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Las Vegas has recently hosted the 2024 WSOP, and the dust won’t settle for some time after this tournament. More than 10.000 participants came to Las Vegas to test their skill and luck, facing the best from the poker world and wishing to make a name for themselves. 

Famous poker stars like Moneymaker, Brunson, Pearson, Slim, and many others may have stolen the spotlight in the beginning – but anything can happen at a poker table, and the finals have proven it. Jordan Griff needs no introduction for anyone affiliated with poker, but the new world poker champion Jonathan Tamayo became a hot poker news topic overnight.

Tamayo’s humble origins come from Humble in Texas, where he enjoys playing fantasy sports and golfing, with poker being his hobby. Since the online poker situation is still a bit tricky, at the moment, in Texas, Tamayo and others have limited options when it comes to playing and practicing online poker, but it is possible. iGaming Expert Vlad Grindu recommends that all avid online poker fans from Texas check out his B2C’s recommended real money online casinos list, as that is the only way to legally play online poker in the Lone Star state. Tamayo’s story proves that talent in poker can appear from anywhere, and talent in the Las Vegas 2024 WSOP was rewarded with the $10 million first prize. Under the roof of the legendary Horseshoe casino, Tamayo clashed with Griff until the final hand of 8-3.

Tamayo first flopped his two pairs and placed a $10 million bet, betting on a nine-high flop. His move is still being debated, but it did force Griff to follow and raise $40 million, after which Tamayo went all-in and won with a two-pair. Whether it’s real poker, online poker, or crypto gambling, Tamayo’s move and win with a two-pair shows that you don’t need a relay flash or a full house to win at a poker match, but a steady hand, knowledge, and iron-clad nerves. Besides his recent $10 million win, Tamayos was awarded the diamond-encrusted bracer made from gold, further commemorating his incredible achievement. Tamayo’s Cinderella’s story is a testament that anything can happen in the poker world.

Even during high-stakes tournaments like the WSOP, seemingly anonymous players from smaller towns have equal luck as poker veterans like Boris Angelov, Jason Sagle, Niklas Astedt, etc. And the others have also made banks nothing short of impressive. Jordan Griff won $6 million in second place, Niklas Astedt came in third with $4 million, and Jason Sagle was fourth with $3 million. Other top 10 contestants all went home with $1 million or more, which is an impressive sum for any poker player and worth the initial entry fee for the WSOP.

Tamayo’s win surprised many, himself included, and he’ll probably make WSOP’s main event history. Practice, dedication, and believing in yourself were always the secret weapons of winners. Despite all odds and coming from a small place in Texas, where the poker scene is smaller than in Las Vegas, Jonathan Tamayo will be an example for all future would-be stars and an inspiration for many to come!