Newfoundland student earns university tuition in online poker game

DEER LAKE, N.L. _ A student from Deer Lake has turned to poker to help pay for his university education.

Scott Janes, 19, who is working toward a bachelor of science degree in physics at Memorial University, entered the North American College Poker Championships, an online poker tournament for college students.

Janes made it to the final of 59 players and came out on top, earning enough to pay for his tuition next year, as well as an expense-paid seat on the European Poker Tour.

Once the schedule for the European tour is announced in June, Janes expects to find out what event he'll be at the table for.

He said first prize at the events start at about $750,000 and caps at about $4 million.

``As for expectations, I really don't know what to expect because I'm playing against the guys I watch on TV,'' he said.

``These are people I admire, so I don't really have an outstanding expectation as of now. If I do play like I know I can play, I do think I can make some money.''

Janes has been playing poker for a long time.

``I started out playing poker at a very young age with my Pop, playing five-card,'' he said. ``Texas hold 'em, is something I got into about four or five years ago.

Canadian Press (delayed) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge

News Added: 23 May, 2008

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