It was the final table at the World Poker Tour Belagio Cup IV, part of season seven, and the players were John Pham, Ralph Perry, Luck Staundenmayer, Mike Watson, David Benyamine and one Gabriel Thayler.
Gabe was playing perfect poker and announcer Mike Sexton made sure to say so. In this hand, however, he showed how even perfect poker does not guarantee a win.
Mike had apple jacks:
and raised it to $220k in tourney chips. Gabe called with:
and looked for some luck on the flop.
The Flop hit:
and Gabe checked. Mike pointed out that he likey checked in the hopes of making a check raise. With a flop this low you are in good position with pocket tens.
Sure enough Mike bet out $320k, and Gabe bet all he had, moving all in.
It would have worked for a fold, but Mike had two overcards and the nut flush draw, not to mention the chip lead, so he had to call.
The Turn:
was no help for Gabe.
The River was no help either, coming:
and giving Mike the flush he needed to win. Gabe was out in sixth place, perfect poker or no.
