Law student Rehman Kassam took down the £990 PokerStars Festival London Main Event for £89,320 yesterday after qualifying in a live satellite for just £120.
Kassam travelled from Nottingham straight after finishing an exam in order to play the satellite, and then turned that small investment into the largest win of his poker career. The 23-year-old cut a three-handed deal with runner-up Daniel Harwood and Eric Cech before seizing victory.
The inaugural PokerStars Festival London Main Event took place January 25-29 and attracted a staggering 944 entries, making it the largest poker tournament ever held at The Hippodrome Casino. The £824,112 prize pool was more than double the £400,000 guarantee. UKIPT Marbella champion Ludovic Geilich finished seventh for £22,950.
The next PokerStars Festival event is at the stunning Kings Casino Rozvadov from March 2 to 13, the home of the former Eureka Poker Tour. If you fancy staying in London though, the PokerStars London Series will be running from March 3-5 at The Hippodrome Casino – the £275 Main Event comes with a £40,000 guarantee and has four start flights. The PokerStars London Series is also running April 7-9 and May 26-28.