Community Reacts to the New World Champion, Player Killed in Home Game

Pros React to Riess’s Win

As the poker world woke up to a new WSOP World Champion it seems a social media storm was brewing in the wake of Ryan Riess’s win.

Having outlasted more than 6,000 players to bank $8,361,570 and claim the poker world’s most coveted title, Riess was naturally filled with hubris last night but one comment made in his post-match interview incurred the wrath of the poker community.

After claiming that he’s “the best player in the world“, Riess quickly discovered the some of the game’s finest tournament players weren’t particularly impressed with his comment.

Among those voicing their disapproval of Riess’s statement was Jason Mercier who tweeted: “claiming to be the ‘best in the world’ after winning one tournament- ya, obviously not true. Gl to the kid in the 100ks! 🙂“.

Peter Jetten was one of a number of pros joining the chorus of criticism, writing that the comment was “ridiculous” and that Riess is “likely not in the top 500“.

Regardless of whether or not Riess was being serious, there’s no doubt that, for the next few days at least, he’s the main man in the poker world and entitled to feel an immense sense of pride.

Player Stabbed Over $3 Pot

We all know poker is a serious game but it seems that a player from India took things too far in a recent home game.

According to a recent report in the Hindustan Times, a 24-year-old from Delhi was fatally stabbed after beating his opponent in a pot worth 180 rupee ($2.90). The incident occurred midway through a home game and during an argument over the winner of the pot the victim was stabbed multiple times in the stomach and chest.

Despite being rushed to hospital doctors were unable to save the young player and he was pronounced dead later that day.

The assailant was quickly arrested and commenting on the case, a senior police told the Hindustan Times that: ” The victim and his friends were drinking and playing cards last evening when an argument broke out over who had won the Rs. 180 in the pot.“