Daniel Weinman takes home record $12.1 million top prize at World Series of Poker

From a record-setting field of more than 10,000 players, Atlanta's Daniel Weinman emerged victorious Monday at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, taking home $12.1 million and the coveted championship bracelet.

Weinman needed just 164 hands at the final table to win the Main Event in his 16th attempt, one that he strongly considered skipping.

"I was honestly on the fence about even coming back and playing this tournament," Weinman, 35, told reporters. "I’ve always kind of felt that poker was kind of going in a dying direction, but to see the numbers at the World Series this year has been incredible."

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This year's event began with 10,043 players vying for a total purse of $93.39 million, the highest total in history for a live poker event.

Steven Jones finished second behind Weinman, winning $6.5 million. Adam Walton finished third, collecting $4 million.