Jared Bleznick, a well-known figure in the poker world and an avid sports card collector, experienced a rollercoaster of emotions during the Season 14 premiere of High Stakes Poker on PokerGO. What started as a promising night for Bleznick ended in a gut-wrenching $450,000 loss, setting a dramatic tone for the season.
The Heavy Hitters at the Table
The opening game of the new season featured a star-studded lineup, with a $200/$400 no-limit hold’em cash game attracting some of the biggest names in poker. Joining Bleznick were Seth Gottlieb, Brandon Steven, Andrew Robl, Justin Gavri, Marc Kulick, and Markus Gonsalves. The players came with deep pockets and reputations to match, making for an electric atmosphere.
Here’s a look at the starting chip stacks:
| Player | Chip Stack |
|---|---|
| Seth Gottlieb | $250,000 |
| Andrew Robl | $150,000 |
| Brandon Steven | $150,000 |
| Jared Bleznick | $150,000 |
| Marc Kulick | $125,000 |
| Markus Gonsalves | $100,000 |
| Justin Gavri | $100,000 |
The combination of deep stacks and aggressive playstyles ensured a night full of action, drama, and, ultimately, heartbreak for one player.
Early Success for Bleznick
The session started on a high note for Bleznick. He quickly made an impression by winning a significant hand with pocket aces. The hand began when Andrew Robl, sitting in the straddle position, made a bold all-in move with ace-queen suited for $139,000 after Bleznick raised to $4,000 from the button with his pocket rockets.
The flop (Q♦ 5♥ 10♥) gave Robl some hope with a pair of queens, but the turn (J♣) and river (8♣) failed to deliver the miracle he needed. Bleznick’s aces held strong, allowing him to scoop an impressive $279,200 pot. It was a picture-perfect start, but poker is a game of highs and lows, and the tide was about to turn.
A Brutal Bad Beat Changes Everything
Later in the night, Bleznick found himself in another massive pot, one that would redefine the session for him—but not in a good way. Holding another premium hand, he went head-to-head against Brandon Steven, a veteran high-stakes player known for his fearless aggression.
The hand began with Steven opening preflop and Bleznick responding with a sizeable re-raise. The flop brought a mix of low cards, giving both players reason to commit further chips to the pot. By the time the river card landed, the pot had ballooned to over $450,000.
In a shocking twist, Steven revealed a runner-runner straight to snatch the pot from Bleznick, who had been ahead until the final card. The moment stunned the table and left Bleznick visibly shaken, a rare sight for the experienced pro.
Key Moments from Episode 1
The episode wasn’t just about Bleznick’s bad beat. Every player at the table made their mark in one way or another. Highlights included:
- Seth Gottlieb leveraging his deep stack to apply pressure in key spots, securing several pots without showdowns.
- Andrew Robl recovering from his early loss to Bleznick by taking calculated risks, earning back some of his chips later in the session.
- Brandon Steven’s fearless play, which culminated in the $450,000 pot that changed the course of the game.
- Justin Gavri and Marc Kulick showcasing steady, methodical playstyles, contrasting with the aggressive strategies of their counterparts.
Lessons from the High Stakes Arena
Bleznick’s night serves as a stark reminder of poker’s unforgiving nature. Even with strong hands and sound strategy, luck can overturn the best-laid plans. The emotional swings and financial stakes in games like these are unparalleled, making for riveting entertainment—but also immense pressure on the players.
High Stakes Poker remains a masterclass in the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest levels. For Bleznick, the $450K loss may sting for a while, but it’s all part of the game he loves.
