Daniel Strelitz had come close to a major title before, twice finishing in the top three at World Series of Poker events. This time, at the World Poker Tour L.A. Poker Classic, he left no doubt, finishing as the chip leader on each of the final three days leading up to the final table and then capturing the trophy and $1,001,110. He topped a field of 521 players in the $10,000 freezeout for his biggest score.
"I feel amazing, it’s really unbelievable," he told tournament reporters after the win. "Me making this run just feels so good, especially since I’ve been living in SoCal my whole life.