Tom raises the stakes

A POKER-MAD courier from Brampton is preparing to take on the best players in the world in the game's showcase tournament which has a £6million prize.

Tom Burton, 22, will fly to Las Vegas next month after qualifying online for the World Series of Poker's 'Main Event' - the biggest prize in world poker.

Should Mr Burton, who lives with his mother, win the tournament, he can expect to pocket in the region of £6million.

However, winning the jackpot will not be easy. There will be 9,000 other hopefuls lining up alongside the Brampton man, including some of the world's best poker players.

Mr Burton, who has been playing poker for two years, said: "It is a great achievement just to qualify for the World Series, and I have no illusions about winning.

"Just playing alongside some of the greatest players in the game will be a good enough experience, and the great thing about poker is that everyone has a chance of winning."

Mr Burton, who qualified for the tournament at online poker site Betfair.com, said he has a game plan going into the event.

"The most I have ever won before is £440, but poker is poker wherever you play and I will just concentrate on my own game," he said.

Mr Burton's travel expenses and accommodation will be paid for by Betfair, and forms part of a $13,000 package.

Ian Fish, poker manager at Betfair, said: "The World Series of Poker is the biggest poker event in the calendar. He actually only spent $55 (£28) to win a $10,000 seat.

"All the best of luck from all the Betfair poker team and we look forward to his success story on his return."

Since qualifying for the World Series, Mr Burton has handed in his notice at his courier's job to focus on the full-time running of a local pub poker league.

INFORMATION: Are you going to the Main Event?

E-mail andrew.mcgill@archant.co.uk