News / nono / 26 June 2008 / Leave a comment

The 2008 Seniors World Champion is Dan LaCourse, from Toledo, Ohio. He is a 56-year-old retired police detective.

LaCourse also administered polygraphs as an examiner during his work as a detective. In a post-tournament interview, he stated that his training as a detective and examiner helped him at the poker table. LaCourse stated that most people reveal themselves (through subtle gestures and mannerisms) within three seconds of being of being confronted with a question or decision.

When it appeared that LaCourse would end up at the final table, he called his wife late at the end of Day Two, which was early morning back home in Ohio. His wife packed quickly, drove to the airport, and arrived at the Rio just as players were taking their seats at the final table. In fact, she pulled a suitcase through the crowd and took her seat. The long trip turned out to be worth the effort.

LaCourse stated that senior players are not as aggressive as younger players, in general. But he observed that seniors tend to be more patient at the poker table.

LaCourse was thrilled to win his first WSOP gold bracelet. "It's an honor I wanted my entire life," he said. "I have always wanted this and to be standing here with a gold bracelet and this moment is very special to me."

LaCourse won $368,832 for first place. This was the highest poker prize ever paid out to any winner of a senior event.