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Mike Matusow fights his demons every day. Drugs, the need for passion, these things are well-documented parts of his life, and while they can be conquered, they never truly go away. Never mind that he’s the unluckiest man on the face of the planet.
Best remembered for his brief appearance at the final table of the 20005 WSOP, it wasn’t mike’s first trip to hallowed ground. That came four years earlier when he got there with the fourth largest stack, $767K.
The Mouth was cruising along, playing with measured aggression at a table that included eventual winner Carlos Mortensen, Phil Gordon and Phil Hellmuth. Mortensen was the big stack and wasn’t exactly being shy about it. He treated the blinds and antes like they were rightfully his. Matuow waited for the right moment to pounce on one of the Spaniard’s pre-flop raises.
That opportunity finally came when the tournament was down to seven players. Henry Nowakowski, a German amateur who’d been the only player to start the day with a stack in seven figures, limped before Mortensen’s inevitable raise. Carlos didn’t disappoint, making it $80K to go.
Matusow was ready for him, re-raising another $300 from the small blind. It was a defiant bet that would put Carlos to the test. At least, it would have if not for the quiet German. Nowakowski re-raised all-in for another $65K. Matusow had little choice but to call, regardless of his hand because of the size of the pot; $868K Mortensen folded.
Henry turned over pocket kings, hardly a surprise in light of the betting, but Mike’s hand was another matter. He turned over 7-2 offsuit, a hand he’s been seen playing with on more than one occasion. He had a little chuckle, then watched as the deck missed him completely.
“I knew you had nothing, Carlos.” Matusow announced loud enough for the room to hear, “We’re here to play poker, boys, back to work. Now you guys are never going to know what I have when I move in. All I have to do is get a few chips back, and we can have a little party." He’d eventually double up and make another run, but sixth was the best he could muster. Nowakowski finished seventh.
Nut rivers,
Gary Wise
gary@wisehandpoker.com
