Media Advisory - John Crncic, winner of the first ever Canadian World Series of Poker Circuit Event held at the River Rock Casino Resort, goes home with $286,382 and a ticket to the WSOP National Championships

RICHMOND, BC, Nov. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - River Rock Casino Resort is proud to announce that the winner of the first ever Canadian World Series of Poker Circuit Main Event is John Crncic from Vancouver BC.

Crncic is going home with $286,382, WSOP gold ring and a ticket to the WSOP National Championships. WSOP National Championships will take place in New Orleans from May 21-23.

"This feels great. This is my first big tournament and I am afraid I will wake up and this will all be a dream," said Crncic. He won his seat into the WSOP circuit main event through a $185 satellite poker tournament.

Second place winner, Ryan Biermann, from Penticton won $177,060 and Burnaby resident, Justin Ciolfitto, came in third place winning $131,580.

"We had some great players come and test their poker skills during the River Rock WSOP Circuit Event and Canadian Olympic gold medalist, Roberto Luongo kicked-off the tournament on the opening weekend. Congratulations to all who participated," said Howard Blank, Vice President, Communications, Entertainment and Responsible Gaming, Great Canadian Gaming Corporation.

The River Rock Casino WSOP Circuit Main Event has been recorded as the third largest circuit main event in the WSOP history with 1032 entries.

There are two more WSOP events scheduled to take place via PlayNow.com on November 18 and 25.

Online events are open to residents of B.C. and Quebec and players must be legal age to participate.

River Rock Casino Resort is a four diamond resort, with all the favourite table games, over 1,000 slot machines, extraordinary food and beverage amenities and a world-class show theatre which is home to many performers and entertainers from around the world.

SOURCE: River Rock Casino Resort

Sonja Mandic
Manager, Media and Responsible Gaming
Great Canadian Gaming Corporation
604.889.7114
[email protected]