Ep 14. World Series of Poker Champions " 2 of 5 "
- January 16, 2007
Poker After Dark season 1 episode 14 features the second installment of a five-part series called World Series of Poker Champions. Unlike any other episode of the season, this one has a slightly different format, as all the players at the table have one major commonality: they have all won at least one World Series of Poker bracelet.
The first winner at the table is Josh Arieh, who won his first bracelet in 1999 and his second in 2005. Arieh is one of the most successful poker players in history, with over $6 million in tournament winnings. The second winner at the table is Phil Hellmuth, who has won an astounding 14 bracelets, more than any other player in history. Hellmuth is known for his explosive personality and aggressive playing style, which often puts his opponents on edge.
Rounding out the table are Doyle Brunson, one of the most famous and respected poker players of all time, and Huck Seed, who has four WSOP bracelets to his name. Seed is known for his laid-back, unassuming demeanor, which often lulls his opponents into a false sense of security. The final two players at the table are Shawn Sheikhan, who won his first bracelet in 2005, and Phil Gordon, a successful poker commentator and author who has one WSOP bracelet.
As the play begins, the players all seem to be feeling each other out, trying to get a read on each other's playing style. The first major pot of the night comes when Arieh raises pre-flop with a pair of kings, and Hellmuth re-raises with pocket aces. Arieh calls, and the two players go head-to-head. Hellmuth bets big on the flop, and Arieh quickly folds, wisely saving his chips for another hand.
As the night progresses, the players become more comfortable with each other, and the play becomes more aggressive. Seed is the first to be eliminated, followed soon after by Sheikhan. The remaining four players battle it out, with Brunson making some bold moves and Hellmuth, as always, dominating the table.
One of the most exciting hands of the night comes when Arieh goes all-in with a pair of queens, and both Gordon and Hellmuth call. The flop comes down with an ace, and both Gordon and Hellmuth check. Arieh bets big on the turn, and Hellmuth calls with just a pair of jacks. The river is a ten, and Arieh goes all-in again. Hellmuth agonizes over his decision before ultimately calling, but he is incorrect. Arieh takes down the pot, and Hellmuth is left with significantly fewer chips.
As the night wears on, Gordon is eventually eliminated, leaving just Hellmuth, Arieh, and Brunson. Hellmuth seems to be in control, but Arieh is not giving up. In a thrilling final hand, Arieh goes all-in with a draw, and Hellmuth calls with a pair of aces. The turn and river both come up blank for Arieh, and Hellmuth takes down the pot. Arieh is eliminated, and Hellmuth is declared the winner of the night.
Overall, World Series of Poker Champions "2 of 5" is an exciting and intense episode of Poker After Dark. With six players at the table, all of whom have won at least one WSOP bracelet, the competition is fierce and the stakes are high. Whether you're a seasoned poker player or just a casual fan, this episode is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
