Texas Mike apologizes for alleged Nit-roll incident, sparking polarized reactions on social media.
Regional newsTexas Mike publicly apologized after losing a record-breaking $4.26 million pot on High Stakes Poker, angered by his opponent's long deliberation. The incident sparked social media discussion, with Wasserson stating he fully accepted the apology. Michael “Texas Mike” Moncek publicly apologized for his subsequent words and actions after losing a record-breaking $4.26 million pot on Monday's High Stakes Poker show. The two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet winner had a verbal altercation with winner Eric Wasserson after the hand. However, Moncek—a player known for not verbally abusing opponents or losing his temper after a huge loss—acknowledged his inappropriate behavior, although most poker fans on social media did not harshly criticize his actions. However, some poker fans believed that Wasserson (who won the record-breaking pot with nine-high diamonds) was using a "nit-roll" by holding a strong hand and deliberating for a long time after facing a seven-figure all-in bet. What happened after the hand? Seconds after Wasserson called, an emotional Texas Mike told his opponent, "Maybe the worst nit-roll ever." Wasserson responded, "I immediately said I had a huge hand. I've never played a pot this big." Moncek held only 10 high on a board of 9♣ K♦ A♦ 4♥ 5♦, having already built a pot of $1,046,000 after betting on the flop and turn. He had more chips than Wasserson, who held 9♦ 7♦ and had $1.6 million in chips pre-rival. Unwilling to give up such a large pot so easily, Moncek went all-in—a move that should have succeeded if the river hadn't been a diamond. Wasserson went into a two-minute deep think, not remaining silent. He seemed genuinely worried he might lose to a stronger flush—the only hand that could beat him. “Give me some time. I don’t think I can really fold, but…” Wasserson said as he considered calling or folding. Ultimately, as all the viewers expected, the call happened, and Wasserson won the $4,260,000 pot, the largest pot in the history of High Stakes Poker. Texas Mike immediately accused Wasserson of nit-rolling him, and the argument raged for a while. He criticized Wasserson, who already had around $4 million in winnings and over $5 million in chips, for failing to generate more.
