Poker

Most Amazing Hands in Texas Hold’em History

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Last updated: 12 November 2024

4 min

Ever wondered which hands made Texas Hold'em history? In this blog, we’ve pulled together the top 4 most iconic Texas Hold'em moments ever caught on camera—and a few that weren’t. These are the hands that left jaws on the floor, whether during a high-stakes WSOP showdown or a nail-biting cash game. If you're a fan of poker or just love the drama, you'll want to see why these hands are still talked about today.

Plus, you’ll discover why poker legend Stuey Ungar is considered one of the greatest to ever play the game.

1. Chris Moneymaker vs. Sammy Farha (2003 WSOP Main Event)

In what became known as the "Bluff of the Century," Chris Moneymaker, an unknown amateur and accountant who qualified for the event through a $38 satellite, faced off against seasoned poker pro Sammy Farha in the 2003 WSOP Main Event.

Holding K♠ 7♥, Moneymaker found himself behind on the flop (9♠ 6♠ 2♦) against Farha’s Q♠ 9♥. On the turn (8♠), Moneymaker picked up a straight and flush draw, prompting him to raise Farha’s bet. However, after missing both draws on the river (3♥), Moneymaker made a bold all-in move, despite only holding king-high.

After 20 agonising minutes, Farha folded his top pair, handing Moneymaker the pot and paving the way for his historic win. This bluff wasn’t just about winning a hand—it marked the beginning of the online poker boom and showed that even amateurs could topple the giants of the game.

Fun Fact: Farha later admitted that he had an instinct Moneymaker was bluffing but ultimately second-guessed himself, leading to the fold.

Did You Know?

Chris Moneymaker’s victory is credited with sparking the poker boom. After he won the WSOP Main Event, online poker sites saw a huge surge in interest, with thousands of new players inspired by his amateur-to-champion story. This phenomenon is now famously referred to as "The Moneymaker Effect."

2. Doyle Brunson vs. Jesse Alto (1976 WSOP Main Event)

Doyle Brunson’s 1976 WSOP Main Event victory over Jesse Alto, an amateur car dealer, is one of the most iconic moments in poker. Facing Alto’s A♥ J♦, Brunson held the now-legendary 10♠ 2♠, a seemingly weak hand. The flop came A♠ J♠ 10♦, giving Alto two pair and leaving Brunson with just a pair of tens. However, Brunson pushed all-in, and Alto, lacking the experience to withstand the pressure, called.

The turn and river revealed 2♦ and 2♣, completing Brunson’s full house and securing his win. This victory not only marked a milestone in Brunson’s career but also solidified the 10-2 hand as a part of poker lore.

Fun Fact: Brunson's win with 10-2 in consecutive WSOP Main Events was no fluke—it highlighted his fearless approach to the game, where bold moves often paid off.

Did You Know?

Doyle Brunson’s back-to-back WSOP wins with the 10-2 hand were so iconic that the hand is now called “The Doyle Brunson.” However, Brunson himself admits that he never liked the hand—it’s just the one that brought him two championships

3. Johnny Chan vs. Erik Seidel (1988 WSOP Main Event)

Johnny Chan’s calm and calculated strategy in the 1988 WSOP Main Event helped him claim his second consecutive title. Holding J♣ 9♣, Chan flopped a straight on a board of Q♣ 8♦ 10♥, while Erik Seidel, with Q♣ 7♥, aggressively bet into him. Chan patiently let Seidel bet all the way to the river, where he called Seidel’s all-in move to secure the win.

This hand became even more famous when it was featured in the movie Rounders, immortalizing Chan’s strategic mastery.

Fun Fact: Chan’s win not only earned him a place in the poker pantheon but also showed how patience and timing could lead to massive payoffs.

Did You Know?

Johnny Chan’s 1988 WSOP victory was so iconic that it was recreated in the movie Rounders (1998). In the final scene of the film, Matt Damon’s character watches the legendary hand between Chan and Seidel, cementing Chan’s legacy for a whole new generation of poker fans.

4. Stuey Unger vs. Mansour Matloubi (Four Queens Hotel & Casino, 1990s)

In a classic heads-up match at the Four Queens, Stuey Unger demonstrated his unmatched poker intuition. Holding 10♠ 9♠, Unger raised, and Matloubi, with 5♠ 4♦, called. The flop came 3♦ 3♠ 7♣, and Unger made an aggressive bet, which Matloubi called.

After both players checked the K♠ on the turn, Matloubi sensed weakness and pushed all-in when the river revealed Q♠. Unger instantly called with just 10-high, correctly reading Matloubi’s bluff. This hand highlighted Unger’s incredible ability to read his opponent, earning him a victory with nothing more than a well-timed bluff.

Fun Fact: Unger’s legendary read in this hand showcased why many consider him one of the best poker players ever. His fearless play with just 10-high remains one of the most remarkable hands in poker history.

Did You Know?

Stuey Unger is one of only two players in history to win the WSOP Main Event three times (1980, 1981, and 1997). His uncanny ability to read opponents, as demonstrated in his call against Matloubi’s bluff with just 10-high, helped cement his status as one of the greatest poker players of all time.

Throughout poker’s storied history, certain hands have transcended the felt, becoming legendary for their drama and skill. From Chris Moneymaker's pivotal bluff to Stuey Unger's unmatched intuition, these moments highlight the poker strategy, boldness, and excitement that define the game. Each hand on this list has shaped poker in its own way, leaving a lasting impact on how the game is played and remembered.

Now it’s your turn—what’s your most unforgettable poker hand? Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to explore more content on the best moments in poker history.

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