When Richard Wilson arrived at Wynn Las Vegas for the ClubWPT Gold $5M Invitational Freeroll, his eyes were fixed on one goal: the coveted $1,000,000 winner’s prize.
Despite putting on his best performance at the World Poker Tour World Championships, the professional magician’s tricks weren’t enough to get him past the money bubble. He was eliminated before reaching the payout stages, but Wilson’s journey didn’t end there—he still had one last card up his sleeve.
A Chance Encounter Leads to High Hopes
Leading up to the freeroll, ClubWPT Gold—WPT’s sweepstakes-based online poker room—held prize drawings offering players a chance to win Golden Passports to the exclusive tournament, along with exciting rewards like WPT chip sets, exclusive merchandise, and Wynn Field Club seats for the December 16 Las Vegas Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons game at Allegiant Stadium.
Yet, one prize had every player talking. Up for grabs was a 2025 McLaren GTS sports car valued at an eyebrow-raising $240,000.
Wilson had already secured his Golden Passport before arriving for the WPTWC, but while strolling the Wynn’s corridors on December 11, eager to confirm his freeroll spot, he came across the prize drum at the ClubWPT Gold Booth.
Curious, Wilson reached in and drew an envelope. As he opened it, his gaze fell on the word "JACKPOT." Initially unsure of what he had won, Wilson began celebrating—only to be told that he, along with two other players, now had a one-in-three chance to take home the luxury sports car. And if luck wasn’t on his side for the car, he’d still have the chance to walk away with up to $50,000 in cash from the ClubWPT Gold Cash Booth.
The timing couldn’t have been better for Wilson. His regular performance venue had just closed for good. But to learn his fate, he’d have to wait until Sunday, December 15.
The Moment of Truth
On Sunday afternoon, Wilson and the two other JACKPOT winners stepped into the spotlight as the WPT World Championship and Ladies Championship unfolded nearby. Play paused in the Encore Ballroom as the crowd held its breath, eager to see who would claim the stunning custom McLaren GTS.
A briefcase containing three envelopes was brought out. Only one held the metaphorical keys to the luxury car. Wilson, picking last, chose his envelope as anticipation filled the room. A drumroll followed, and when the envelopes were opened, Wilson’s uncontainable reaction instantly revealed who the winner was.
Richard Wilson's Magic Moment
“This is exhilarating. It smells amazing in here. My gosh,” Wilson told PokerNews as he sat behind the wheel of the McLaren for the first time.
“I’m currently driving a 2010 Subaru Outback, so this is 15 years newer—and about $245,000 more expensive. It’s a big upgrade.”
Reality soon caught up with Wilson, sparking a humorous admission.
“I don’t have a garage. That’s the hardest part now. I live in an apartment with a parking lot. I think this car might be worth more than all the other cars in the lot combined. So… we’re going to have to figure that out.”
And where will he take his new car for its first drive? Wilson didn’t hesitate: “I’m going to go surprise my girlfriend at work.”
UPDATE: Later on, it was revealed that the winner opted to swap the car for a $150,000 cash prize.
Calum has been a part of the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector. He played his first hand of poker in 2017 and immediately fell in love with the game.
Calum has written for various poker outlets but found his home at PokerNews, where he has contributed to various articles and live updates, providing insights and reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).
