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There’s no question it was the greatest comeback in poker’s history. Stuey Ungar, after twin world championships in 1980-’81, fell on hard times at the end of the eighties. Massive amounts of drugs and gambling took their toll, sending Ungar on a constant search for the ultimate adrenal experience. Instead of that he found that even a man of his talents had their mortal limits.
It took more drugs to get the same high, and bigger bets to do the same. The 1990’s weren’t as fruitful as the previous decade for the man they called “The Kid”. In searching for a rush, he forgot his logic; making bad bet after bad bet, spending money like it was limitless and constantly increasing his drug intake. That self-destructive pattern estranged him from friends and family alike.
When Ungar made his way to the 1997 World Series of Poker, it was a heavy heart. He’d been without his daughter Stephanie for too long and desperately wanted to win her love back. Broke, Stu got Billy Baxter to back him. Into the Main Event. It would be one of the best investments of Baxter’s long, illustrious gambling career.
Ungar played like a man possessed. He finished the first day ninth in chips, then took the lead for good on day two. The old instincts were back; a sober Ungar was still a fierce reality to face for all comers. By the time he reached the final table, it was a foregone conclusion for observers that he’d win. Tournament Director Jack McLelland referred to the other five players as "playing for second” while introducing the final table.
The victory came when Ungar drew out against John Strzemp’s all-in as if destiny had already decided upon the winner. Ungar raised to $40K from the small blind with Ah-4c. Strzemp called with As-8c and the flop came Ac-5d-3h. Strzemp bet out T120K, then called when Ungar moved all-in. John had the math on his side, but reality was a different story; after the turn came 3d, the river was 2s, hitting Ungar’s inside straight and giving him the title.
In the postgame interview with Gabe Kaplan, Ungar promised to clean up his act for his daughter. He held her picture up to the camera and promised he was coming home. Sadly, the good times didn’t last for long; a year and a half later, he was dead. For one brief moment though, the world got to see the old Stuey.
Gary Wise
gary@wisehandpoker.com
