In the history of poker there are many legendary games which have been played by players and enthusiasts. Some of the games played were in smokey backrooms and some on stage. All of these games had their moments of intense tension, incredible bluffs or unforgettable hero decisions.
Chris Moneymaker was an amateur poker player who won the World Series of Poker Main Event in 2003. He turned a $39 satellite into $2.5million. It was Moneymaker’s improbable win that triggered the boom in online poker and encouraged millions of new players.
One of the most memorable games was the High Stakes Poker match between Daniel Negreanu (left) and Gus Hansen (right). Hansen hit his four-ofa-kind while Negreanu, who is known for aggressive poker, held a Full House. Negreanu was composed despite losing the game. This is what makes him a legend in poker.
Thanks to “Rounders,” the scene from 1988’s World Series of Poker between Johnny Chan (left) and Erik Seidel (right) remains iconic. Chan’s slow play of the hand forced Seidel all in, allowing him to secure his two Main Event victories.
Stu Ungar has had many great poker games. But his 1997 WSOP Main Event title stands out. Ungar overcame years of struggles and made an emotional recovery, proving that he was still a genius on the poker felt.
Tom Dwan’s legendary poker bluff, which he used against Phil Ivey at a high stakes game on television, cemented the reputation that he was one of most fearless. Dwan tested Ivey with an all-in betting, despite holding absolutely nothing. Ivey was one of the world’s best poker minds. He folded the stronger hand. Dwan, Atas casino however, showed his fearless aggressiveness.
Doyle Brunson’s two consecutive WSOP victories with 10-2 in 1976 & 1977 turned a hand that was otherwise considered mediocre into a legendary hand. The Doyle hand is still an icon in the poker world.
Legendary moments from poker history showcase talent, luck, as well as the dramatic elements that make it so thrilling. They have changed the way that poker is played, and the memories of these moments inspires players to strive for their own greatness.