrick Flanagan, Gambling911.com