Texan Bill Shiver has heaped praise upon the OnePass 21st Birthday Texas Hold'em Poker Tournament, which took place last week in Las Vegas.
Shiver won the Continental Airlines competition and received 21 million bonus miles as a prize, but suggested that he would have enjoyed himself even if he had not managed to triumph.
"I didn't talk to anyone - win or lose - who didn't have a great time," he remarked. "I feel very fortunate and really lucky to be the winner."
The competition was held at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, a venue famous for its appearances in computer games and movies.
It most recently featured in poker mockumentary The Grand, which culminated in a Texas hold'em tournament which took place at the Landry's Restaurants-owned resort.
Mr Shiver said that he plans to go on a cruise around the Mediterranean with his winnings, as well having a separate holiday in Italy.