Players AJ Jejelowo makes his first cash in a major live poker tournament event by winning first place in the Southern Regional WSOPC main event.

If you ever thought the only people who win big live poker tournaments are those pro players who’ve already won loads of money in big live poker events, think again. AJ Jejelowo just had his first cash in a major poker tournament event, and it just so happened to be for taking first place.

The event was held in New Orleans, Louisiana and featured 74 players competing for the top prize of $236,956 that ultimately went to the 27-year-old Rice University medical researcher, who says he’ll use the money to pay off his students loans.

Second place and $145,422 went to Gary Friedlander and third place, and $95,214, went to Harry Cullen. Before the final table, the players made an agreement to shift the bubble to 9th place instead of 8th, giving all players left a guaranteed $12,000. All 9 final tablers also won a $1 million freeroll ticket and a chance to be on television as they play the event at Caesar’s Palace casino.

Next up for both Jejelowo and Friedlander is a shot at a $300,00 grand prize in the WSOPC National Championship event taking place this coming weekend.

Other big winners to look for at this weekend’s WSOPC National Championship include Jonathan Poche, winner of the WSOPC New Orleans event and Chris Johnson, winner of the WSOPC Caesar’s Palace event earlier this month.

Jejelowo considers himself a casual, recreational player and won his $10,000 seat in the event he won via an online mega satellite tournament.