Memorable poker moments and streamed games are inseparable, with highlights like Brad Booth stacking chips against Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan making a bold move with nine-high, and Gus Hansen making quads against Daniel Negreanu. The recent hand between Eric Persson and Patrik Antonius has now earned its place among these all-time great moments, breaking the record for the largest pot in U.S. televised poker history.
Hand Breakdown: Draw vs. Draw for It All
If you haven’t seen the hand yet, here’s a quick breakdown:
Playing $1,000/$2,000 blinds with a $2,000 ante, Eric Persson opened to $7,000 with Qh9h from the hijack. Rob Yong called with Ac2c on the button. Patrik Antonius, in the small blind, raised to $30,000 with AhKh. Persson called, and Yong joined.
The flop came 3h3c8h, giving both Persson and Antonius flush draws. Antonius bet $40,000, and Persson quickly raised to $140,000. Yong folded, and Antonius, holding an overpair and a flush draw, three-bet to $250,000. Persson called, setting up a massive pot.
Now, with nearly $600,000 in the pot, the turn brought the As. Antonius, with the ace-high flush, led out for $150,000. Persson, undeterred by the card, moved all-in for $692,000. Antonius called after a brief moment of contemplation, revealing he had the ace-high flush. Persson, with only a flush draw, was drawing dead.
The pot reached a staggering $1,978,000, the largest in U.S. televised poker history. Despite Persson’s aggressive play, Antonius’ strong hand prevailed.
The Poker Community Reacts
While the hand generated immense excitement, some questioned its authenticity, citing “energy” at the table and conspiracy theories. However, it’s crucial to note that hands of this magnitude and excitement happen regularly in high-stakes private games. The legitimacy of the hand should not be doubted, and any unfounded claims only hurt the poker community.
As Persson aptly put it, “Welcome to the big leagues, kid.”
Despite the loss, Persson, ever the showman, will undoubtedly bounce back, and this hand will go down in history as one of the most exciting moments in televised poker.
