Poker Heroes

College Dropout Places Second At 2006 WSOP

Being a college dropout didn't stop Paul Wasicka from earning millions of dollars at the tender age of 25. Wasicka took home more than $6 million when he placed second at the 2006 World Series of Poker held at Rio All-Suites Casino Hotel in Las Vegas, beating more than 8,000 other hopefuls including some of poker's greatest players.

Wasicka was second only to Jamie Gold, who bagged the championship. He however, outplayed 8,771 other entrants to be exact in August, in the tournament that many consider to be the most prestigious of all in poker.

Wasicka's attempts at finishing college were not as successful. The Westminster, Colo. Resident took units at the University of Colorado, the University of Wisconsin and Front Range Community College, but he never felt at home in those schools.

Carol Wasicka, Paul's mom, said that when her paul initially announced that he was not pursuing school anymore and will attempt to become a professional poker player, she was disappointed.

"It's not what every parent wants to hear," she said. "We figured, 'It's just a phase. He's doing this now. It'll pass and then he'll go back to college.' Were we worried? Well, yes. A little bit."