Casino News

From Swaziland to Vegas for London player

2008-03-14 12:52:27

Victory in a tournament held at a casino in Swaziland has led to a London-based poker player booking a seat at the main event of the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

John Tabatabai, a 22-year-old chess player from the capital, scooped the top prize in the 12th All Africa Poker Tournament at Swaziland Piggs Peak casino.

In addition to a cheque for a million rand (£62,200), Tabatabai will be able to rub shoulders with professionals in Las Vegas for the WSOP main event.

Kyri Patsalos and Ray Rahme, who took second and third spots in Swaziland, will also be taking part in the Vegas showdown.

Last year, Jerry Yang competed in the WSOP main event after qualifying for a seat through a tournament held at his local casino.

He ended up with the top prize of $8.25 million, which is something the Swaziland winners contingent would be hoping to emulate.