Pius Heinz, 22, Wins over $8 Million at 2011 WSOP

22-year-old Pius Heinz has won the 2011 World Series of Poker. The German defeated 35-year-old Martin Staszko to take home the $8.72 million prize.

“Honestly, I’m not sure what I’m going to do with the money,” Heinz said early this morning after winning the main event in a marathon session of Texas Hold ‘em. “Probably my family is going to get a couple gifts.”

Staskzo won the $5.43 million second place prize, not bad for not winning, but it doesn’t come with the coveted bracelet that WSOP event winners win.

“Have you ever worn it?” Heinz asked last year’s winner Jonathan Duhamel as Duhamel handed him the bracelet.

“It’s got to be the happiest day of my life,” Heinz said. “But I can’t believe what happened – it’s unreal.”

Staszko, a chess player who worked for three years at an auto body shop, said he thought his strong finish would help poker in his country.

“I’m never happy if I don’t win,” Staszko said. “But it’s not too bad. Second place is OK.”

Staszko said he would return to Las Vegas next year for the WSOP.

“I’ll come back next year,” he said. “I hope I can win a bracelet.”

When the two were asked before the last table began whether they would take second place money right then and there, and give up a shot at the title, Heinz said yes while Staszko said no.