Eric Seidel was hit hard after his stronger flush was beat on the river by a straight flush
Bad beats in poker eventually catch up to everyone. Even the best players in the world can have extended runs of bad luck, as did ten-time bracelet winner Erik Seidel at the World Series of Poker Event #16 – $5,000 No-Limit Hold ’em 8-handed event.
The Poker Hall of Famer and World Poker Tour (WPT) Champions Club member ran deep on Day 3 and was close to doubling up against Frenchman Sami Bechahed when he had a bad beat that he’ll remember for a long time.
Poker gods like to have their fun https://t.co/fdWKfLfmFY
— Erik Seidel (@Erik_Seidel) June 7, 2024
Seidel called from the small blind holding Q-S, 4-S, and Bechahed checked with his 9-S, 7-S. After a flop of Q-D, 10-S, 2-S, it appeared that Seidel was on his way to winning the hand with a higher flush than Bechahed.
Seidel proceeded with a 50,000-chip bet with about 800,000 left in his stack, and Bechahed called. The turn was with the J-S, giving both players a flush.
Seidel checked to Bechahed, as PokerGO commentator Remko Rinkema said, “Seidel is setting this up perfectly.” Bechahed bet 135,000, and Seidel check-raised it to 450,000, about half of his stack. Bechahed then announced he was all in, with Seidel making a quick call.
If Seidel doubled up, he could have increased his stack to almost 2 million, about 40 big blinds. But to everyone’s surprise, the dealer revealed the 8-S, the only card in the deck that would give Bechahed a straight flush, sending Seidel to the rail with $26,000 for his 21st-place finish.
As the commentators expressed their shock, Seidel remained calm. He stood up with a smile and congratulated Bechahed before heading off to collect his winnings. Bechahed finished the event in 15th place, taking home over $32,000.
