Poker's Biggest Night

Men "The Master" Nguyen was the star of Cardplayer Magazine and Bodog's inaugural "Biggest Night in Poker," capturing the coveted Best Player honors for 2005.
Nguyen had a career-year in 2005; a tough accomplishment considering Nguyen was already a three-time Player of the Year recipient (1997, 2001, 2003) and is one of the most decorated and recognized professionals ever to play.
In front of family, friends, poker professionals, and a host of poker-loving celebrities, Nguyen thanked the crowd for their support and used his acceptance speech to speak about the growth of poker and his increasing love of the game.
"This country made me a poker champion," Nguyen said in a Bodog press release. "It made my dreams come true."
Cardplayer Magazine awards the Player of the Year title annually, using a point system that gives players certain values for their placement in major poker tournaments. The higher a participant places in a tournament, the more points they earn.
In 2005, no one earned more points than "The Master."
Nguyen took home the top award by pouring on the points in the year's final months, earning 1,500 points in November and December to reach a total of 4,604. Additionally, Nguyen totaled $973,620 in winnings and 16 final tables en route to the title.
The winner told Bodog media representatives that in 2005 he was most proud of setting lifetime records that will be tough to surpass, like becoming the all-time leader in World Series of Poker money finishes, with 49.
In years past, Cardplayer Magazine awarded the "Player of the Year" without much fanfare, running an article in their publication that acknowledged the winner.
This year, Cardplayer wanted to make a night of it.
Source: www.casinocitytimes.com