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Aussie novice poker player turns $130 into $1.6 million

Melbourne man Shurane Vijayaram has upstaged the world's best poker players, scooping a massive $1.6 million in his first professional tournament.

After eight days of the Aussie Millions Poker tournament, Vijayaram finally walked away the winner after a gutsy move saw him take the top prize with a pair of fives.

His remarkable journey from relative nobody to instant millionaire has captivated the poker community.

Vijayaram with his prize. Image: Twitter
Vijayaram with his prize. Image: Twitter

Last Sunday, the 33-year-old forked out $130 to gain entry into a tournament at Crown Casino.

He won it, earning himself entry into the Aussie Millions main event field of 724, which included some of the sport's biggest names, including the United Kingdom's Ben Heath, who took home the second prize of $1 million.

The $1.6 million Vijayaram won is his first-ever recorded cash win, meaning it's the first time he's ever won a professional tournament.

​"I've always just tried to play cards and relax, it's only a game," he said.

"It's just been a really fast, surreal journey."

The event was streamed online and hosted by poker ace Jason Somerville, who described it as one of the most amazing performances he had ever seen.

"He's never cashed a tournament before...only in poker do you see things like that," Somerville said.

"Shurane with a pair of fives, is the sickest call I think I've ever seen.

"We may never see a call again as good as that for as much money as that ever.

"That is just an unreal performance."