Chiba Masatomo said this is his first major prize since competing in Tinian seven years ago.
In previous tournaments, Masamoto managed to reach the semi-finals but never as the top winner.
“I am feeling the best,” the ecstatic Masamoto told reporters after he was awarded the giant replica of the $70,000 check and a trophy.
Masamoto traveled to Tinian with his friends purposely to compete for the two-day baccarat tournament over the weekend which drew 115 players, mostly from Japan.
Tournament director Tony Jackson said many of the competing players are “old timers” but they brought with them new strategies that brought excitement to the two-day tournament.
“Same faces have come back but the excitement is still there,” he said.
Quennie Cabrera, a card dealer, described the tournament as intense.
Five women and five men emerged as the top 10 winners in the baccarat tournament.
Masamoto, the top prize winner, said this seems to be a lucky year for him.
He plans to use part of his winnings to bring his three sons and his wife for a vacation to the CNMI.
The second prize winner brought home $25,000 and the third placer won $10,000. The fourth placer received $4,000 and five players won $1,000 each.
Kiri Jackson, marketing director of the Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, said each of the 115 baccarat players paid $1,000 to enter the tournament.
The fee covers a three-night accommodation at the hotel, inter-island transfer, meals and refreshments. Their air fares were also reimbursed.
Tinian Dynasty plans to host another major baccarat tournament in March and a series of blackjack competitions.
