Lynn “Queen of Hearts” Paris
Going into the Final Table, Shurane “Shaz” Vijaram was the chip leader, with an impressive 7,470,000. Even so, he would have to beat Fedor Holz, along with five other experienced pros and most of us would not have bet on him. After all, Vijaram had never made any money in any event he played. Ever.
In fact, Vijaram won his seat into the Main Event by entering a Sunday night re-buy at Crown Casino and it only cost him $130 for that coveted seat. Ultimately, once all but two of the final seven had been eliminated (Holz took fifth place for AUD $335,000 after coming in third the previous night, earning AUD$352,000 – not bad for two night’s work!) it was left to the UK’s Ben Heath and Vijaram to play heads-up poker for the final 29 hands.
And the winner, and 2017 Aussie Millions Champion, walking away with not only the coveted trophy but a very sweet payday of AUD$1.6 Million was Shurane “Shaz” Vijaram. His reaction said it all. “Absolutely amazing; it’s like a dream.”