Fan Wins Big Prize

Abraham Korotki is not the average poker player, and he does not fit the gambling profile either, actually up until two years ago he did not even know how to play the game. It was a trip to Atlantic City he took that changed his life.

Hobby That Pays Off

Korotki, 59, is an Ocean View resident and developer of The Reserves who decided at February 14 to take a trip to Atlantic City in order to enter a championship poker tournament that took place at a local casino. At the four days poker tournament, Korotki played constantly and at the end of it he has been declared as the overall winner and was granted a cash prize of over 400,000 dollars.

As the winner of the tournament he also won an all expense paid trip to Las Vegas, and a seat at the 36th annual World Series of Poker Tournament at The Rio Casino Resort. The tournament is scheduled for June 28.

Dream Comes True

For a poker fan,the World Series of Poker Tournament is the ultimate place to check real professional action. When asked what he thinks of the WSOP he said "The world series of poker events attract the best of the best, the creme de la creme, to win is something that only happens once in a lifetime." The grand prize at the tournament expected to exceed $10 million.

Hobby Is Born

Korotki's interest in poker began two years ago while watching a poker match at ESPN. Korotki said he looked at the game and it looked pretty easy to him "But once you start doing it" he said, "you realize it's not that easy."

Since that day on, Korotki started to play poker at any chance he got. He dedicated a lot of time for learning and playing the game. His wife, Saleena, paid attention to all the time he spends on his new hobby but still was not convinced it will lead to professional playing. She said she did not believe he would ever win in a poker game. But Korotki never stopped trying and believing. "He did prove it to me" she said "It's like a dream."

The Big Day

Korotki continued practicing until, nine months ago, he entered his first tournament. At that tournament he was out after one hand. He realized then he needs to play more with professional player and learn their moves and strategies.

Although he has entered the biggest contest of poker and he has achieved plenty during the following year, Korotki knows he needs to practice a lot more before the big tournament.