subject: Canada's Duhamel Carries Exuberant Attitude Heading into Today's Final Heads-up Play at WSOP [print this page] Canada's Duhamel Carries Exuberant Attitude Heading into Today's Final Heads-up Play at WSOP
LAS VEGAS, NV - November 8, 2010 - Jonathan Duhamel, 23, of Quebec, Canada is the World Series of Poker's (WSOP) Main Event's youngest player at this year's final table. With a commanding 6-to-1 chip lead over John Racener, Duhamel knows that his $188,950,000 chip count cannot ever be safe against great players. "It's a dream come true for me," said Duhamel. With a win, Duhamel has thoughts of traveling the world and winning more poker titles. He continued, "I love playing poker so much."
Learning to play poker at age 15 from his friends, Duhamel quickly realized that he had a passion for the game. Duhamel developed his skills by playing poker online and he realizes that getting to be the lone standing player in 2010's Main Event is by making sure that he makes no mistakes. If his current position means added pressure, Duhamel wants to prove to himself exactly what he can do.
An art to playing great poker is the ability to keep emotions and running adrenaline in check. Duhamel releases tension by playing hockey three times a week. "I love hockey. It's how I release my built up energies," said Duhamel. If Duhamel wins, he will be the first Canadian to ever win the WSOP Main Event. He is not only a national figure to his country for his accomplishment thus far, but he is sure to surge as a recognizable figure across many platforms and industries.
In the past years, poker has exploded at the seams. From being prominently displayed in the background of combat sports to being on motorsports race vehicles, poker has no limitations in its ability to reach the masses. As the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show, the world's largest automotive aftermarket industry gathering in the world, wrapped up a successful weeklong event on Friday in Las Vegas, poker names were seen displayed throughout the Las Vegas Convention Center's floor on featured customized vehicles.
One exhibitor at SEMA Show 2010 was the Speedway Commerce Center, the two million square feet business center that serves as the gateway to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Speedway Commerce Center spokesperson, Christina Kwan, of Kwan International, said, "In Las Vegas, we have the prominence of gaming and more importantly, we have also witnessed the rise of poker within our city and around the world. The game truly has a far reach. We have even seen poker highlighted on motorsports charity tournaments like the National Hot Rod Association's (NHRA) annual Speedway Children's Charities Poker Tournament."
Poker has the power to bring players from all levels to gather together for fun, competition, and for the greater benefit of others. Duhamel, in his selflessness, has already thought of how his win, and as he hopes will be the $8,944,310 first place prize, will benefit others beyond himself. He is passionate about donating a portion of his winnings to children's charities. With second place guaranteed to collect $5,545,955, Duhamel will undoubtedly have the means to fulfill his commitment wherever the chips may fall.
