Daniel Idema wins B.C. Poker Championship

Even though the numbers for the B.C. Poker Championships held at the River Rock Casino were a little lower than last years, some top poker players still cashed in big this year. Daniel Idema, of Tsawwassen, British Columbia won the main event, bringing in a $403,500 payday.

Steve Billirakis and Greg Mueller were a few of the professional names along with Idema, that were included in the 643 players taking the felt last week for the B.C. Poker Championships $2,500 main event.

Idema is a 23 year old former hockey player that had the highest chip count when he started at the final table, to go on and take the win.

"I caught some major breaks in this tournament, and I was fortunate enough to win," Idema said. That fortune included pocket kings on the final hand to give him the win.

"It's been a great experience. I never expected to make it this far," he said.

Creating a total prize pool of an impressive $2.4 million, coming from the four events of the 2007 B.C. Poker Championships, with more than 1,700 players playing at the River Rock Casino. More than 2,000 players showed for last years events.