The world's most exclusive poker tournament attracted the world's top eighty professional players and satellite winners to luxurious Monte Carlo on the French Riviera. The final table began at 3pm with Phil Ivey in a commanding lead, having nearly double the chips of Chris "Jesus" Ferguson and Vince "Vinny Nap" Napolitano in second and third place. It would seem that at least one American at the first Monte Carlo Millions was intent on taking home the $400,000 first prize. But as all things go in poker, nothing is predictable.

Phil Ivey had dominated the tournament since Day One and was the odds-on favorite among players and spectators alike. Phil kept to his relaxed, yet focused, style as players including Kevin O'Connell, Victor Ramdin and Chris Ferguson were eliminated. Following the dinner break, Daniel Larsson and Krister Hanson of Sweden, playing for Expekt.com, and Vinny Nap would also leave the table, leaving Phil Ivey to battle two Finns, playing for The Gaming Club Poker Room, Juha Helppi and Jani Sointla.

Phil Ivey, who at one point had amassed $1.1 million of the $1.58 million in chips, continued to dominate the final table until the table was down to the final three. In a key hand, Phil made a move on Jani with an Ac6c and Jani raised from the small blind with a pair of 9s. Phil moved all-in over the top and Jani called. The 9's held up and Jani doubled up for nearly $300,000. The next hand brought more action between the two when Jani called on a pre-flop raise by Phil. When J, J, 10 came out on the flop, Phil bet $100,000 and Jani moved all-in for $405,000 more. Phil contemplated his move for more than five minutes before calling with a 10, 6 off-suit. Jani showed an 8c, 9c for a possible open straight. The turn card helps no one and a 7 came on the river, giving Jani the straight. Phil thought he had more chips than Jani but the count came out exactly even and Phil was eliminated.

In the final hand Jani had a 5, 7 off-suit and Juha had Ac, 7. When the flop came down 4, 8, 10 both checked. The turn was a 6, giving Jani the straight and Juha a double gut straight draw and a nut flush draw. Jani bet $50,000 and Juha went all-in for $360,000. Jani called and when an Ah came on the river Jani took the championship and $400,000.

Final standings of the Monte Carlo Millions:

1. Jani Sointula $ 400,000
2. Juha Helppi $ 200,000
3. Phil Ivey $ 100,000
4. Krister Hansson $ 60,000
5. Vincent Napolitano $ 45,000
6. Daniel Larsson $ 35,000
7. Chris Ferguson $ 30,000
8. Victor Ramdin $ 25,000
9. Kevin O'Connell $ 20,000

Jani Sointula and Juha Helppi are long standing poker rivals who often play live games together at the Grand Casino in Helsinki, Finland, and regularly play online at The Gaming Club Poker Room (www.gamingclubpoker.com/mw) on the PrimaPoker network. Jani and Juha are two players that formed part of a team of seven Gaming Club (www.gamingclubpoker.com/mw) players in the Monte Carlo Millions. Jani summed up his experience at the Monte Carlo Millions in this way: "It was an honor to play and win against the best poker players in the world. We Finns attribute our victories to what we call 'SISU' or the 'fighting spirit.' The Monte Carlo Millions was an experience of a lifetime, players were first class on all levels, the play was exceptional and Monte Carlo was amazing. We also got a warm welcome from The Gaming Club staff in Monaco, they were really nice to us, ready to help us anytime anywhere. What more can you hope for? To win of course!"

The Monte Carlo Millions culminated in a glorious champagne cocktail party attended by all players, spectators and invited guests at the Salon Francois Blanc in the Sporting d'Hiver.