High-Stakes Poker: Super High Roller Cash Game at Aria

The high-stakes cash game event at Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas featured some of the most prominent poker players and businessmen. The event took place in June 2015, just days before a $500,000 tournament, with blinds at $400/$800 and an ante of $200, requiring a minimum buy-in of $250,000.

Notable participants included Phil Ivey, Johnny Chen, Doyle Brunson, Jennifer Tilly, Jean-Robert Bellande, Antonio Esfandiari, and trader Bob Bright. The episodes were first broadcast on PokerCentral in December 2015, with commentary by AJ Benza and Nick Schulman.

Doyle Brunson is known for his superstitions, often avoiding playing the first hand of the day. Jennifer Tilly won a significant pot after Doyl Brunson and Phil Ivey called her raise with a pair of tens. Matt Kirk, an Australian high roller, joined the game and made a squeeze play with 6h 5h, calling a 4-bet from Antonio Esfandiari. Bob Bright made a significant call with Qs 7s, turning his hand into trips on the turn. Jean-Robert Bellande bluffed Matt Kirk with J-high, while Matt had K-high. Phil Ivey made an impressive fold on the turn against Antonio Esfandiari with over $400,000 in the pot. Antonio Esfandiari won three small pots against Phil Ivey and Johnny Chen.