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Unknown becomes a star at WSoP

2006-07-21 17:00:00

An amateur poker fan caused a big stir at a recent World Series of Poker Tournament (WSoP).

Tom Dykema from Park Township, who enjoys a game of Texas Hold'em now and again, came 25th out of 1,579 participants at the Las Vegas event, according to the Grand Rapids Press.

His two days spent battling some of the biggest names in the business earned him $17,243.

"I'm pretty psyched. I outlasted about 20 top professional players and found out I could play with them and win," the 44-year-old, who has enjoyed some success before playing at riverboat casinos in Indiana, told the publication.

Mr Dykema outlasted top names such as, Chris Ferguson, Daniel Negreanu and Greg (Fossilman) Raymer and at one stage had built up as much as $60,000.

"It was pretty exciting getting down to the last three tables. I'm already planning to come back and play next year."

The first prize pot of $660,948 went to professional Jeff Madsen.

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