by Emma
14. January 2009 00:04
PARADISE ISLAND, The Bahamas -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Poorya Naziri from Toronto, Canada, turned $700 into $3 million today when he won the sixth PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.
The 22-year-old biochemistry graduate won his seat on PokerStars in a $33 triple turbo rebuy tournament, investing only $700 to win his trip to the Caribbean and a seat in the PCA 'Festival of Poker' main event. He was one of 1,347 entrants in the $10k 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.
Poorya, who graduated last month, admitted he was stunned by the win - one of the biggest sporting prizes in the world. He said: "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." Poorya, who has never been to Europe, has also a won a seat in the EPT Grand Final which takes place in Monte Carlo, April 28 - May 3.
The record field at this year's PCA included 1,059 PokerStars players, of whom 746, including Poorya, had won their seats online with PokerStars.
Team PokerStars Pro Alexandre Gomes made the final table but was knocked out in fourth place, earning $750,000. Among the stars in the tournament were German tennis legend and PokerStars ambassador Boris Becker as well as 26 Team PokerStars Pros.
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