Ep 16. World Series of Poker Champions " 4 of 5 "
- January 18, 2007
In this episode of Poker After Dark, viewers are treated to the fourth installment of the five-part World Series of Poker Champions series. Hosted by Ali Nejad, this episode brings together some of the biggest names in poker, including Antonio Esfandiari, Joe Hachem, Huck Seed, and Chris Ferguson.
The format of the game is No Limit Hold'em, with blinds starting at $100/$200 and a $25 ante. The buy-in for each player is $20,000, and from the start, it's clear that each player is determined to win. The first hand of the night sees Seed raise pre-flop with Ace-King suited, but Esfandiari re-raises him with pocket queens. Seed folds, and Esfandiari takes down the pot.
The action continues with each player taking turns winning pots, but it's clear that Esfandiari is on a hot streak. He wins a big pot with a pair of sevens, and then takes down another with pocket Queens (again!). However, Hachem starts to catch up with a big pot against Seed, and soon he's in the lead.
The first elimination of the night comes when Seed goes all-in with a pair of Kings, but runs into Hachem's Ace-King. The board doesn't help Seed, and he's forced to leave the table. Ferguson takes over for him, but it's clear that he's struggling to catch up. He loses several big pots in a row, and soon finds himself short-stacked.
Meanwhile, Hachem and Esfandiari continue to battle it out for the chip lead. Esfandiari wins a big pot with a full house, but Hachem responds with a huge bluff that leaves Esfandiari scratching his head. Ferguson, however, isn't ready to give up just yet. He doubles up with a pair of aces, and suddenly he's back in the game.
The final three players battle it out for several more hands, but eventually, it's Ferguson who falls victim to Hachem's aggressive play. Hachem goes all-in with pocket nines, and Ferguson calls with King-Queen suited. The flop comes down nine-high, and Ferguson has no choice but to call Hachem's bet. The turn and river don't help Ferguson, and he's forced to leave the table.
With just two players left, Hachem and Esfandiari continue to trade blows. Esfandiari makes a big bluff that doesn't work out, but then wins a huge pot with a pair of Aces. Hachem responds with a straight, and the chip lead changes hands several times. However, in the end, it's Esfandiari who emerges victorious. He wins a huge pot with a flush, and Hachem is forced to concede defeat.
Overall, this episode of Poker After Dark is an exciting and intense look at some of the best players in the game. With big bluffs, clever plays, and plenty of action, it's sure to keep poker fans on the edge of their seats.
