It was a stunning performance that was watched by a crowd of thousands. Las Vegas was alive with chants of Joe Cada, as this 21 year old overcame all odds to become the youngest WSOP winner by winning the 2009 hold em poker tournament main event! Cada in his biggest game of his life had tears in his eyes when the final card was laid on the table ensuring him the championship win with a staggering first prize of 8.5 million dollars.

Born in November 1988, this 21 year old is a native to Michigan and is described as a laid back, yet charismatic young man, that many say has a great future in the world of poker. Truly living his dream Joe Cada has been playing the game of poker for about 6 years and has already won some major tournaments online and yet he is only reaching the legal drinking and gambling age (in the US), an impressive feat!

A WSOP Winner Who Started Young

Joe started his poker career when he was 15 by playing online at Party Poker for fairly low stakes like $2/$4. His first big win was when turned 16 and he and his brother Jerome pooled their money for a $25 buy-in to a progressive online game, and although Jerome wanted to get out early, Joe convinced him to be patient and eventually won $250. Easy come and easy go as they lost their whole bankroll the next day.

Joe Cada went on to try and further his education and soon joined Macomb Community College. During this time period he predominantly played poker online until one day he tried playing at a Windsor, MI live casino and was immediately hooked on the excitement of live play and the thrill of the victory in a real casino! After 2 semesters in college Joe Cada made the truly life changing decision to leave school behind and try to become a professional poker player.

Cada climbs to the top

After several successful hold em tournament wins Joe Cada was well on his way to accomplishing his goal and soon set his sites on the ultimate tournament, the World Series of Poker. In November 2009 he entered into this tournament with over 6500 very competitive poker players from around the world and after 12 grueling days of play he had successfully made it to the final table of nine players, ensuring him a minimum prize of $1,262,602 dollars!

For many players the pressure would be insurmountable but Joe Cada showed true professionalism and a confidence normally unseen in a new player when competing in such a huge event. Walking into the final table he started with a decent stack of chips and then proceeded to do the unbelievable, by beating out 46 year old Maryland logger Darvin Moon to win this most coveted title as the youngest WSOP winner in the game's history.