Ultimate Poker Classic - Season 2 - Oct 18, 2003

On the island nation of Aruba, 436 players either bought in for the full $4,000 or qualified online to play in this World Poker Tour Event. With the internet playing such a prevalent roll in the development of young players, combined with the lowered gambling age in Aruba, many of the players were 21 or younger, including Daniel Larsson of Sweden.

The table was highlighted by future WPT player of the year Erick Lindgren and publisher of Card Player Magazine, Barry Shulman. Joining them were Anthony Fagan, Ted Harrington and Rick Casper. Casper had promised to wed his fiancé if he came in the top three, but still made good with his promise when he busted out in 6th place.

It was Larsson and Lindgren that survived the final table to face off heads-up. Lindgren sat with an absolute mountain of chips in front of him against the internet star. Lindgren continued to pressure Larsson with a series of all-in bets. Finally, Larson found big slick in the small blind and simply called, and Lindgren again went all-in. Larson called and was in good shape against the Queen-3 of diamonds that Lindgren held. Unfortunately for Daniel Larsson, Lindgren hit a queen on the flop and a three on the turn, outdrawing his opponent to win the tournament. Lindgren walked away in the sunset of Aruba with $500,000 and a World Poker Tour title.