Biggest Poker Tournament Outside US Won by Poorya Nazari

Poker player Poorya Nazari ain't poor no more.  Despite his namesake, Nazari just won $3 million at this week's 2009 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure in the Bahamas, billed as the biggest poker tournament ever to be held outside the US.  $33 was all it took for the rebuy satellite tournament. 

"It was only today that I started thinking about winning. At one point yesterday I was down to virtually nothing but I got off to a good start today and at that point I thought I might have a shot," said Nazari following his win.

The 22 year-old biochemistry graduate invested a mere $700 to win his trip to the Caribbean and a seat in the PCA Festival of Poker main event held at the Atlantis Hotel.

"It hasn't sunk in yet," said Nazari. "It feels unbelievable, surreal. I can't believe it's happening."

He was one of 1,347 entrants in the $10,000 no limit hold 'em event - a number that smashed all records for a poker tournament held outside the United States and created a total prize pool of more than $12.5 million.

"It was only (Saturday) that I started thinking about winning," he said. "At one point Friday I was down to virtually nothing but I got off to a good start (Saturday) and at that point I thought I might have a shot."

Nazari, who graduated from university last month, has also a won a seat in the EPT Grand Final which takes place in Monte Carlo from April 28 - May 3.

2009 PokerStars Caribbean Adventure Final Table Payouts

1.       Poorya Nazari - $3,000,000

2.       Tony Gregg - $1,700,000

3.       Benny Spindler - $1,100,000

4.       Alexandre Gomes - $750,000

5.       Pieter Tielen - $550,000

6.       Dustin Dirksen - $400,000

7.       Daniel Heimiller - $300,000

8.       Kevin Saul - $234,000

Ace King, Gambling911.com