A 33-year-old Vietnamese immigrant who finished in second place in a similar event at last year’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) has won it this year.

Thang Luu, who emigrated to the USA in 1992 at age 17 and who now resides in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, has won Event #6 of the 2008 WSOP in Las Vegas, a $1,500 buy-in, Omaha hi-lo 8 or better tournament that had 833 entrants and a total prize pool of about $1.1 million.

For his big win, Luu takes home $243,356.

At the 2007 WSOP, Luu finished in second in a $2,000 buy-in, Omaha hi-lo 8 or better tourney and earned $147,726

After winning 2008 WSOP Event #6, Luu told reporters: “I like to play every hand. I don’t miss any hands, especially when I am playing heads-up. I might check in a few spots, but I play every hand. Winning a World Series of Poker title is very special. You know, now they look at you differently. Everyone knows who you are.”

Finishing second to Luu in 2008 WSOP Event #6 was Spencer Lawrence of London, England, who earned $156,343.

Ending third was George Guzman of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA, who took home $93,806.

Coming in fourth was James Pritchard of Duluth, Georgia, who copped $78,456.

Taking fifth was Chris Falconer of Canton, Ohio, USA, who picked up $64,243.

Copping sixth was Greg Jamison of Las Vegas who garnered $50,598.

Coming in seventh was Craig Sabel of Grand Junction, Colorado, USA, who picked up $39,228.

Finishing eighth was Mark Wilds of Biloxi, Mississippi, USA, who bagged $30,700.

Ending ninth was Scott Clements of Mt. Vernon, Washington, USA, who pocketed $22,172.

Taking tenth was Mark Gregorich of Las Vegas who earned $13,985.

(E-mail Tom Somach at tomsomach@yahoo.com.)