On Day 5 of the World Series of Poker Main Event, Jeremy Kottler took his seat at one of PokerGO's three feature tables – midway through Level 21 of the tournament – and proceeded to ignite fireworks on his very first hand at the table.
Kottler's heroics, labeled as "the hand of the Main Event," by 2024 WSOP Player of the Year Scott Seiver, saw him attempt a three-street bluff with complete air – and it nearly worked. You can watch the entire hand play out in the video below.
Kottler goes for it
With the blinds at 10K/25K (25K), Yuchen Chen kicked off the action with a raise to 50K from the hijack. Kottler, new to the table and looking to set the tone, three-bet from the button to 140K.
Chen (2.245M): 
Kottler (2.64M): 
Chen made the call and the two players headed to the 
flop with 340K in the middle. In the face of a check from his opponent, Kottler fired a 75K continuation bet. Chen, with middle set, sought to build the pot and check-raised to 225K.
Kottler, a non-believer, took a few seconds to think before making the call. With 790K in the pot, the turn 
saw Chen slow down with a check. After picking up gutshot outs to a straight, Kottler took his time before seizing upon the perceived weakness from his opponent and betting 250K. Chen settled for just a call this time, bringing in the 
on the river.
While he improved to a full house, Chen checked in flow to his opponent. Kottler took a few seconds before looking at the dealer and verbally announcing an all-in.
Chen didn't love it. After taking stock of the chips in front of him, he entered the tank – clearly concerned about running into a better hand – as he faced a decision for his tournament life.
It took Chen the better part of three minutes to make his choice, but eventually he slid a stack of chips across the betting line for a call and was relieved to see Kottler's king-high bluff. With the win, Chen rocketed up the chip counts as he took control of one of the biggest stacks in play.
Poker Twitter reacts
The clash between Kottler and Chen drew reactions from several notable names in poker, including Seiver and David 'ODB' Baker.
In the replies to Seiver's post, Baker wrote, "I'm breathless. I think I fold the river. That hand was outstanding."
Sam Greenwood, who has been on the lookout for Main Event punts to include in his ongoing thread of head-scratchers, received a heads up about the hand from Day 5 combatant and first-hand witness Isaac Haxton.
