An unlikely amateur poker player who took on Daniel Negreanu emerged as the winner during the “Million Dollar Challenge” sponsored by PokerStars and broadcast on national US television. Mike Kosowoski took home the cash and glory after making it as an alternative finalist for the challenge.
Kosowski was already considered a hero by many for his death-defying actions during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on New York City. As a New York Police Department officer, he was a first responder at the disaster scene at the World Trade Towers. His fast reactions enabled many people to escape the buildings, but his bravery also ended his 21-year police career in 2004 due to the injuries he incurred that day.
Although Kosowski was slated as an alternate in the Million Dollar Challenge, he got his shot as an actual contestant when three other contestants ahead of him were beaten by model Joanna Krupa. Kosowski also lost to Krupa, but then won the chance to advance into the televised show when he won a backstage poker tournament against the other contestants. During the show, he had to go up against three other episode winners, including a poker-playing priest, Andrew Trapp.
During the final stage, he played heads-up against Negreanu and beat the four-time bracelet winner. Kosowski proved himself to be a hero under the most harrowing of circumstances, and then again, as an online poker champion.
Congratulations to Mike Kosowski.