Ranking 656 out of almost 9,000 was impressive

The Oshawa resident Mark Gilbert walked away with $19,050 from the Las Vegas World Series of Poker last week.


It may not sound like much considering the top prize was $12 million, but it wasn't a bad showing for this first stab at a real-life competition.


"I play quite a bit online, but this was my first ever live tournament," said the 35-year-old, who returned from the WSOP, being held at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, on Aug. 5.


Mark Gilbert qualified to attend the Poker Series by beating 80 other individuals at a number of online poker matches.


"It was unbelievable; a huge accomplishment," Mr. Gilbert said. "To play in the World Series of Poker is sort of every person's dream that likes poker. To test yourself against the pros and the people who do it for a living. It was more than I ever expected. It was such a thrill."