KKPoker is delighted to announce the first $12,000 Vegas Dream package winner in 2025 is Marco Dickner!

Marco battled through the first Canadian exclusive Vegas Dream final to win the ultimate reward and impressively did so on one entry, with no rebuy or add-on!

Not only has Marco earned a $10,000 live tournament buy-in and $2,000 travel fund, but he has also won his spot on the prestigious KK ELITE TEAM traveling to Las Vegas in July.

The opportunity is huge, with the chance to play for a prize in the millions of dollars! In 2024, the KKPoker Elite Team won over $650,000, with Robert Renaud turning his Vegas Dream package into a life-changing $250,000!

KKPoker spoke to Marco to get his reaction on becoming the first winner in 2025. 

“LET’S GO TO VEGAS & HAVE FUN!”

KKPoker Vegas Dream is an opportunity to win the chance to play in the world’s largest and most prestigious Main Event in the home of poker, Las Vegas.

For Marco, he has achieved this for only $20!

“I will turn 55 on July 13 and told myself, let’s go to Vegas and have fun.

“I joined the KKPoker community through my friend Simon Quintal, and learnt about Vegas Dream. So I registered for the $20 qualifier tournament, won a $300 ticket to the final, and here it is: Vegas is now around the corner!” said Marco.

“When I won, I was sat on my couch with my teenager beside me. I jumped up and screamed in my house!

“The toughest hand I played was with KQ during heads-up and the board was Q 7 2. My opponent raised, I called. Turn was a 10. They went all-in and I folded. I was very patient during heads-up, trying to trap my opponent. The last hand I had AA and called an all in after the flop to win.”

For Marco, who describes himself as a part-time poker player, it will be an opportunity to return to Las Vegas and play in the world’s largest live poker event for a second time, more than 10 years after his debut.

“My first appearance was over 10 years ago, when I also won a ticket online. It was to play a $1,500 tournament. So this time, it’s on to a new level.“

“ALL ABOUT MANAGING RISK”

Marco may be a part-time poker player, but his professional risk management career has undoubtedly helped him succeed in the online poker streets.

“I’m an actuary responsible for pension plan risk management, and it is all about managing risk while taking some. Fun fact: I have the Canadian record for the largest annuity purchase transaction in Canadian history, with $1.8B in annuity transactions.
 
 “I have a passion for investment and precious metal in particular. David Lin is my favorite YouTuber.“

With Marco clearly having a solid understanding of managing risk both on and off the poker table, how will he now prepare for such a huge opportunity in Las Vegas as part of the KK Elite Team?

“I plan to arrive rested in Las Vegas and aim to play a few live poker tournaments in advance at the Playground in Montreal.”

And Marco’s goal for Las Vegas?

“Making it to the payout places would be great! It’s on my bucket list…“

KKPoker looks forward to welcoming Marco to Las Vegas and supporting him on his goal!