The inaugural South African Poker Open took place this with players from all over the world battling it out at the MonteCasino Resort in Johannesburg, South Africa. Walking away with the win was Jaime Vilela.

More than 100 players made the trip to the casino for the event, creating a prize pool of R2 million.

Vilela, who also cashed in 56th place at the All-African Poker Tournament in February, came up against Danny K. for heads-up play.

Danny K. had the chip lead, but Vilela wore it away until his four of a kind solidified his win.

A film crew was also on hand to catch all the action of the final table, which took eight hours to play out.

The tournament was hosted by Kenna James and Robert Williamson III, and saw pros, locals and Internet qualifiers from around the world come out to play.

One such player was Ryan S. from the United States who won his spot online. Though he didn't last long in the tournament, he still had a great time playing tourist in South Africa.

"I'd definitely come back to South Africa for the next poker tournament and bring my family with," Ryan S. said.

News Source: Poker Listings

The first South African Poker Open took place this past week at the luxurious MonteCasino Resort in Johannesburg, South Africa, with American Jaime Vilela winning the event.

The prize pool came to Rands 2 million (USD $280,607.47) and the first 10 players were in the money bubble.

A film crew was also on hand to catch all the action of the final table, which was a tough 8 hour heads up battle between chip leader Danny K and previous All African runner-up Jaime Vilela.

Vilela became the 2007 SA Poker Open Champion with four of a kind.

Vilela had cashed in 56th place at the earlier All-African Poker Tournament in February.

The tournament was hosted by Kenna James and Robert Williamson III, and saw 105 pros, locals and Internet qualifiers from around the world come out to play in the televised tournament which was a highlight of the 5-day South African Poker Festival.

One lucky player came from the United States and won his spot online. Though he did not last long in the tournament, he still had a great time playing tourist in South Africa.

"I'd definitely come back to South Africa for the next poker tournament and bring my family," Ryan S. said.

Kenna James

News Source: Poker Pages

$1,500 No-Limit Hold'em tournament at the Mirage saw Kenna James take fourth place to cash $27,000. World Series of Poker gold bracelet winner Randy Holland took first place to cash $125,000, James Van Alstyne placed eight for $6,000 and Joanne "J.J." Liu finished 14th for $3,000.

Name: Kenna James AKA "Cowboy"
Location: Las Vegas, NV, United States
Cashes: 98
Total Winnings: $2,940,819
First Place Finishes: 14
ProRank 1 Position: 151 [ DETAILS ]
ProRank 2 Position: 4045

News Source: PokerListings