In online poker, there have been countless stories of rags-to-riches from a PC to a live event where people can rake in a small fortune.
Grant Levy is an example of that. He is a physical education teacher from Penrith. He became the first Australian to claim the $1 million prize on home soil at the Asia Pacific Poker Tour tournament at Star City Casino last year.
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Now he will be back to defend his coveted title.
He has had a year of media interviews and commitments, but "a lot of fun", as he's traveled and played throughout the Asia-Pacific, as part of his contract with the online poker site Poker Stars.
"With poker being seen more as a sport nowadays ... lots of people get me to sign jumpers, shirts, hats, it's a little bit weird. To be idolized by some people is a bit strange," said Levy, who picked up the game in 2005.
"I'm looking forward to it ... I'm probably going to put a fair bit of pressure on myself. When I go to a tournament I'm pretty well known now, and I guess it's more pronounced in this one. "But I can't expect to win again not many people can back up a title in such a big field."
The Asia Pacific Poker Tour is the creation of Jewish businessman Jeffrey Haas, who said it was no surprise that a lot of high-profile Jewish poker players participate.
The Star City grand final from December 2 is the marquee event in a series, which runs until December 20 and around 300 international players take part.
Haas established tournaments in Korea, the Philippines and New Zealand, but believes Sydney can become the prominent event as he feels everyone loves Australia. Haas is also of the opinion that poker is a social game.
