Sensational start to the $250,000 Triton Invitational: rapid eliminations and incredible hands

The $250,000 Triton Invitational tournament at WSOP Paradise kicked off with big hands and the elimination of well-known players. We analyze the start, the lineup, and the significance of the event.

The biggest tournament of the year — the $250,000 Triton Invitational at WSOP Paradise — kicked off with dramatic hands and rapid eliminations. In just the first level of play, three well-known players were knocked out, but quickly took advantage of the re-entry option. Let’s break down the key moments from the tournament’s opening, the player lineup, and what it all means for PPPoker players. $250,000 Triton Invitational: Poker Elite and VIP Guests The $250,000 buy-in Triton Invitational is being held as part of WSOP Paradise — one of the most prestigious poker festivals of the year. This event features a unique format: the field includes both top-tier professionals from around the world and invited VIPs — wealthy amateurs who received special invitations. A total of 98 players registered, each vying for a prize pool worthy of such a high buy-in. Organizers have allowed VIP guests up to two re-entries, while professionals are permitted one re-entry. This gives players who bust early a chance to get back in the hunt for the top prize. The lineup features poker stars such as Kristen Foxen, Alex Foxen, Mikita Badziakouski, Jesse Lonis, Jason Koon, Paul Phua, and Cary Katz. The tournament promises plenty of thrilling action, and PokerNews will be covering it through to the final table on December 9. Level One: Three Eliminations in an Hour Despite the tournament’s elite status and deep starting stacks, three players were eliminated in the very first level (blinds 500/1,000/1,000). Among them were prominent businessman and high roller Brandon Steven, as well as Tom Heung and Dejan Kaladjurdjevic. All three quickly exercised their re-entry options and returned to the tables. Classic Cooler: Tom Heung vs. Philip Sternheimer Tom Heung was the first to bust, running into a classic cooler against Philip Sternheimer. Sternheimer opened with a raise to 2,500 from early position, and Heung 3-bet to 11,000 on the button. Sternheimer responded with a 4-bet to 45,000, and Heung opted to just call. On the J♣5♣4♥ flop, Sternheimer checked and called Heung’s 30,000 bet. The turn brought the 9♦ — another check from Sternheimer, Heung bet 55,000, and Sternheimer check-raised all-in. Heung, holding K♠K♦, called instantly, only to see Sternheimer turn over A♦A♠. The river Q♠ didn’t bring Heung the king he needed, making him the first player eliminated from the tournament. Quads for Elamawy and a Painful Exit for Brandon Steven In another hand from the opening level, Brandon Steven — who recently lost $2 million on Hustler Casino Live — once again found himself in the spotlight. Steven opened to 3,000 from middle position, Eric Wasserson 3-bet to 10,000 from the button. On the big blind, Sameh Elamawy 4-bet to 31,000, after which Steven made an aggressive 5-bet to 115,000. Wasserson folded, and Elamawy 6-bet to 250,000, covering Steven’s stack (191,000). Steven called, and the cards were tabled: Brandon Steven: A♦K♦ Sameh Elamawy: J♠J♥ The flop came 3♠10♠J♣, immediately giving Elamawy a set of jacks, and the turn and river — J♦5♣ — completed quads. Steven found no help and was eliminated from the tournament. Dejan Kaladjurdjevic Loses to Artur Martirosian’s Full House Dejan Kaladjurdjevic was the third player to exit. In a pivotal hand, he opened to 25,000 from the hijack, and Artur Martirosian called from the big blind. On the 7♣6♥8♣ flop, both players checked. The turn brought the 6♠, Martirosian led for 2,000, Kaladjurdjevic raised to 7,000, Martirosian 3-bet to 24,000, and Kaladjurdjevic called. On the 10♠ river, Martirosian bet 40,000, Kaladjurdjevic raised to 125,000, but Martirosian 3-bet again — this time to 272,000. Kaladjurdjevic called and saw Martirosian reveal 8♥8♦ for a full house. Left with just a few chips after this hand, Kaladjurdjevic was eliminated by Daniel Negreanu in the very next hand. Tournament Standings and Payouts (After Level One) At the end of the first level of the Triton Invitational (buy-in $250,000, 98 entrants), three players had busted and immediately re-entered: Tom Heung — eliminated in a cooler against Philip Sternheimer (K♠K♦ Brandon Steven — lost to Sameh Elamawy’s quads (A♦K♦ Dejan Kaladjurdjevic — lost to Artur Martirosian’s full house (hands not specified in the original, Martirosian’s full house: 8♥8♦) All three took advantage of the re-entry option and remain in the tournament. Other participants include Kristen Foxen, Alex Foxen, Mikita Badziakouski, Jesse Lonis, Jason Koon, Paul Phua, Cary Katz, and other well-known professionals and VIP guests. Key Poker Terms and Explanations Cooler — a situation where both players have extremely strong hands, making it nearly impossible to avoid a showdown. For example, pocket kings versus pocket aces. Re-entry — the option to re-enter a tournament after busting out by paying the buy-in again. Set — three cards of the same rank, made with a pocket pair and one matching card on the board. Quads — four cards of the same rank, a very rare and powerful hand. Full house — a combination of a set and a pair (for example, three eights and two sixes). Check-raise — first checking, then raising in response to an opponent’s bet. Blinds — mandatory bets posted by two players at the table before the cards are dealt (small blind and big blind). Context: Players and the WSOP Paradise Series Brandon Steven is a well-known American businessman, car dealership owner, and regular in high roller tournaments. Earlier in December, he made headlines with a $2 million loss on Hustler Casino Live. Despite setbacks, Steven continues to compete in the world’s most expensive tournaments. Artur Martirosian is a professional player from Russia, a regular at the biggest international series and ranked among the world’s top high rollers. WSOP Paradise is a special edition of the World Series of Poker, held in exclusive locations and bringing together top players and VIP guests. The Triton Invitational is one of the series’ flagship events, notable not only for its record buy-in but also for its unique player lineup. What This Means for PPPoker Club Players For PPPoker club members, the news from the Triton Invitational at WSOP Paradise is a great example of how even the most experienced and successful players can find themselves in tough spots right from the start of a tournament. Coolers and bad beats happen at every stake, and it’s important not to lose your composure after a setback — as demonstrated by Brandon Steven, Tom Heung, and Dejan Kaladjurdjevic, who all jumped back into the action after busting out. The re-entry option, just like in the Triton Invitational, is also common in PPPoker club tournaments. This not only increases the prize pool but also gives players a chance to keep fighting even after an unlucky hand. However, it’s crucial to manage your bankroll wisely and not overuse re-entries. Finally, analyzing hands involving professionals provides valuable material for study: by reviewing such situations, PPPoker players can improve their skills, learn to make decisions in tough spots, and gain a better understanding of high-stakes dynamics.