News / nono / 06 June 2008 / Leave a comment

The winner was Thang Luu. He is a 33-year-old professional poker player from Las Vegas, NV. Luu was born in Vietnam. He arrived in the United States at the age of 17. Prior to becoming a poker pro, Luu worked as a table games dealer in Las Vegas. He is single, and is also known as "Tiger Luu."

This victory was especially gratifying to Luu since he finished second in the $2,000 buy-in Omaha High-Low Split event at last year's WSOP (to Frankie O'Dell). Despite the $147,726 payout, Luu was determined to get back to the final table and achieve victory.

Luu is primarily a cash game player. He plays regularly in the $80-160 limit range at various casinos in Las Vegas. Luu doesn't play tournament poker very often, but does try to play in most major Omaha High-Low Split tournaments, which he enjoys. He says his favorite poker game is Badugi.

Luu collected $243,342. This was his first WSOP gold bracelet. Luu has now has four career cashes at the World Series. He states that he intends to return to Vietnam and take a few months of vacation, where he will visit members of his family.

Following his win, Luu was interviewed at tableside. He had the following comments:
I like to play every hand. I don't miss any hands, especially when I am playing heads up. I might check in a few spots. But I play every hand (and try to keep my opponent guessing).
Winning a World Series of Poker title is very special. You know, now they look at your differently. Everyone knows who you are.

This is just the start. I have to play again Sunday (in the next Omaha High-Low Split event). I am running pretty good in Omaha right now.