iStockphoto / SerKucher
The Triton Poker Super High Roller Series has been taking place in London over the past two weeks, the first big poker action since the 2023 World Series of Poker concluded. This is being called the Hand of the Year in this year’s Triton Poker High Roller Series and it doesn’t take a Ph.D in mathematics to see why.
There was 4-way pre-flop action in the Event #11 $125,000 NLH Main Event. Pre-flop betting was heated but it was one player acting out of turn, announcing ‘all in’ before it was their turn to act, that ultimately affected the play.
This tournament paid out $4,185,000 to 1st place and $2.38 million to second. The action here is from the final table so the stakes are incredibly high. Then 4 players got dealt fantastic hands. Dan ‘Jungleman’ Cates was smart to get out of the way quickly but it’s what the player with KK does based on table information that’s fascinating.
Wildest Hand From 2023 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series
Folding KK pre-flop is not a winning strategy long term in poker. It’s simply not. That said, this poker pro had vital information at his disposal that he wouldn’t normally have.
When the player behind him announced ‘all-in’ out of turn, essentially forcing a 5th bet, it was evident that he was holding AA and AK-suited (at worst). It’s not often in poker that you can know for certain that your KK is beaten pre-flop but this is one of those situations where he could be pretty darn confident that he was beaten. But again, folding KK pre-flop is *not* a winning strategy long term…
Ultimately, laying down KK was the right play and AA won the hand. One player at the table who wasn’t involved in this particular hand actually went on to win it all.
Timothy Adams beat Jean-Noel Thorel, the player with AA above, heads-up for the Event #11 $125,000 NLH Main Event win and $4,185,000 for 1st. Dan Cates finished in 3rd for $1.94 million and Isaac Haxton in 4th for $1.582M. Doug Polk was first out at the final table, finishing 9th for $422,500.
All of the 2023 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series events have been streamed live and for free on their YouTube channel. The tournament has been held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London and Event #16 $60k Short Deck Main Event can be streamed today.