Top 5 Unbelievable Poker Comebacks: From Last to First!

Poker is a game of highs and lows, and sometimes the most memorable moments come from the most unlikely comebacks. Here are five of the most incredible poker comebacks that will leave you in awe.

Brent Hanks' Remarkable Rebound

Brent Hanks, a New Yorker, found himself with less than a small blind in the $1500 buy-in NLHE event at the 2012 WSOP. Despite having secured a min cash payday, the $500k+ top prize seemed out of reach, especially when his tiny stack was all-in against pocket kings. However, an unlikely chopped pot sparked a remarkable comeback, with Hanks winning four of the next five hands when all-in. He ended the day with a top seven stack and went on to win the gold bracelet and a whopping $517,725.

Olivier Busquet's WPT Triumph

Olivier Busquet faced a daunting 20-1 chip deficit heads-up against Jeremy Brown in the WPT Borgata Poker Open. Despite the odds, Busquet managed to grind his way back into contention, aided by a massive bluff gone wrong by Brown. The pair exchanged blows until Busquet secured an incredible comeback, taking home $925,514, while Brown settled for second place with $453,519.

Phil Hellmuth's Epic Fightback

Phil Hellmuth's comeback against Daniel Negreanu in their heads-up challenge is legendary. Hellmuth was down 19-1 in chips but clawed his way back to take the lead and finish off his opponent for a $50k win. This was part of HighStakes Duel II, where Hellmuth had already defeated Antonio “The Magician” Esfandiari 3-0.

Greg Merson's WSOP Victory

Greg Merson, a 24-year-old primarily online player, reached day 5 of the 2012 WSOP with just 3 big blinds. Despite the odds, Merson survived his tiny stack status and fought off the challenge of Jesse Sylvia heads-up to take poker’s golden crown and $8,531,853.

Jack Strauss' Legendary Comeback

Jack “Treetops” Strauss was set to leave his WSOP Main Event table on day 1 after losing a huge pot. However, he found a single chip under his napkin, which he turned into a $520,000 win. His fantastic recovery led to the poker phrase “You only need a chip and a chair to win at this game.”