Joe McKeehen is the World Series of Poker Main Event champion after defeating Josh Beckley in heads-up action to claim the $7.6m first prize.

Joe McKeehen is poker’s new world champion.

[Image Credit: PokerNews/Jayne Furman]

The 24-year old from Pennsylvania dominated the event. He started the final table with a 3:1 chip lead; he never let it go. Not once was his stranglehold threatened. Not once did he lose a hand of any significance. Not once did anyone who knows anything about poker believe anyone was going to win except him.