Wesley Wiegand has defeated Anad Kumar, in heads-up action, to take the first prize in the World Poker Tour National Series Main Event in Johannesburg.

I have been to South Africa twice in my life. On both occasions I was working for the World Poker Tour (WPT) at the Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

I have plenty of memories of South Africa. Most of them involve lions, rhinos, hippos, and then there is the odd shark. The one shark that I remember more than any other is Wesley Wiegand. He made the final table the first time that I visited, finishing fourth, and he made the final table the second time I visited, finishing fifth. I think I must have been his curse. I wasn’t there for the WPT National Series Main Event, and he has gone and won it.

Wiegand picks up $81,026 after defeating Anad Kumar in the heads-up phase of an event that lasted three days. The final day began with 14-players still left in the hunt, and all eyes were on Davor Dadic, who was looking to defend the title he won the last time the National Series trophy was up for grabs.