An Auckland software developer has become the first New Zealander to win a World Series of Poker bracelet, scooping $931,000 in prize money after three intense days of play in Rio All-Suite, Las Vegas. Simon Watt, 27, claimed the $1500 no-limit hold'em title after he held out in a heads-up battle with the professional player Tom Dwan.

The packed rails watched in silence as the Kiwi brought the formidable Dwan down to earth with a bang. He said the experience had been amazing and strange.

"You just have to concentrate on the hands and try and forget how much money you are playing for," he said. Watt only had one supporter in the packed galleries, his good friend Joe Ellis who flew out from New Zealand, but unperturbed he prevailed with a Full-House in the final hand.

Not good news for poker king Dwan, whom it's rumoured had taken some pretty hefty side bets on various outcomes of tournaments. This event alone is rumoured to have attracted side bets into millions of dollars.