by James
9. November 2010 11:49
Jonathan Duhamel evolved into Canada’s very first World Series of Poker main-event champion, knocking out John Racener to recieve the $8.9 million 1st award.
Duhamel received the No-Limit Texas Hold’Em world championship following approximately two hours of heads-up play that commenced yesterday at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The 23-year-old Duhamel, ran over to a group of pals wearing Montreal Canadiens hockey jerseys following the winning hand and was raised into the air in succesion. He then been given a diamond-encrusted gold bracelet in onjunction to the leading prize, which was piled on the table in stacks of $100 bills.
The head-to-head final capped the $10,000 buy-in event that initiated in July with 7,319 participants. Nine avid gamers advanced to the ultimate table, with seven being eliminated during a 13-hour session that was completed early on the morning hours of Nov. 7.
Duhamel majored in finance before dropping out of the University of Quebec in Montreal. He’s been a full-time poker pro -- mostly online -- for about the last two years, earning $43,000 in WSOP events before today’s payday.