It was a long road, but LeRon Washington was there at the end.

A 34-year-old boxer from West Virginia, Washington outlasted 566 other players to win the WPT Celebrity Invitational at Commerce Casino. The part-time player secured his seat for the tournament via a World Poker Tour online satellite.

“It’s a dream come true,” Washington said. “I’ve been waiting for this day a long time.”

Among the top pros that entered the event, which began February 20, were Chris Ferguson, Howard Lederer, Phil Laak, Mike Matusow and Antonio Esfandiari. Several celebrity players, including Terri Hatcher, Jenny McCarthy, Jerry Buss, Dick Van Patten and Hank Azaria also participated.

Reality TV’s Trishelle Cannatella finished third.

Payouts

1. LeRon Washington … $100,000
2. Sean Urban … $50,000
3. Trishelle Cannatella … $20,000
4. Neev Baram … $15,000
5. Thor Hansen … $10,000
6. Steven Elliott … $5,000