Kim Byeng Cheol, 27, of Tokyo, said he and his 22 co-workers decided to visit Tinian “to try our luck.”
Kim spent $1,000 for a three-night stay, free meals, and a chance to win a huge cash prize at the Tinian Dynasty’s Baccarat Challenge.
Kim won first prize, beating other 160 players during the two-day tournament that ended on Sunday night.
With a total chip count of 22,600, Kim won $100,000 from the $161,000 prize pool.
Kiri Jackson, Tinian Dynasty casino marketing & promotions coordinator, said all players had nothing to lose.
She said the $1,000 entrance included a round-trip airfare, free transportation from Saipan to Tinian, free beverages, meals and other give-a-ways for their three-night stay at the hotel.
Jackson said the tournament drew a large number of participants.
George Que, Tinian Dynasty casino VIP services manager, said almost one-half of the participating players in the Baccarat Challenge were first time.
The contestants also included past winners.
At least 70 percent of the players were Japanese and 30 percent, Korean.
Que said this month’s Baccarat Challenge was the largest, in terms of players and prizes, in two years.
Some players brought along companions.
“Most of the players are affluent individuals — some are chief executive officers, entrepreneurs and other people who have money,” he said.
Jackson said despite the global economic crisis they are still expecting more players in the next Baccarat Challenge on July 11 and 12.
On Sept. 12 and 13, and on Oct. 17 and 18, Tinian Dynasty will again stage the tournament.
The Blackjack Championship, for its part, is scheduled for June 13 and 14, and on Dec. 12 and 13, 2009.
Kim said he’ll be back on Tinian in July’s Baccarat Challenge to defend his title.
When asked how he will spend his winnings, Kim said he have a drink on Saipan and think about what to do with the rest of his money.
He expressed gratitude to Tinian Dynasty’s “best and great service” and the hospitality of its personnel.
He said he will ask his other friends to enjoy the luxury of Tinian Dynasty.
Jong Hyuk Ryu finished third and won $10,000, while Hiroshi Ikeura took home the fourth prize of $5,000.
The rest of the top 10 players received $1,000 each: Masaru Tamaoki, Yasuhito Watanabe, Hiroshi Sasaki, Toru Horiuchi, Tadashi Kagami and Kenichi Horie.
