By paNOW

Man with Sask ties wins big at World Poker Tour

Dec 9, 2012 | 7:22 AM

It may not quite be the top prize of $1.2 million, but Saskatchewan native Dino French is happy with how his cards played out at the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond Poker Classic.

French finished 31st out of a field of over 500 at the Vegas event. It brought him $27,000 for four days of poker playing.

“It was real challenging because there was a lot of big name players in the tournament so it was very exciting to play it. So yeah, I’m very excited with the results,” he said.

It was the real estate millionaire’s third major tournament.

His decision to enter tournaments wasn’t a financial one.

Made in Saskatchewan

Find My Plus One: The Canadian App for Getting Out and Living Your Best Life

Mar 09, 2026

Riderville

Ask Not for Whom the Ed Hervey Tampering Window Opens!

Feb 02, 2026

Seniors Scene

New Year - New Habits

Feb 02, 2026

“About two and a haf years ago I almost died. And so I really wanted to just follow my dreams and go on a different path of things that I enjoy doing.”

This decision came after an ulcer caused some internal bleeding, and nearly claimed his life.

“In life, we work hard, we just keep working, keep working, keep working. You just never stop, right? Then all of a sudden something like this happens when you don’t expect it. And I just said to my mom, ‘I just really want to start doing travel and other things now.’”

And he’s on his way. His winnings after just three outings approach $66,000.

French hopes to one day make it to a final table, maybe even bring a gold bracelet or ring back to Canada.

He works in Victoria but was raised in Lloydminster.

news@panow.com