The Most Iconic Televised Poker Hands in History

Poker has become one of the most popular card games in the world, and televised poker has played a significant role in its growth. Over the years, there have been many memorable moments on TV that have captured the imaginations of players and fans alike.

1. Moneymaker’s Bluff

One of the most famous poker hands in history happened during the 2003 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event. Chris Moneymaker, a previously unknown player, bluffed his way to victory against seasoned pro Sammy Farha. The hand started with Farha holding a pair of nines and Moneymaker holding nothing but a 5 and a 3. Moneymaker made a bold bluff on the river, and Farha folded, giving Moneymaker the pot and the championship.

2. Ivey vs. Antonius

During a 2007 episode of the TV show High Stakes Poker, Phil Ivey and Patrik Antonius played a hand that has become legendary among poker fans. Ivey held a pair of eights, while Antonius had a pair of nines. The flop came down 9-7-4, giving Antonius three-of-a-kind. Ivey made a bold move and raised Antonius, who called. The turn was a 2, and Ivey bet again. Antonius called again. The river was a queen, and Ivey went all-in. Antonius thought for a long time before finally folding, giving Ivey the pot and cementing his reputation as one of the best players in the world.

3. Hellmuth’s Blowup

Phil Hellmuth is known for his blowups at the poker table, and one of the most famous came during the 2008 World Series of Poker. Hellmuth held a pair of aces, and his opponent, Adam Levy, held a pair of kings. The flop came down 7-4-4, giving Levy a chance to win the hand. Hellmuth bet, and Levy called. The turn was a 10, and Hellmuth bet again. Levy called again. The river was a 10, and Hellmuth went all-in. Levy called, and Hellmuth couldn’t believe his eyes when Levy turned over his kings. Hellmuth launched into a tirade, calling Levy an “idiot” and a “moron”.

4. Hansen’s Bluff

Gus Hansen is known for his aggressive style of play, and during a 2008 episode of the TV show High Stakes Poker he pulled off an incredible bluff against Daniel Negreanu. Hansen held nothing but a 7 and a 5, while Negreanu held a pair of nines. The flop came down 9-8-2, giving Negreanu a strong hand. Hansen bet, and Negreanu raised. Hansen called. The turn was a 6, and Hansen bet again. Negreanu called again. The river was a 3, and Hansen went all-in. Negreanu thought for a long time before finally folding, giving Hansen the pot and the admiration of poker fans everywhere.

5. Chan vs. Hellmuth

In the final hand of the 1989 World Series of Poker Main Event, Johnny Chan and Phil Hellmuth played a hand that has become one of the most famous in poker history. Chan held a pair of jacks, while Hellmuth had a pair of nines. The flop came down A-J-9, giving Chan three-of-a-kind. Hellmuth bet, and Chan raised. Hellmuth went all-in, and Chan called. The turn was a 7, and the river was a 4, giving Chan the pot and his second consecutive WSOP Main Event championship.

These are just a few of the most iconic televised poker hands in history. They showcase the skill, strategy, and drama that make poker such an exciting game to watch and play. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual fan, these hands are sure to leave a lasting impression.