Youngster takes World Series of Poker

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- A 22-year-old Danish poker player said he is still shocked to have become the youngest player ever to win the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal said Wednesday Peter Eastgate won $9.15 million by defeating Russian poker player Ivan Demidov in the final round of the annual championship at the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino.

"I do not think I have realized yet what a big moment this is," Eastgate said of Tuesday's win.

"It will come the next days and weeks. I expect I will get emotional about it later. But not as much now," he added.

Eastgate's age made him the youngest player to win the poker event, besting poker star Phil Helmuth's accomplishment of winning the 1989 World Series of Poker title at the age of 24.

The new record-holder did offer some slight hints to those seeking to follow in his footsteps.

"I like to gamble," Eastgate told the Review-Journal. "The way I have learned to play poker is by putting a lot of hours into it and learning from my mistakes."