This Hoppers Crossing pair know a good hand when they see one.
Sam Sewell and Josh Foster are flying to Las Vegas today with the Australian Poker League and the 888 Poker League Team, WSOP, to play for more than $1 million at a world-class poker event.
The pair will go up against about 7500 players from around the world for the top prize.
Each of them, regular players in the 888PL tournaments at Hotel 520 and the Tigers Clubhouse, both in Hoppers Crossing, won state championships earlier this year, walking away with $4000 in cash and the week-long Vegas trip to compete in the world poker series.
It’s the first time for both at such a high-level event.
Mr Foster, 22, is a superannuation specialist who played poker professionally for two years before getting a day job and playing the game in his downtime.
“I’m not going there with too much expectation,” he said.
“I just want to enjoy the experience and see what happens.
“Hopefully, with a little bit of luck, we might be able to win the million.”
Mr Sewell, 24, works in sports marketing and plays poker as a way to earn a bit of extra money.
He eventually hopes to turn professional. “I’m looking forward to [Las Vegas]; it will be a good experience.”
Mr Sewell said it was important to stay focused and maintain a good poker face when playing the game.