WSOP 2008 Main Event, Quads Vs Royal Flush

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The World Series of Poker (WSOP) is a glittering spectacle for poker enthusiasts. This highly-anticipated series of poker events features the finest poker stars in a tour de force of exceptional entertainment. The WSOP 2008 showcased some of the most unlikely gaming outcomes, as evidenced by the following showdown between Justin Phillips and Mabuchi. The poker pot was steadily building and soon the community cards were A (hearts), 9 (clubs), Q (diamonds), 10 (diamonds) and A (diamonds). Mabuchi held an A (clubs) and A (spades) as his hole cards. Phillips was dealt a K (diamonds) and a J (diamonds). The flop, turn and river actually provided him with a Royal Flush of 10, J, Q, K and A. Mabuchi’s four A’s were thus effectively trumped by Phillips’ Royal Flush.

Is this the Worst Bad Beat in the History of Poker?

The likelihood of hitting four Aces and then being beaten by a Royal Flush in the same hand is 1:2.7 billion. And that’s precisely what happened in the show-stopping encounter between Mabuchi and Phillips. The concept of a bad beat was literally redefined after this 2008 WSOP showdown. It has been noted that 4 Aces comes up once every 4,165 hands. The fact is that many budding poker players have enjoyed hitting quad aces in their poker gaming careers. But the real showstopper comes with hitting a Royal Flush. This occurs once every 649,740 hands. And for Mabuchi, the 2008 WSOP showdown must have looked like a certain victory, until of course Phillips hit his Royal Flush. This gives new meaning to Aces high, as there was nothing to smile about for Mabuchi after he went all in…