James Cada has won the World Series of Poker's (WSOP) grand prize of $8.5 million (C$9 million).

The World Series of Poker (WSOP) has crowned its youngest ever champion as 21-year-old Joseph Cada claimed the tournament's $8.5 million (C$9 million) first prize.

Cada's superior chip count finally paid off as he overcame his opponent Darvin Moon today (November 10th).

Going into the final day's play, the young poker star had more than double the number of chips as 46-year-old self-employed logger Moon, with $136 million compared to $59 million.

In an interview with the Southtown Star, he had previously said that reaching the final marked a dream come true after three years of preparation for the tournament, during which time he played "over a million hands" of poker.

Many had anticipated him to finish off his rival early on in proceedings, but Moon's stack received a huge boost in the first hand of the night's play and he continued to make inroads into Cada's lead.

Eventually, with Moon all-in and needing either a queen or a jack to stay alive in the competition, Cada's superiority showed and he clinched the famous WSOP gold bracelet for the first time.