After battling back from a crippling blow earlier in the night, one which left him on life support, Dimitrious "Jimmy" Goranitis found a way to persevere, fighting his way to a heads-up contest against Joe Mckeehen.

In the end though, Goranitis was unable to get over the hump, and despite pulling even multiple times in the match he couldn't quite take the lead.

Goranitis finally succumbed to Mckeehen's relentless pressure, when his fell short against Mckeehen's . The final board rolled out with four diamonds, giving Mckeehen a flush to seal his second major Atlantic City tournament title.

For his runner-up finish, Gorantis took home $39,246, along with the story of a lifetime for the home game player and restaurateur.

Tags: Dimitrious GoranitisJoe Mckeehen