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By Izabela Jaroszynski

OSHAWA -- Soren Turkewitsch drove to Niagara Falls an amateur poker player, but he returned to Oshawa a millionaire.

The 27-year old is still basking in the incredible glory of his Sunday win at the North America Poker Tour where he beat out five opponents in the final round to capture the championship title and $1.35 million in prize money.

"I just can't believe it," Mr. Turkewitsch said. "I think the shock is only just beginning to wear off."

Although he is a regular recreational player, the long-time Oshawa resident had never played a major poker tournament and held no expectations when he entered the competition at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls.

"My strategy was just to make it through the first day," he said.

After almost being knocked out in the first round of the tournament, Mr. Turkewitsch managed to regain his composure and made it into the final marathon round. A pair of twos about five hours into the game was all he needed to clinch his win.

"It didn't seem real," he said. "It still doesn't seem real. I wasn't prepared for what would happen after the win."

With about 50 of his closest friends and family gathered at the casino for support, he barely remembers making it through the excitement of the night.

Since his unexpected victory, Mr. Turkewitsch has been laying low and adjusting to the idea of being a millionaire. When asked what the biggest change has been, he just laughs.

"I think I have more friends now," he says.

He doesn't yet have any plans for the money, but knows one thing for certain: he won't be returning to the job he held at a local automotive feeder plant.

"I will get a job eventually, but I don't know yet what I want to do. I haven't figured all that out yet," he said.

He has currently invested all his winnings, but says the first big purchase will be a house with Michelle Markov, his girlfriend of six years. The pair is currently renting space in her parent's basement.

Mr. Turkewitsch, who taught himself how to play poker at the Great Blue Heron Casino in Port Perry, says he doesn't think he wants to continue playing in major tournaments.

But his advice for other would-be poker champs?

"Go for it. If you think you can do it, you probably can," he said. "It doesn't matter if you are an amateur. Everyone has a shot at the money."

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By Izabela Jaroszynski OSHAWA -- Soren Turkewitsch drove to Niagara Falls an amateur poker player, but he returned to Oshawa a millionaire. The 27-year old is still basking in the incredible glory of his Sunday win at the North America Poker Tour where he beat out five opponents in the final round to capture the championship title and $1.35 million in prize money. "I just can't believe it," Mr. Turkewitsch said. "I think the shock is only just beginning to wear off." Although he is a regular recreational player, the long-time Oshawa resident had never played a major poker tournament and held no expectations when he entered the competition at the Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls. "My strategy was just to make it through the first day," he said. After almost being knocked out in the first round of the tournament, Mr. Turkewitsch managed to regain his composure and made it into the final marathon round. A pair of twos about five hours into the game was all he needed to clinch his win. "It didn't seem real," he said. "It still doesn't seem real. I wasn't prepared for what would happen after the win." With about 50 of his closest friends and family gathered at the casino for support, he barely remembers making it through the excitement of the night. Since his unexpected victory, Mr. Turkewitsch has been laying low and adjusting to the idea of being a millionaire. When asked what the biggest change has been, he just laughs. "I think I have more friends now," he says. He doesn't yet have any plans for the money, but knows one thing for certain: he won't be returning to the job he held at a local automotive feeder plant. "I will get a job eventually, but I don't know yet what I want to do. I haven't figured all that out yet," he said. He has currently invested all his winnings, but says the first big purchase will be a house with Michelle Markov, his girlfriend of six years. The pair is currently renting space in her parent's basement. Mr. Turkewitsch, who taught himself how to play poker at the Great Blue Heron Casino in Port Perry, says he doesn't think he wants to continue playing in major tournaments. But his advice for other would-be poker champs? "Go for it. If you think you can do it, you probably can," he said. "It doesn't matter if you are an amateur. Everyone has a shot at the money."