Pius Heinz Wins World Series of Poker

November 14 - Pius Heinz, a 22-year-old from Cologne, Germany almost quit poker six months ago, but luckily he decided to stick with it, and is now $8.72 million richer after winning the 2011 World Series of Poker (WSOP) in Las Vegas last week.

Nine hands before the end, Heinz used an Ace high hand to resurrect his game against 35-year-old Martin Staszko. Heinz won the tournament with another Ace high. Heinz called an all-in bet with an Ace King, against Staszko's 7 10 of clubs. The board did not help either player, ensuring Heinz's World Series of Poker win.

Pius Heinz won the World Series of Poker to snag just under $9 million while Staszko took home $5.43 million for second place in the $10,000 buy-in game that had been going on since July.

Winning 2011 WSOP Happiest Day Said Heinz

"It's got to be the happiest day of my life," said Heinz, "but I can't believe what's happened – it's unreal. Honestly, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the money. Probably my family is going to get a couple of gifts."

Staszko, who took home the second place win said he primarily plays poker online, but plans to come back next year to try his hand at winning the bracelet.

"I'm never happy if I don't win," he said, "but it's not too bad. Second place is OK." He continued: "I'll come back next year. I hope I can win a bracelet."

Before the World Series of Poker final table started, both Heinz and Staszko were asked if they would forgo first place and take the second place prize then and there. Heinz said yes, Staszko said no.

At the final table of two players, the lead in the game was exchanged 119 times, despite the fact that at one point, Staszko had a 4-1 chip lead on Heinz. Heinz managed to get Staszko to gamble with second rate hands in the run for the title.

"I tried not to lose my nerve," said Heinz. "At some point, I was not making a hand. I was getting frustrated honestly. I just tried to play my game."

The final game of the 2011 World Series of Poker was played at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Hundreds of spectators came to watch the game. "It was just awesome to have so many of your friends and family following you, cheering you," said Heinz.