The Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Monte-Carlo kicked off with an unforgettable event filled with excitement, tension, and, for one player, sheer heartbreak. In a dramatic $25,000 buy-in tournament aptly titled the WPT Global Ultimate Slam, 170 players competed for a share of the prize pool, with dreams of glory cut short for many. The day would turn grim for Jeremy Zouari, who would find himself on the wrong side of one of poker’s cruelest outcomes—busting just shy of the money.
The Tournament Landscape
The WPT Global Ultimate Slam drew a deep field, with 170 entrants looking to secure a payout with at least 27 players slated to walk away with at least $43,000. Despite the excitement in the room, only one player would leave empty-handed—the unfortunate 28th place finisher, Jeremy Zouari. With stakes that high, emotions ran thick throughout the Salle de Etoiles Monte Carlo, culminating in a high-stakes showdown that sealed Zouari’s fate.
The Excruciating Bubble Burst
As the tournament progressed, tension mounted, especially for Zouari, who was down to just 10 big blinds and desperate for a double-up. One spot away from the money bubble, the gravity of the situation loomed over him. He found himself in the big blind with a premium hand, pocket Aces suited (A♦ K♦). Meanwhile, Xu Liang raised from an early position with J♣ 3♥, a move that was met with bemusement from the Triton Poker commentators, including the insightful Ali Nejad.
Innovatively choosing to call rather than shove his small stack, Zouari was poised for a favorable outcome as the flop revealed Q♦ 5♥ K♣—connecting beautifully with his hand. Zouari checked and quickly called Liang’s all-in bet, confident that he was ahead with top pair.
However, Liang’s prospects looked bleak, with only a scant 4% chance of winning. Yet, as poker often proves, those long odds can sometimes miraculously shift. The turn card, 9♠, provided Liang with a gutshot straight draw, leaving a glimmer of hope. And then, the river dealt the decisive blow: 10♦, completing Liang’s straight and eliminating Zouari from the tournament in heartbreaking fashion.
The Aftermath and Reactions
“As we see the emergence of the bubble burst, it’s an absolutely gut-wrenching moment for Zouari,” Nejad declared as the audience witnessed his exit from the livestreamed table. Fellow commentator and poker legend Brian Rast articulated the paradox of such moments in poker, stating, “there’s just going to be too many people who are happy about that in the tournament.” Zouari’s misfortune became a boon for the remaining competitors who advanced into the money.
Zouari left the tournament with nothing but distress and a rather hefty $25,000 loss, while 27 other players celebrated their cash rewards. Liang would continue on, advancing to finish in 12th place—well-rewarded for his audacious play despite the odds.
Brian Kim’s Triumph
The drama didn’t end with Zouari’s exit. Amidst the calamity, Brian Kim emerged as the tournament champion, claiming a handsome prize of $941,000. With his exceptional skills, Kim triumphed over Italy’s Enrico Camosci in a tense heads-up battle, earning not only the top prize but also solidifying his place among poker’s elite with a career total exceeding $10 million in live tournament cashes.
Kim’s win added to an already impressive resume, showcasing his abilities as he previously captured a WSOP bracelet and a PokerGO Tour title, solidifying his status in the poker community.
Final Thoughts
The Triton Poker Super High Roller Series not only highlighted the immense skill and tenacity required to succeed at the highest levels of poker but also spotlighted the harsh realities that can befall even the best players in high-stakes situations. For Jeremy Zouari, a painful lesson learned on a seemingly fateful day in Monte-Carlo serves as a reminder that in poker, just as in life, fortunes can shift in an instant.
As players continue to navigate the chaotic waters of competition, they’ll carry with them stories of hardship and heroism—each hand, each turn, and each river holding the potential for glory or despair. The true nature of poker is not just in the hands that are played, but in the resilience that players must summon when facing the inevitable ups and downs of this fascinating game.
