Ferry man’s chance to take on world’s leading poker stars

A Broughty Ferry man is flushed with success after winning the chance to take on some of the world’s leading poker players.

Richard Sim, 26, battled more than 100 players from throughout the UK to win an online tournament, offering the opportunity for amateurs to face off against top professionals.

Mr Sim, who buys and sells goods online, won a £1,100 seat into the main event of 888poker’s Live London Festival, which boasts a £400,000 guaranteed prize pool and three tickets to a Premier League football match.

He plans to take along football-daft friends Grant McInroy and Blair Payne to the competition in Stratford next week – but Mr Sim said the icing on the cake will be the money-can’t-buy opportunity to play against some of the world’s top poker stars.

“It’s going to be pretty amazing,” he said. “I’ll be sitting down with my £1,000 prize money – so there’s really going to be no pressure on me.

“I am just going to enjoy every minute of it and hopefully pick up some fantastic tips along the way.”

Mr Sim started playing poker in his local pub from the age of 18 but now hopes he can win a major live tournament and put himself firmly on the poker map.

Lining up against the Ferry local will be American Scott Blumstein.

Mr Blumstein took home a staggering $8.1 million when he lifted the 888poker World Series of Poker Main Event title in 2017.

Also taking part will be Michael Mizrachi, who won the 2010, 2012 and 2018 World Series of Poker $50,000 Players Championship, which were all held in Nevada.

Richard Sim hopes the cards will be stacked in his favour.