When Richard Lord arrived at Wynn Las Vegas for the ClubWPT Gold $5 Million Invitational Freeroll, his eyes were fixed on one goal: the coveted $1,000,000 first prize.
Despite his best performance at the World Poker Tour World Championship, the professional magician’s tricks were not enough to get him over the money bubble. Although he was eliminated before reaching the payout stage, Lord’s journey didn’t end there. He still had one last card left.
A chance encounter leads to great hope
Prior to the freeroll, ClubWPT Gold (WPT’s sweepstakes-based online poker room) will be giving players the chance to win Golden Passports to exclusive tournaments, along with exciting rewards such as WPT chip sets, exclusive merchandise, and seats at the Winfield Club. A draw was held for prizes to be given to players. The game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Atlanta Falcons was held at Allegiant Stadium on December 16th.
But one prize got all the players talking. A 2025 McLaren GTS sports car has been sold for an eyebrow-raising price of $240,000.
Lord had already secured his Golden Passport before arriving at WPTWC, but while strolling the hallways of the Wynn eager to check out his freeroll spot on December 11th, he won his prize at the ClubWPT Gold booth. I found a drum.
Interested, Lord reached out and pulled out an envelope. Opening it, his gaze fell on the words “JACKPOT.” Although at first he did not know what he had won, Lord began to celebrate. However, Lord, along with two other players, was informed that they had a one in three chance of taking home a luxury sports car. And if you’re unlucky and don’t get a car, you still have a chance to take home up to $50,000 in cash from the ClubWPT Gold Cash Booth.
The timing couldn’t have been better for the Lord. His regular performance venue had just closed. But to find out his fate, we will have to wait until Sunday, December 15th.
moment of truth
Richard Lord and two other jackpot winners were in the spotlight on Sunday afternoon as the WPT World and Ladies Championships were held nearby. Play paused in the Encore Ballroom as the crowd held their breath to see who would take home the stunning custom McLaren GTS.
A briefcase containing three envelopes was brought out. Only one person had the metaphorical keys to the luxury car. As anticipation filled the room, the Lord finally chose an envelope. A drum roll ensued, and as the envelope was opened, Lorde’s uncontrollable reaction instantly revealed who the winner was.
“This is exhilarating. It smells amazing in here. Oh my god,” Lord told Poker News while behind the wheel of his McLaren for the first time.
“I currently drive a 2010 Subaru Outback, so it’s 15 years new and about $245,000 more expensive. It’s a big upgrade.”
Reality soon caught up with Lord and the humorous confessions began.
“I don’t have a garage. That’s the hardest part right now. I live in an apartment with a garage. This car might be worth more than all the other cars on the property combined. I think…we’ll have to figure that out.”
And where will he go when he drives his new car for the first time? Lord didn’t hesitate. “I’m going to surprise my girlfriend at work.”
UPDATE: It has since been revealed that the winner has chosen to exchange his $150,000 prize for the car.
Image courtesy of World Poker Tour
Callum Grant
Senior Editor and Live Event Executive
