Californian Joe Pelton beat former World Champion Scotty Nguyen to take home the $1.5 million first prize at the World Poker Tour Legends of Poker main event.
A relative unknown on the poker scene, Pelton was up against stiff competition from poker professionals Scotty Nguyen, Hoyt Corkins and Team Paradise Poker veteran Randy Holland.
The final hand saw Pelton heads up against Frankie O'Dell. Pelton raised $400,000, O'Dell re-raised all-in and Pelton called. O'Dell showed 6h 6d, Pelton showed Ac 7c, the board revealed Ad, Jh, 3d, 2c, Qs. Pelton won the with a pair of aces, raking in $1,577,170 and a $25,000 seat at the WPT Championship.
'Going into the final table I felt my chances were as good as the other players,' said Pelton. 'I never felt in danger of losing when I went all in, I was confident in my cards and was able to keep my bluffing to a minimum.'
Pelton admits that his $1.5 million prize is a life-changing amount of money, but plans to keep his day job and won't play any more poker then he usually does. 'Poker is a fun way to pass time, but I will not consider a career in playing,' he said.
Californian Joe Pelton beat former World Champion Scotty Nguyen to take home the $1.5 million first prize at the World Poker Tour Legends of Poker main event.