German Pius Heinz Wins 2011 World Series of Poker
German poker player Pius Heinz has won the World Series of Poker main event.
The 22-year-old walks away with $8.72 million in cash along with the WSOP bracelet.
"Honestly I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the money," Heinz said early Wednesday after winning the main event in a marathon session of Texas Hold 'em. "Probably my family is going to get a couple gifts."
He added: "It's got to be the happiest day of my life," Heinz said. "But I can't believe what happened — it's unreal."
Heinz, who lives in Cologne, Germany, beat Czech Republic player, 35-year-old Martin Staszko. Nobody should be shedding any tears for Staszko, who left the event winning $5.43 million.
Staszko, a chess whiz who once worked for three years at an auto paint shop, said he thought his finish would help poker in his native country.
"I'm never happy if I don't win," Staszko said. "But it's not too bad. Second place is OK."
- Ace King, Gambling911.com