PALM BEACH -Saturday afternoon on Palm Beach was a typical gorgeous day, nary a cloud in the bluest of skies, the Caribbean Sea lightly lapping at the shores; but it was not a typical day for Devon Miller, a twenty-one year old upstart in the land of poker. On Saturday afternoon, Devon was top dog in the 2006 UltimateBet Aruba Poker Classic, taking home the coveted champion's bracelet and $775,000.
The UltimateBet tourney began in Aruba in 2002 and attracts poker fanatics from all over the world. A few players won their trip to Aruba and entry into the tournament in on-line games at UltimateBet.com, while others bought their entry into the tournament. The poker tournament officially began this Wednesday, but poker seminars and a Blackjack tournament took place on Monday and Tuesday. Top poker players and celebrities, Annie Duke and Phil Hellmuth, were also here to enjoy the festivities all week long.
The majority of the poker tournament was held in the Radisson ballroom to accommodate the large number of players. Saturday's final two, Devon Miller and Cliff Josphy, played out their hands on the Radisson pool deck with beautiful beach scenery as a backdrop-all of which was captured for television.
Darren tore through the final round, much the way he played the entire tournament, decimating his competition over and over. After his final win, Devon made a mad dash for the Radisson's pool, diving in clothes and all.
A final cocktail reception and dinner for more than 700 people was held later that evening on the Radisson's pool deck, and carried on until the wee hours of the morning.
UltimateBet is already planning next year's tournament with the Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino, and promises to be even bigger!
