Sam Trickett Victorious at Party Poker's Road to Old Trafford

Sam Trickett, the UK's leading all-time poker money winner, came out on top in Party Poker's inaugural Road to Old Trafford charity tournament this weekend.
An innovative new format introduced by Party Poker, this special tournament not only gave qualifiers the chance to play poker in the home of the Manchester United FC, but also watch Rio Ferdinand's testimonial match against Seville.
Trickett pocketed £10,000 for the win marked cards, a large part of which he reportedly donated to Ferdinand's Live the Dream Foundation.
“I am really happy to win this event,” said Trickett. “I played for fun but I felt I really had to win at Old Trafford – I made it my mission!”
With more than $19 million in career earnings Trickett certainly wasn't in this event for the money, but the die-hard Manchester United fan said coming to play poker at Old Trafford was something special.
“I am happy to make a contribution to Rio’s charity, it is a very worthy cause,” he said.
“This has been a great fun weekend and so much different and more relaxed than any other tournament I have played marked cards contactlenses. I am totally made up for winning at Old Trafford, it has been an amazing experience.”
Before playing poker Trickett was a semi-professional footballer himself, until an injury took him out of the game and set him on a course for pro poker.
Also in attendance for the tournament were football legends Bryan Robson, Dwight Yorke, Quinton Fortune and Norman Whiteside.
Robson, the longest-serving captain in Man U's history, felt the event was a smashing success.
“It seemed like everyone really enjoyed the event – Old Trafford really is a magical place,” said Robson.
“There was a great fun atmosphere and I was happy to be part of it.”