Benfleet banker turned poker player wins share of 1.3million in huge tournament – Yahoo News UK

Benfleet banker turned poker player wins share of 1.3million in huge tournament (Image: Grosvenor Casinos)

A 28-year-old former banker from Benfleet has won a share of more than 1.3million afterbeating almost11,500other poker players in a huge tournament.

After swapping a desk job as a banker for thepoker table, Alex Todd - known as "King Toddie"- won the top prize at the UK's biggest poker tournamentGoliath, securing first place over thousands ofother entrants.

Alex started playing poker with his dad and madethe decision togiveup his jobin banking during the Covid pandemic to take up playing poker full time.

He plans to use his winnings on a luxury holiday with his fiance, as well as investing the money on a new set of golf clubs. The winner isalsoconsidering gettinga personalised "Toddie" numberplateforhis car.

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Celebrating after hisgiganticGoliath win of 178,000,Alex said: Conquering Goliath was a whirlwind of emotion and mental endurance. I was low on chips going into the second day of the tournament, starting with just 125,000. I went on a run and was able to build up a good stack.

There were a few times if I had made a different move, I would have been out, but luck was with me on the day. I ended up bagging 24.4 million chips and held the chip lead going into the third and final day with 45 players left. Years of grinding prepared me for the final table, and I was ready to seize the opportunity.

From the moment I secured the victory, I have just felt a feeling of elation and it doesnt seem to going away any time soon. Although, nothing will beat my family telling me how proud of me they are!

The live poker tournament, which is the largestoutside of Las Vegas,took place at Grosvenor Casino in Coventry and is the most prestigious win in Alexs career to date.

His winning hand to scoop the jackpot prize was pocket tens and when the river card was dealt and Alexs hand held up, his friends started cheering from the sidelines and his family celebrated as they watchedalong from home.

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Benfleet banker turned poker player wins share of 1.3million in huge tournament - Yahoo News UK