Relive the Drama: High-Stakes Poker in Early 2009

In early 2009, the online poker world was abuzz with high-stakes action and dramatic conversations. The year began with the disappearance of 6-max PLO $500/$1,000 tables from the FTP lobby, sparking speculation about Gus Hansen's significant losses. The day before, Hansen had lost around $1 million in a single session, leading observers to wonder if the tables were removed due to his financial troubles.

Gus Hansen was known for his demanding behavior at the tables. He often insisted that Phil Galfond leave his table, citing unusual play and comments. In one instance, Hansen told Galfond, "I won't play with you anymore!" after a comment from Galfond. Hansen's frustration with Galfond's behavior was evident, as he accused Galfond of trying to tilt him with his comments.

Despite his losses, Gus Hansen received generous offers from his opponents. In one notable instance, Phil Ivey offered to transfer $85,000 to Hansen as a gift after a losing session. Ivey's gesture was a testament to the camaraderie and respect among high-stakes players, even in the face of significant financial losses. Hansen's total online losses for the year amounted to $5.5 million, despite being in the plus by $4.8 million in March.

Victor Blom, known as Blom90, made a dramatic entrance onto the iPoker scene in January 2009. With just $2,000 in his account, Blom quickly gained attention for his high-stakes play. Within a few weeks, he had won over $1.4 million and was playing on multiple $100/$200 tables. Blom's aggressive style and willingness to play against top professionals made him a formidable opponent.

Ilari Sahamies, known as Ziigmund, was another high-stakes player who made waves in 2009. Sahamies was known for his flips with Phil Ivey for fun, often betting large sums of money. In one notable flip, Sahamies won $383,992.50 with a full house against Ivey's pair of Queens. The high-stakes world of online poker in 2009 was filled with drama, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments.