JARRED GRAHAM WINS ONE FOR AUSTRALIA
When the WSOP went to Australia for this first time this past spring, that was yet another giant step forward for nation that consistently embodies such an energetic spirit and zest for life.  Indeed, WSOP-Asia Pacific, which was held in Melbourne at the Crown Casino, was the latest chapter in the huge success story that has become the Australian poker scene.  

The very first step was taken years ago when Gary Benson became the first Australian to win a gold bracelet back in 1996.  Nine years later, Aussie Joe Hachem became the first World Champion from that part of the world, winning the 2005 WSOP Main Event.

In the eight years that have passed since, Australian poker players have enjoyed substantial success.  The most notable names that have numerous accomplishments here at the WSOP include “Croc Billy” Argyos, Tony G, Mel Judah, Jeffrey Lisandro, Mark Vos, and Marsha Waggoner.

Now, we can add Jarred Graham to that proud list.

The 24-year-old poker pro from Melbourne won the $1,500 buy-in Pot-Limit Omaha High-Low event.  First prize paid $255,942.  Graham also receive the coveted gold bracelet, his first career win.  Remarkably, this was his first time to ever cash at the WSOP.  In fact, this is his first year to visit and play in the Las Vegas series.

Graham has been playing semi-professionally and professionally off and on for about five years.  He also works in real estate and helps to manage properties.  And now, he will have to manage more than a quarter million in prize money added to his bankroll.

Australia may be called the land down under, but, at least for today, that proud nation led by Jarred Graham is on top of the world.

MEET GOLD BRACELET WINNER – JARRED GRAHAM

Name:  Jarred Graham
 
Current Residence:  Melbourne (Australia)
 
Birthplace:  Melbourne (Australia)
 
Age:  24
 
Marital Status:  Engaged
 
Children:  None
 
Occupation:  Professional Poker Player
 
WSOP Cashes (including this event):  1
 
First WSOP Cash (year):  2013
 
WSOP Final Table Appearances:  1
 
WSOP Wins (with this victory):  1

INTERVIEW WITH THE CHAMPION

WSOP:  How does it feel to win your first WSOP gold bracelet?
 
Graham:  It feels great to come here.  This is the second tournament I have played.  This is my first World Series.

WSOP:  Australians often take great national pride in their sports.  What was it like for you to have a rail full of Australians cheering for you?  
 
Graham:  It helps having everyone here supporting me.  It makes a big difference.  The poker community is tight and I was happy to see them here with me.

WSOP:  Joe Hachem was also in the crowd.  Pretty nice to have a World Champion in your corner.
 
Graham:  We are good friends from playing in cash games back home.  So, to have him here was really special.  It meant a lot.

WSOP:  Is PLO High-Low your normal poker game?
 
Graham:  No.  Normally, I just play Pot-Limit Omaha (high only).   I did play a bit of High-Low and so was able to catch on.

WSOP:  Why did you decide to enter this tournament, since it's not your preferred game?
 
Graham:  A few of us were going to Los Angeles, but I stayed behind.  This was the next game up on the schedule.

WSOP:  How was it playing and beating Barry Greenstein, who finished third?
 
Graham:  Playing with him was great.  Playing with Marco Johnson (runner-up) was really good too.  We played for a while three-handed.  They are really tough players, so I enjoyed winning.

WSOP:  How did you get into poker?
 
Graham:  Pretty much the same as everyone else.  I started watching on TV.  I started playing online, and then played live when I turned of age, but I did cash games mostly.

WSOP:  What are your plans for the rest of the WSOP?
 
Graham:  I'll be playing the PLO events when the come up next week.  That's my specialty.

WSOP:  What does the $256K in prize money do for you and your future plans?
 
Graham:  It's cool.  It's not life changing, but it's cool.

ODDS AND ENDS

Three-time gold bracelet winner Perry Green finished ninth.  However, he is perhaps most famous for finishing as runner up to Stu Ungar in the 1981 WSOP Main Event.  Green had a chance to break Chip Reese's record for longest gap between wins.  Had Green won, this would have been his first victory since 1979, a gap of 34 years.