St. John's -- A Newfoundland man has won a major jackpot on the World Poker Tour.

Mike Watson, 24, of St. John's defeated some of the planet's best players yesterday to win the $1.7-million (U.S.) top prize.

Some 445 players took part in the five-day tournament in Las Vegas. Mr. Watson said the jackpot means he is "pretty well set financially for quite some time." He credited his win to luck and skill - and a strong math background.