Paddy Power Poker

Now that 2009 is done and dusted, and the High Stakes Database has recovered from its New Year’s Eve hangover, we can reflect on what has been a frantic 2009 online.

High stakes games are nothing new. As early as 2004, the likes of Johnny Lodden dominated the $200/$400 games on the old Prima (now Microgaming) network. But 2009 was characterised by action across the nosebleed stakes, in a wild new variant, Pot Limit Omaha. PLO encapsulates the volatility, intrigue and intricacy that the high-roller so desperately craves. Literally one session can make or break a life, as Isildur1’s $4 million losing session at the hands of Brian Hastings proved. If the gusty Swede didn’t have backers, how could he ever reach such dizzying financial heights again?

The emergence of martonas, and more recently Isildur1, have glamorized the high stakes poker environment. Who is still talking about Joe Cada’s WSOP Main Event victory? Amidst all the carnage, we give a brief summary of the year’s biggest winners and losers.

Life may be a bitch, but not for Patrik Antonius. The handsome Finn has made a seamless transition between tennis pro, male model and brilliant poker pro. Following on from the $1.3 million in 2007 and $1.4 million in 2008, Patrik made a staggering $8.9 million online in 2009. The Team Full Tilt member has a squeaky clean-image, and leads a quiet family life, residing in the millionaire’s playground Monaco. Despite dropping $1 million to Tom Dwan in the durrrr challenge, he finished 2009 as the top earner.

Phil Ivey is the most consistent winner online. He was the 3rd largest money-spinner in 2007 with $1.9 million, top earner in 2008 with $7.3 million, and second place in 2009 with $6.3 million. 2009 wasn’t all plain sailing for Ivey, but in the winter months he went on a $4 million heater, exploiting Tom Dwan and Isildur1’s unchecked aggression. It’s been a magnificent year for Ivey at the tables – he scooped two bracelets at the World Series, and finished 7th in the Main Event for a million dollar pay day. Sammy Farha describes him as one of the biggest winners in Bobby’s Room, and Brad Booth reckons he is the only player properly rolled for the nosebleed stakes (with a bankroll in the excess of $50 million).

To the displeasure of many railbirds, Brian Hastings was 2009’s 3rd biggest winner. He enjoyed a pretty mediocre year…that was until he ravaged Isildur1 out of $4 million in a single session. It seems likely Cardrunners will hold on to the funds, despite Brian Townsend being suspended for his role in sharing the Swede’s hand histories. Meanwhile 20 year old American, Ashton ‘theASHMAN103’ Griffin put his problems with tilt and bankroll management behind him, to record a $3.6 million profit in 2009.

As for the biggest losers, it was a nightmare year for Tom Dwan, as he shouldered a $4.2 million deficit. His year started badly losing millions to Gus Hansen, before enjoying some respite in the summer. He then succumbed to obnoxious rival Luke Schwartz for $700k, before losing an incredible $5 million to Isildur1, which has since been dispersed across the high stakes community. Despite being stuck in the red, 2009 may still be deemed a success for durrrr. His PR image and marketability shot up due to a string of peerless live performances, which culminated in his acceptance into Team Full Tilt. Dwan enjoyed a fine end to 2009, winning back $2 million, and also harbours a $1 million lead in the durrrr challenge.

Charismatic Dane Gus Hansen was the target for high stakes sharks, and recorded a $5.7 million deficit. In December, he announced he was taking a poker sabbatical, and after analysing his game, hopes to come back refreshed for 2010. Despite his crippling losses, Gus remains one of the game’s most feared NL Hold’em tournament players, and fairs very high in the popularity stakes.

Biggest Winners:
Patrik Antonius $8.9 million
Phil Ivey $6.3 million
Brian Hastings $4.2 million
Ashton ‘TheASHMAN103’ Griffin $3.6 million
Ilari ‘Ziigmund’ Sahamies $3.2 million