LAS VEGAS (AP) – For Joe McKeehen, the 24-year-old newly minted World Series of Poker champion from a Philadelphia suburb, it’s all about the numbers.
The unassuming “average Joe” poker pro as he has referred to himself wore sports jerseys and sweat pants, surrounded by players dressed in tailored suits or wearing trendy scarves, before winning $7.68 million, after outlasting 6,419 others who entered and risked $10,000 for the chance.
The numbers turned out to be in his favor as he sat comfortably with an overwhelming lead and went head-to-head with 25-year-old Joshua Beckley of New Jersey Tuesday night.
Beckley had a pair of fours and better odds at surviving to live another hand, but luck was on McKeehen’s side.
McKeehen started with an ace-10, securing another 10 on the flop. The game was his.