When Richard Lord arrived at Wynn Las Vegas for the ClubWPT Gold $5M Invitational Freeroll, his eyes have been mounted on one purpose: the coveted $1,000,000 winner’s prize.
Regardless of placing on his greatest efficiency on the World Poker Tour World Championships, the skilled magician’s tips weren’t sufficient to get him previous the cash bubble. He was eradicated earlier than reaching the payout levels, however Lord’s journey didn’t finish there—he nonetheless had one final card up his sleeve.
A Probability Encounter Results in Excessive Hopes
Main as much as the freeroll, ClubWPT Gold—WPT’s sweepstakes-based on-line poker site—held prize drawings providing gamers an opportunity to win Golden Passports to the unique match, together with thrilling rewards like WPT chip units, unique merchandise, and Wynn Discipline Membership seats for the December 16 Las Vegas Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons sport at Allegiant Stadium.
But, one prize had each participant speaking. Up for grabs was a 2025 McLaren GTS sports activities automobile valued at an eyebrow-raising $240,000.
Lord had already secured his Golden Passport earlier than arriving for the WPTWC, however whereas strolling the Wynn’s corridors on December 11, keen to substantiate his freeroll spot, he got here throughout the prize drum on the ClubWPT Gold Sales space.
Curious, Lord reached in and drew an envelope. As he opened it, his gaze fell on the phrase “JACKPOT.” Initially uncertain of what he had received, Lord started celebrating—solely to be advised that he, together with two different gamers, now had a one-in-three probability to take house the luxurious sports activities automobile. And if luck wasn’t on his facet for the automobile, he’d nonetheless have the possibility to stroll away with as much as $50,000 in money from the ClubWPT Gold Money Sales space.
The timing couldn’t have been higher for Lord. His common efficiency venue had simply closed for good. However to be taught his destiny, he’d have to attend till Sunday, December 15.
The Second of Fact
On Sunday afternoon, Richard Lord and the 2 different JACKPOT winners stepped into the highlight because the WPT World Championship and Girls Championship unfolded close by. Play paused within the Encore Ballroom as the group held its breath, wanting to see who would declare the beautiful customized McLaren GTS.
A briefcase containing three envelopes was introduced out. Just one held the metaphorical keys to the luxurious automobile. Lord, selecting final, selected his envelope as anticipation crammed the room. A drumroll adopted, and when the envelopes have been opened, Lord’s uncontainable response immediately revealed who the winner was.
“That is exhilarating. It smells wonderful in right here. My gosh,” Lord advised PokerNews as he sat behind the wheel of the McLaren for the primary time.
“I’m presently driving a 2010 Subaru Outback, so that is 15 years newer—and about $245,000 costlier. It’s an enormous improve.”
Actuality quickly caught up with Lord, sparking a humorous admission.
“I don’t have a storage. That’s the toughest half now. I reside in an condo with a parking zone. I feel this automobile is perhaps value greater than all the opposite automobiles within the lot mixed. So… we’re going to should determine that out.”
And the place will he take his new automobile for its first drive? Lord didn’t hesitate: “I’m going to go shock my girlfriend at work.”
UPDATE: In a while, it was revealed that the winner opted to swap the automobile for a $150,000 money prize.
Photographs courtesy of the World Poker Tour
Senior Editor & Reside Occasions Govt
