High Stakes Games in Macau

March 4th, 2011

An incredible on again, off again, high stakes poker cash game is at a rest point in Macau. With nosebleed stakes and big names playing many people are watching for any information coming out of the Starworld Casino. This highly watched poker game has included some big names such as Patrik Antonius, John Juanda, Tom Dwan screen name ‘Durrrr’, Phil Ivey and many others. The game is played at the Starworld Casino in ‘Little Vegas’ Macau, China. The rules in Macau, and at this casino specifically, are designed to make getting information about the cash game a real challenge; however information is leaking out. Two plus Two and Pocket Fives have ongoing threads regarding the cash game and the incredible stakes, both rumored and real.
The big cash game at the Starworld Casino came into the limelight during the Asian Pacific Poker Tour 2010 (APPT). At that time many of the big names that were drawn to Macau, China for the tournament found the cash game interesting after each bust or break. This no limit game has transformed from a casual cash game among respected players into an undeniably record setting poker game. Several players, including Tom Dwan and Patrik Antonius have been known to return often.
In an impromptu interview Patrik Antonius was recorded saying, “It’s the biggest game at the moment.”
In previous trips, Patrik Antonius has been up in this high stakes game. He recently got back from the poker capital of the east and a 28 hour NL poker marathon. The stakes in the marathon game were 5/10 thousand HKD blinds, (roughly 6/12 thousand USD) props as much as twice as much between John Juanda, Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan and Patrik. In at least one hand the pot winner raked in 300 thousand USD due to props. Patrik won big for the game and was locked into props early.
The most recent reliable update in the forums indicates that Tom Dwan and John Juanda are still in Macau. The cash game action has recently slowed as both Phil Ivey and Patrick Antonius have both returned to the US. It has been speculated that the big names are enjoying the privacy they receive from playing this high stakes game in Macau. The thought is that the reporters from the US and Europe put scrutiny and an intense spotlight on the players. Not having the active scrutiny appears to allow the professional players to simply enjoy the game.
This game, although in a lull, is far from over. Currently the stakes are higher than any other game in the world, and it has attracted the biggest names in poker. There is no doubt this game will continue and the security will remain intact, making further information difficult but not impossible to obtain.