In the 9th All Africa Poker Tournament, Claude Sacks was triumphant, scooping the top prize of one million rand and an all-inclusive package to enter the World Series of Poker $10,000 Main Event.
It took the 26-year-old 30 hours to beat off all the other opponents and the head's up battle with former All Africa Poker finalist, Neville Eber, was intense struggle.
Sacks lost most of his chip stack during the battle, only to claw his way back to finally take the title.
A field of 120 poker players from all over the globe vied to cash in from a total prize pool of three million rand at the Piggs Peak Hotel & Casino in a small town in Swaziland, up 30 on the previous tournament held in February. Eight women also participated, with Karin Hasseriis finishing 14th.
Poker-loving celebrities were also in the field, but singer Danny K could only manage 47th place while Super Sport presenter Neil Andrews finished 75th.African poker legends at the tournament included Peter Vermaas, Ryan Brauer and Christopher Convery.
Action from the tournament, dubbed "the richest poker tournament in Africa", will be broadcast on the All Africa Poker Channel throughout the year.
Team All Africa Poker, led by Claude Sacks and including Neville Eber, Darryn van Heerden, Ray Rahme and Ryan Brauer, will now fly to Las Vegas to enter the WSOP Main Event in July.
In the 9th All Africa Poker Tournament, Claude Sacks was triumphant, scooping the top prize of one million rand and an all-inclusive package to enter the World Series of Poker $10,000 Main Event.