Just a month or so ago, the European Poker Tour second Texas holdem championships was won by a nineteen year old college student from the Midwest of the United States. What was remarkable about this tournament was that it was the first held in Europe where the first prize was over $1,000,000 and the winner was yet to celebrate his twentieth birthday. The winner, Jeff Williams was an invitation player , who had gained all his experience competing in on line tournaments, and had done sufficiently well to be invited to take part in the final being held in the fabulous setting of Monte Carlo in March 2007.
Not only did Jeff arrive but his parents came too, all the way from Atlanta, Georgia. Expecting nothing more than to gain a bit of sun tan and some playing experience, Jeff’s shocked everyone, including himself, and made it to the final table and some guaranteed prize money.
However under the lights and the pressure, Jeff showed a very cool head and poker skills and judgement belying his tender years, and never made a single mistake, gradually whittling down the opposition, including players with some pretty serious tournament experience to walk of with the first prize of 9.000.000 euros. This made Jeff a dollar millionaire at his first ever final table visit. A life changing event for Jeff and Mr. and Mrs. Williams who were understandably proud of their son’s remarkable achievement.
However if you take a look at the tournament winners and runners up lists over the last few years you will see an increasing trend of prize winners who are in their early twenties, and who regularly take home fairly significant prizes at 12 tournaments not only in Europe but also in the United States. The ability to reach the major televised 12 tournaments through the internet is what makes the game so exciting, and why more and more young players are being attracted to the game. And with the chance of becoming an instant millionaire you can understand why.