In a moment that stunned poker fans around the world, Gus Hansen found himself at the center of one of the rarest outcomes in World Series of Poker (WSOP) history — a chopped pot in Seven-Card Stud, with two near-perfect hands clashing in a dramatic showdown. The high-stakes hand instantly made headlines as a once-in-a-generation moment in the prestigious series.
The Unfolding of an Extraordinary Hand
The scene unfolded late in a Day 2 session of the $10,000 Seven-Card Stud Championship at the 2025 WSOP in Las Vegas. Gus Hansen, the Danish poker legend known for his fearless play, was engaged in a tense hand against seasoned grinder Steve Zolotow.
The board was pure tension from start to finish. Both players displayed powerful open cards early, leading to a major build-up in the pot. Hansen revealed a run of suited and connected cards, while Zolotow quietly built toward a concealed monster.
On seventh street, both players revealed full houses — Hansen with sevens full of jacks and Zolotow with jacks full of sevens. Gasps erupted at the table as the final hands were revealed. After careful verification by the dealer and tournament floor, it was determined that both hands had the same rank — resulting in a chopped pot, an incredibly rare event in Stud at that level.
Why the Hand Matters
Seven-Card Stud, with its blend of visible and hidden information, often produces complex hands. However, identical full houses of different suits — resulting in an exact tie — are nearly unheard of, especially in high-stakes play.
The hand gained instant notoriety not only because of its statistical improbability but also because of the iconic personalities involved. Hansen’s reputation for drawing action and drama made the moment even more memorable.
Reaction from Players and Fans
The poker community erupted across social media. Many pros commented on the beauty and rarity of the moment. “You don’t see that kind of chop in Stud every year — maybe not in a decade,” tweeted poker analyst Kara Scott. Meanwhile, fans celebrated the hand as a perfect reminder of why Stud still holds a sacred place in the poker world.
WSOP organizers also posted a clip of the hand on their official platforms, and it has quickly gone viral, drawing attention from both hardcore fans and casual observers alike.
Gus Hansen’s Take
After the hand, Hansen appeared amused and energized. “Only at the WSOP do you get a hand like that,” he said in a brief post-hand interview. “I thought I had it for sure — and then boom, it’s a split. I’ll take it. That was fun.”
Despite the rare result, Hansen remains well-positioned in the tournament and is eyeing a deep run as the event heads toward the money bubble.
Looking Ahead in the Championship
With the field narrowing and top names still in play, the $10,000 Seven-Card Stud Championship is shaping up to be one of the highlights of this year’s WSOP. Hansen’s involvement and the unforgettable chop hand have already etched this event into the history books.
As play resumes, all eyes will be on the Danish pro and his path to potentially another legendary WSOP moment.
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