McNeil wins WSOP Omaha title, $277,274

Calen McNeil owns three restaurants in Victoria. However, McNeil's real appetite was to win a WSOP gold bracelet, which has now been served and devoured with all the pleasure and passion such a moment of joy should bring.

McNeil shed genuine tears of joy on Thursday afternoon after winning the $1,500 Omaha High-Low event at the World Series of Poker for $277,274 and his first WSOP bracelet.

The 42-year-old restaurant owner from Victoria, B.C. became the sixth Canadian champion at this series so far, eclipsing the win mark set for Canadian for all of last year.

The thrill of victory and overcoming the odds, and ultimately joining the most elite club in poker were the factors that moved McNeil to tears while he was embraced by a cheering mob of family and friends.

McNeil's victory felt all the sweeter and more satisfying for having overcome some serious personal challenges, including at least one death-defying experience.

Years ago, McNeil was hospitalized for a routine procedure but suffered a malady that went terribly wrong.

"In 1994, I was pronounced brain dead after a case of medical malpractice," said McNeil. "I couldn't move anything. I was completely paralyzed."

McNeil was in a coma five days, but regained consciousness. That was just the beginning of McNeil's struggle and comeback.

Over the next three years, McNeil rehabilitated himself both physically and mentally. During the process, he started playing chess as a way to develop mental skills and memory. The game proved so effective that as he continued to move towards a normal life, he began playing other games, including poker.

The poker journey, which started out in small games around the Vancouver region gradually led to the WSOP in Las Vegas. McNeil has been coming to the WSOP for six years, but never got close to winning a gold bracelet, despite seven cashes. Until Thursday, that is.

McNeil beat Can Kim Hua, a veteran Los Angeles-based poker pro heads up to claim the title. Hua won $171,577 for second, while Todd Brunson finished third for $107,349.

Joe Ford was fourth, Hieu Ma was fifth, Stephen Chidwick as sixth, John Monnette was seventh, Won Goag was eighth, and Dao Bac was ninth.

The tournament drew 1,014 players, with the top 117 finishing in the money. Notable players who cashed but did not make the final table included Maria Ho (21st), Jennfier Harman (22nd), John Racener (24th), David Chiu (25th), Brian Hastings (37th), Men Nguyen (58th), Andy Frankenberger (61st), Bill Chen (63rd), Scott Fischman (70th), Tom Schneider (84th), and Barry Greenstein (90th).

Tournament recap modified from a report by WSOP Media Director Nolan Dalla, used by permission.