A poker player from Esher has claimed almost £20,000 in prize money at the World Series Of Poker event in Las Vegas.

Esher man Charlie Combes netted £19,665 in winnings after buying in to the prestigious tournament for just £85, courtesy of sponsors 888 Poker (standard buy-ins for the Main Event were US$10,000).

Mr Combes not only had to contend with some of the world's best poker players, but also the aftershocks of an earthquake (see below), before he claimed his total winnings of almost £20,000 after making it to the second day of the tournament.

"I’m absolutely thrilled to have cashed at such a big tournament with some of the best players in the world taking part, but part of me is a little disappointed that I might have done better," Mr Combes said of his achievements at the World Series Of Poker Main Event, which concludes tomorrow (July 16).

After winning a competition for entry into the tournament run by sponsors 888 Poker, Mr Combes played at the World Series event as part of the online betting company's Team.

Surrey Comet: Image: 888 PokerImage: 888 Poker

Following his exploits, Charlie praised the sponsors, who also offered mentoring ahead of the competition.

"The tournament cost me just £85. It was amazing. That’s the reason I play on 888 Poker...there is life-changing money up for grabs," Mr Combes said.

He revealed that as a member of the team he'd been mentored by Scott Blumstein, who won the Main Event two years ago.

"All these amazing ambassadors have had phenomenal results. To be able to pick up tips from them before the most important competition in the poker calendar was a money-can’t-buy experience.

“It certainly put me at ease – until the earthquake shook things up a little!” Mr Combes said.

Indeed, his impressive run in the tournament that won him his substantial prize money was made all the more dramatic by the geographical drama.

As Mr Combes settled into one of the tournament tables on the Friday (July 12), the entire room began to shake — hit, as it later turned out, by the aftershocks of a magnitude 4.9 earthquake that struck across the Nevada state border neighbouring California around 2pm.

"We were sitting at the poker table. The room was packed with hundreds of players when everything began to shake. There was a loud bang and everyone started running out of the room.

"It was really scary.

"I looked up and saw the heavy metal light riggings were beginning to shake. I thought I had better get out of here.

"I just left my chips on the table – like everyone else and took the things I had with me and headed for the exit."

Thankfully as far as Mr Combes was concerned the geological upset did not derail his run to claim the substantial prize money for placing into the second day of the tournament — something his fiancée, Nicola, 36, who is on maternity leave with their two ten-month old twins Oscar and Phoebe, was reportedly very happy about.

For more information about the 888 Poker-sponsored World Series Of Poker visit:  https://www.888poker.com