A Wimbledon man has a chance to make himself very rich, and it all started with a £2 poker tournament.
Chris Hopgood was competing in a Cheltenham-themed poker tournament that saw him and 14 other players being awarded a horse that ran in the Gold Cup on March 16.
The 30-year-old technician's horse, Native River, romped its way to victory, winning him a $3,000 PokerStars festival Marbella package.
What added to this win was that it included a €1,100 Main Event buy-in, six nights’ accommodation and money for travel and expenses in June.
Last year’s winner Ignacio López walked away with €152K after defeating 948 players.
Fair to say the 30-year-old was excited about getting the chance.
“I can’t believe I’ve won," he said.
"It was thanks to PokerStars Pros Spraggy and Easywithaces/Fintan on Twitch that I heard about the Big Race promotion and I’m endlessly thankful for them promoting this tournament otherwise I wouldn’t have a clue.
"Now I’m off to Marbella all for £2.
"I’m nervous but very excited to get to play in my first big live tournament.
"Native River will be a horse that I will never forget.”
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