David Stamm opened to 65,000 on the button and Jesse Lonis three-bet to 225,000 in the big blind. Stamm four-bet to 525,000 and Lonis took some time before sliding his cards to the muck.
Via an American Idol style competition, Nikki Limo and Lily Newhouse were chosen as the first PokerStars Big Game "loose cannons" in over a decade. As such, they will receive a $50,000 stake to compete in a high-stakes cash game against pros and entertaining recreational players.
The contest began on Sunday from the PokerStars North American Poker Tour (NAPT) with a free qualifier shootout poker tournament at Resorts World in Las Vegas. Each table winner — 20 players — then advanced to an intense interview process on Monday judged by Nadya Magnus, Joe Stapleton, and James Hartigan.
Magnus was one of the original loose cannons when the popular show first aired in 2010-2011. She won over $60,000 on that day, her first introduction to televised poker. Stapleton and Hartigan will commentate on the show when it airs in 2024. Filming will take place at Resorts World this week, however.
The purpose of the audition phase was to find the two individuals who best exemplify a true loose cannon — is at least a somewhat competent poker player, would benefit greatly from winning a significant amount in the game, and has a colorful personality.
David Stamm opened to 60,000 on the button and Jesse Lonis three-bet to 200,000 in the big blind. Stamm responded with a four-bet to 500,000 and Lonis laid it down.
"Good fold, kid," commented Matthew Wantman on Lonis' rail. "Well, maybe."
Jesse Lonis opened to 60,000 on the button and David Stamm defended out of the big blind.
Stamm checked on the flop of A♥2♣5♠ and Lonis continued for 70,000. Stamm called. Stamm checked again on the 4♦ turn and Lonis checked back.
The J♦ river completed the board and Stamm bet 320,000. Lonis called. Stamm showed 5♦2♦ for two pair, but it was no good against the aces-up of Lonis with A♠4♠.