The long-time poker grinder sent wife Kristen to the rail twice in two events
At the World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) this week, an unusual dynamic unfolded between husband-and-wife poker pros Alex and Kristen Foxen. During the €25,000 (US$27,600) No-Limit Hold ’em high roller event, Alex found himself eliminating his wife not once, but twice.
Early on Day 2, with blinds at 10,000-20,000, Alex sent Kristen to the rail for the first time. Martin Kabrhel opened the action with a raise, Alex followed with a three-bet, and Kristen moved all-in with pocket eights. Unfortunately for her, Alex had pocket queens and called. The board favored Alex, giving him a set of queens, forcing Kristen to re-enter.
Kristen managed to hang on after re-entering, but later in the tournament, Alex busted her again. With just two tables remaining, Alex raised from the small blind, putting Kristen all-in with 9-8 offsuit. Kristen called with A-3 suited, but a lucky flop gave Alex the lead, and the turn and river sealed her fate, sending her to the rail for a second time.
Despite eliminating his wife twice, Alex gained a chip lead that propelled him to the final table. He faced a heads-up battle against Italy’s Alessandro Pichierri, but after starting with a 4:1 chip lead, Alex couldn’t hold on. Pichierri won a critical flip and took the €335,900 (US$370,000) first-place prize, while Alex settled for the runner-up spot and a €223,900 (US$247,000) payday.
Although Alex has one WSOP bracelet from a 2022 victory, Kristen holds four bracelets to her name. The couple, known for their strong performances, continue to dominate the poker scene while frequently playing at the same events, sometimes even facing each other in key hands like this week’s WSOPE showdown.
