Jungleman Wins $232,000 Pot Against Grandoli

In a Hustler Casino Live broadcast, a pot worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was played between Mariano Grandoli and Daniel 'Jungleman' Cates, two regulars in the high-stakes cash game. The hand came right after the two players failed to agree on a rule about standing-up play during the broadcast. Cates believed he would receive a marker after winning the previous hand, but Grandoli said this was not his right because he had folded his cards.

As the cards were being dealt, Cates asked for a ruling on the marker. Before a decision was made, Cates looked at A♠ Q♦ on the button in a six-handed game. The table had 50-100-200 dollar blinds and several straddles. Cates limped with his $115,250 stack. Grandoli raised from early position with A♣ 5♦ to $5,000, and the pot reached $369,600. Grandoli then 4-bet to $45,000. Cates immediately moved all-in, and Grandoli called. Cates asked to run it twice, but Grandoli asked for one run. When Cates rejected this request, Grandoli said, "It's already a donation, please."

The board came K♦ 9♦ 4♦ 4♠ 10♠. Cates' higher side card won the middle pot of $231,750. The broadcast continued for about another hour. At the end of the session, Cates and Harut finished as the biggest winners, almost evenly, with profits over $190,000. Grandoli, meanwhile, lost $229,000 that day.

The next HCL broadcast is scheduled for Monday, November 9.