The odds have seemed stacked against 45 year-old Nick Slade in recent years but the professional from Preston, Lancashire in the UK took down the biggest title of his career when he scooped $200,000 and the PartyPoker.com European Open IV title last week.

“This is my biggest cash by quite some way, it’s an amazing feeling,” said Slade. “The money will come in very handy and I intend to take my three kids to Florida on a holiday and get back on the circuit.”

Slade was heads-up with 45-year-old Worcester internet sports trader Craig Burgess and both were regarded as outsiders on a final table that also included WSOP Europe winner Annette Obrestad, Premier League winner Juha Helppi, former European Open champion Ian Frazer and Josh Tyler.