ShareUnless you have been living under a rock you will know that the World Series of Poker 2024 main event has been in play, and one of the biggest stories from day one saw social media influencer Dan Bilzerian crash out within two hands.
The main event came with a $10,000 buy-in and attracted some of the world's top poker stars. In this case, Bilzerian didn't hang about following a disappointing performance.
Bilzerian is most famous for his controversial social media antics and the multi-millionaire had a privileged start to life with his Wall Street takeover specialist father, Paul Bilzerian, providing him with a trust fund.
Bilzerian dropped out of the University of Florida to pursue his poker passion and has reportedly won millions in private games.
While it is unclear how much exactly he has won and lost over the years, it is clear he is still a very rich man. Private and online poker tournaments have proven to be a lucrative choice and he went on to claim he no longer plays against professionals.
Of course, professional poker tournaments are very different from recreational games. For example, consumers can enjoy Omaha poker sites where they can hone their skills for low stakes.
IGaming expert Pride Kazunga explains that there are a variety of online Omaha poker games where players can stake as little or as much as they want with free-to-play options as well as tournaments and cash games.
Bilzerian's poker career has seen him grow a huge social media following thanks to his lavish lifestyle and he has even appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast to discuss it.
However, controversy seems to follow the American/Armenian poker player with accusations of misogyny stemming from an endless parade of bikini-clad women on his social media posts.
Alleged drug abuse has also led to health issues with the 43-year-old reportedly suffering from two heart attacks in his 30s. A failed Presidential campaign also followed in 2016 before he backed Donald Trump's pro-gun political stance.
Never one to shy away from his opinions or the controversy that surrounds him, he has also faced legal issues involving assault and bomb-making charges.
While there have been questions about the controversial figure's wealth, it was his performance at the 2024 WSOP main event that has had tongues wagging in poker circles.
Bilzerien lasted just two hands after calling Derek Reid of Scotland whose pocket aces gave him the confidence to check the call. Jonathan Dwek then rasied in Bilzerian's final hand with an ace-jack. Bilzerian went all in on a queen-five but Dwek called, hit a flush, and the rest is history.
His defeat was met with a sigh of relief from many players who didn't want the additional scrutiny and pressure of this divisive figure at the table. His absence is unlikely to be taken badly by his fellow poker players who he once referred to as "fu**ing nerds". It seems the so-called nerds have had the last laugh as Bilzeriaen exited the Horseshoe Grand Ballroom and said goodbye to the event.
Fans of the tournament have been able to keep up to date with all the latest action on PokerGo with the CBS Sports Network also scheduled to rebroadcast highlights from the event.
Viewers are able to pick up tips from the top poker stars and can explore state-licensed, offshore, and crypto-gambling sites that offer poker facilities to put them into action.
Bilzerian's previous decision to stop playing professionals could be reinstated after this sobering lesson, and sticking to private games could be on the cards for him in the future.
