After just seven weeks of understudy with one of poker’s most successful tournament players, Brian Fidler of Derby, Connecticut, a member of the www.fullcontactpoker.com community, finished second late last night at the 2006 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit Event in Lake Tahoe.

In the days leading up to the Lake Tahoe event, Fidler flew to Las Vegas and spent several days with Negreanu formulating a strategy.

During the final table, Negreanu sat in the front row and provided Fidler with suggestions during breaks in the action. Fidler, who had the chip lead at several points during the final table, ultimately got knocked out after his opponent, Clint Baskin, made a straight on the final hand. Fidler, who played against several more experienced players throughout the entire tournament, took second place for $206,800.

“Brian’s composure and self-confidence throughout this tournament have been unbelievable,” explained Daniel Negreanu, a three-time WSOP gold-bracelet winner. “His progress over the last seven weeks since becoming my protégé shows that he has the tools to become a top player on the professional tour.”

“This has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” exclaimed Fidler, shortly after taking the largest pot in his young career. “How many players in the world get to learn from one of the game’s greatest competitors? Thanks to Daniel and Full Contact Poker, I just won over $200,000.”

Negreanu, one of the most successful and well-respected players in the game today, has been giving Fidler his invaluable expertise since he became his protégé seven weeks ago. Fidler, who won the opportunity to be Negreanu’s protégé by being a member of the www.fullcontactpoker.com community, just finished playing in his second of four professional $10,000 buy-in tournaments backed by FCP under Negreanu and is currently living life like a poker pro.