German student freerolls his way to £5,000 victory

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Twenty-two-year-old Sebastian Wiza has astonished the poker world by winning CZK 152,000 in his first live tournament appearance at the first ever VC Poker Prague Poker Palooza, held in Prague on 25–29 March 2008.

In a scenario reminiscent of the now infamous Chris Moneymaker legend, the University of Düsseldorf student took advantage of a free $10 bet on VC Poker.com and went onto win CZK 152,000 – about £5000 – without spending a single cent of his own money.

Wiza's incredible journey started after he took a free bet on VC Poker.com which, new to the game he promptly lost, but which earned him a number of loyalty points redeemable for entry into select tournaments. Seizing the opportunity to play his final asset, he entered an entry level Sit 'N' Go satellite to the $25,000 Freeroll and won it. He won the subsequent two satellite events after that, qualifying at last for his seat in Prague.

Undaunted by the pressure of his first ever appearance at a live poker tournament, Wiza completed his unlikely odyssey to poker fame in front of a packed house at the Spearmint Casino with a pair of Kings sealing his coronation as poker's newest sensation.

Lee Ferris, Marketing Manager for VC Poker, said: "Sebastian's accomplishment demonstrates how achievable it is to go from rags to riches if you're a skilled poker player. His play was absolutely stellar throughout the tournament and we were frankly amazed to discover he was playing in his first ever live event. He has a bright future in the game."

Over CZK 1,710,000 in prizes were awarded at the first ever VC Poker Prague Poker Palooza, a unique tournament festival featuring live poker, VIP parties and edgy extreme stunts. For more information visit www.vcpoker.com/prague