White takes $600,000 poker win

After three days of tournament play, David Ross White of Abbotsford is B.C.’s newest poker champion, walking away with the grand prize of $600,000, the champion’s watch and bragging rights.

White outlasted 784 other poker players to nab the top title after 32 hours of play in the $2 million No Limit Texas Hold’Em event at River Rock Casino Resort on Sunday.

“I feel fantastic,” said White. “I think we’ll use this money to pay off some debt and go on a holiday. We’re going to have a great time!”

The tournament attracted players from Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia and the Yukon, and from states as far away as Florida, Texas, Nevada, California and Washington.

“The response we received from players and spectators at this year’s tournament is truly remarkable,” said Brian Lynch, BCLC Vice-President of Casino Gaming.

Well-known players who competed in the tournament included Gavin Smith, who finished 27th, Brad “Yukon” Booth and poker legend Johnny Chan.

Derrick Law finished second, taking $290,000 back to his home in the Yukon.