Wintermans Crowned Canadian Coast to Coast Poker Champion

Some of the best poker players North America had to offer flocked to the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmand, British Columbia, to compete in the inaugural Coast to Coast Poker Championships. After the smoke cleared, it was Keith Wintermans of Vancouver, B.C., who outlasted 301 competitors to grab the title and $224,100 CAD ($183,773 USD).

Wintermans, a software consultant, had previously made a televised final table at the River Rock Casino, but this is the biggest cash of the 35-year-old's career.

"Taking down first place this year feels even better because I was on the short stack for a lot of the tournament," said Wintermans of his play. "I had more than a few lucky spots along the way, but I was a lot more patient this year and it paid off."

Poker pros Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari and Poker Pages' own "Cowboy" Kenna James joined Canadians Brad "Yukon" Booth and Gavin Smith as four of the nearly 2,000 players who checked out the seven-tournament series.

"Local players have definitely put Canada on the poker map," said Darryl Schiewe, Vice President of Casino Gaming for the British Columbia Lottery Corporation. "They are among the world's best poker players and we're excited to give them an opportunity to compete right here in British Columbia. Congratulations to all the winners."

Television viewers in Canada will have a chance to view the Coast to Coast Poker Championships, as it is to be aired by the World Poker Tour Canada later this summer.

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