The 2006 ITH Poker League concluded recently in thrilling fashion, with toronexti winning the WSOP main event freeroll championship on Sunday, June 11, hosted by Poker Stars. toronexti, an ITH member, bested a field of 58 combatants to claim the grand prize.

However, in a twist of irony, the young champion is not old enough to collect on the ultimate reward of a seat into the 2006 WSOP main event. The 19-year old college student, who is currently involved in a summer internship dealing with children stricken with traumatic brain injuries, must wait another couple of years before entertaining the dream of competing in the WSOP main event.

Still, the WSOP ineligibility could not diminish the accomplishments of toronexti, who claimed various other prizes for the big win, including a January prize package to Aruba to compete in the World Poker Tour. toronexti was kind enough to take some time with ITH to discuss and answer some questions regarding the recent win.

Q: When you enrolled in the league, did you ever envision you would become the 2006 ITH freeroll champ?

A: No, when I joined I was playing freerolls and I wasn't aware of the league until 6 months ago. This was the first league I played and it was very entertaining.

Q: Describe the competition you encountered throughout the season.

A: The field was much better than the average online poker tournaments. However, some of the players were not very knowledgeable about playing tournaments and so [they] didn't handle the better than average field.

Q: What was/were your reward(s) for winning the league?

A: I won 3 ITH league tourneys and the ITH ME freeroll for a combined winning of $431, a $100 stake in M. Hilger for the WSOP, an ITH poker hat, an autographed copy of M. Hilger's newest poker book, and of course a $12,000 prize package to play in Aruba!

Q: Prior to entering the league, had you ever enjoyed any big online wins in the past?

A: I had a few biggish wins probably 3-4 over 1k. My biggest being a 4.5k score in a 15k freeroll at [Check n Raise].

Q: I understand you also had a strong finish at the Poker Stars Million on Sunday...How did you finish and what were your winnings?

A: I finished 6th for a payout of 25k.

Q: Which poker tournaments do you regularly play online?

A: My favorite poker tournaments online are the $10 - $50 freezeouts, followed by the $3 and $10 rebuys.

Q: Have you ever competed in the WSOP ME before? If no, describe the excitement of qualifying for a spot through the ITH freeroll - I believe that was part of the reward

A: I have never competed (and will not be able to compete for at least 1.5 more years) in the WSOP. I started the poker tournament very relaxed and decided that I would just play it as it came along. I also tried to play more solidly than my usual style (and though some would disagree) I played pretty tight throughout.