Chris was a regular guy, a guy who took away a fortune. "I always liked to play poker, but I haven't always been a winning poker player." Until he won a seat at "Party Poker Million", that is.

He was a regular online poker player until US law forbade such methods of gaming. When getting ready for the big trip, Hinchcliffe made sure to pack his lucky hat. "Kind of a memento, ya know?"

The charm worked. He reached the final table and took third place, earning $441,463. "I was just ecstatic, Wow," Hinchcliffe said.

He no longer plays online but plays in live tournaments a couple times per month. His earnings have approached the $1 million mark.