This time last year, Joseph Cada couldn’t legally order a cocktail. But today, the Shelby Township, Mich., native sits on top of the poker world as the champion of the World Series of Poker’s “Main Event.” Cada, who turns 22 next week, took home $8.5 million early Nov. 10 when he outlasted Maryland logger Darvin Moon (and 6,492 other competitors) at No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em to win the sport’s biggest prize. TIME contributor Matt Villano caught up with Cada in Las Vegas to talk about preparing for the final table, what he’s learned by playing poker online and what’s next for history’s youngest champ.

JOE CADA INTERVIEW for the TIME magazine.

$8.5 million is a lot of money. Short of going to Disneyland, what do you plan to do with it?
I haven’t really thought about it yet. Since Saturday [when the field was winnowed down to two], I didn’t want to look past the heads-up match with Darvin. I’m sure at least some of those winnings will go back into my bankroll, though. There’s always another tournament to play.

Joe Cada Interview online – Watch out this blog for Joe Cada poker tips