PARADISE ISLAND, Bahamas - Poorya Nazari of Toronto is leaving the Bahamas US$3-million richer after winning the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure over the weekend.
The 22 year-old biochemistry graduate won his seat on the PokerStars online gambling website in a $33 triple rebuy satellite tournament, investing only $700 to win his trip to the Caribbean and a seat in the PCA Festival of Poker main event held at the Atlantis Hotel.
"It hasn't sunk in yet," said Nazari. "It feels unbelievable, surreal. I can't believe it's happening."
He was one of 1,347 entrants in the $10,000 no limit hold 'em event -- a number that smashed all records for a poker tournament held outside the United States and created a total prize pool of more than $12.5 million.
"It was only (Saturday) that I started thinking about winning," he said. "At one point Friday I was down to virtually nothing but I got off to a good start (Saturday) and at that point I thought I might have a shot."
Nazari, who graduated from university last month, has also a won a seat in the EPT Grand Final which takes place in Monte Carlo from April 28 - May 3.
