Justin Allen Wins 2008 Winter Bayou Poker Challenge

Justin Allen Wins New Orleans Poker Tournament

Justin 'Lockdown Tex' Allen has emerged from the 2008 Winter Bayou Poker Challenge with a clutch of prizes after finishing in first place in the poker event.

As well as receiving prize money of US$158,290, Mr Allen received a gold ring and a place in the 2009 World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas.

With travel and accommodation to Las Vegas also taken care of, the sweetener is estimated to be worth US$11,000.

The 2008 Winter Bayou Poker Challenge took place in Harrah's New Orleans.

It was contested over three days by 103 players, each of whom had paid an entry fee of US$5,150.

The top eighteen players were awarded prize money, which came to a total of US$488,550.

Mr Allen, a 21-year-old native of Dallas, Texas, took the lead early on from Larry Price during the final day's play and never looked back.

He triumphed over a field which included Matt 'Cub' Culberson, Wil 'WilPay' Payne, Philip Spart Junior, Jeremy Gaubert, Jake Bazeley and Justin Jones.

Harrah's New Orleans overlooks the Mississippi River from its vantage point near the French Quarter and close to the Superdome.