Player Prematurely Celebrates Elimination at WSOP

It was one of the largest fields at this year’s World Series of Poker, and with Event #50: $1,500 Millionaire Maker down to its final two tables, every single decision carried massive implications.

The stakes couldn’t have been higher, with the tournament scheduled to mint two separate millionaires by the time a winner emerges on Wednesday. Unfortunately for Seiji Sasaki, the Japanese player will not be among those taking home a seven-figure payday. Sasaki bowed out in 15th place after a dramatic clash with Michael Monroig.

Believing he had secured a vital double-up, Sasaki initially celebrated and high-fived his rail, only to realize the reality when he returned to the table…

The Hand

With 15 players remaining in the Millionaire Maker, Michael Monroig opened to 2,000,000 from the cutoff and Seiji Sasaki called in the big blind. With less than one big blind remaining in his stack, Sasaki check-called all in on the 10♣8♣7♣ flop and the cards were turned over.

Seiji Sasaki: 5♠5♣
Michael Monroig: A♣2♠

Both players held flush draws, with Monroig holding the nut flush draw with the ace of clubs. “It’s a post-flop flip,” said commentator Joe Stapleton as the 10♥ paired the board, giving Monroig even more outs to potentially counterfeit Sasaki if the board paired again.

“That is a sweaty turn card,” remarked co-commentator Maria Ho. “A lot of counterfeit outs now.”

The moment Sasaki had called on the flop, he’d headed straight to his rail. He now stood leaning against the hoardings with his friends, all praying that their compatriot would manage to stay alive.

As the 7♥ was dealt, Sasaki turned to high-five his rail and celebrate with them before swiftly returning to the table.

“I think he thinks he won,” said Stapleton. “See, we all do it…”

Realizing his mistake, Sasaki graciously bowed to his opponent and pushed his chips forward. He then returned to the rail, smiling and laughing with his friends.

Despite the momentary lapse, Sasaki still managed to outlast over 11,000 players en route to his 15th-place finish. He takes home $75,200 for his efforts, the largest cash of his career.

_{Skip to 12:43 to see the Sasaki elimination/}

Based in the United Kingdom, Will started working for PokerNews as a freelance live reporter in 2015 and joined the full-time staff in 2019. He now works as Managing Editor.

He graduated from the University of Kent in 2017 with a B.A. in German. He also holds an NCTJ Diploma in Sports Journalism.