WPT Legends of Poker Winner Joe Pelton

Few people had heard the name Joe Pelton before the World Poker Tour (WPT) Legends of Poker main event. He was facing players like Hoyt Corkins and Scotty Nguyen at the final table and in the end he came out victorious taking home $1.5 million.

Pelton started his poker career playing texas holdem with friends at Harvey Mudd College three years ago. He currently works as a business analyst and says that his analytical skills are a great help at the poker table. After Scotty Nguyen, Hoyt Corkins, and Randy Holland of team Paradisepoker.com were knocked out, Pelton was heads up against Frankie O'Dell.

In the final hand Pelton raised $400,000 and O'Dell re-raised, putting all his chips at the middle of the table. Pelton called with Ac7c and O'Dell showed 6h6d. It was all over when the board came; AdJh3d 2c Qs, giving Pelton a pair of aces and the victory. 

This was the biggest win in Pelton's poker career by far. He took home $1,577,179 and a seat at the $25,000 WPT championship at Bellagio, Las Vegas. His biggest accomplishment previously to the victory was an $11,000 win in last years WSOP.

Peltons says that even though it is a lot of money it won't change his life that much and he will keep his day job. "Poker is a fun way to pass time, but I will not consider a career in playing," he concluded. But he will continue to participate in tournaments when he finds the time, so it is probably not the last to be seen of this poker playing business analyst.