The Monarch Returns After Heavy Losses
Ketola arrived at the Korean Triton with the reputation of a bold gambler. Just a month ago, he lost $15 million in 12 hours in Cyprus during the Onyx Club Super High Roller Series, thanks to Kayhan Mokri and particularly Dan “Jungleman” Cates. It was in a heads-up with Jungleman that the previous record was set—a pot worth $7,700,000.
During the current Triton Poker Series Jeju II, Monarch already lost another $6 million to Wiktor “Limitless” Malinowski and subsequently another $3 million in duels with Alex Foxen—bringing him to a $9 million deficit before the record-setting hand. This time, however, the tides turned.
How the Record Was Made
The record pot started innocuously. Ketola opened with K c J h, raising to $150,000, and Foxen called with 8 d 6 d. The flop K d J d 8 c gave Ketola two pairs and Foxen a pair of eights with a flush draw. Both players checked.
The turn brought A d, completing Foxen's flush, leading him to bet $250,000. Ketola called, pushing the pot to $800,000.
The river changed everything—a K s gave Ketola a full house, making his earlier check on the flop the perfect trap for Foxen. Alex bet another $550,000, only to face Ketola's all-in for $6.1 million.
Foxen called, only to watch in astonishment as his flush fell short, losing $6 million in the process.
💥 $11 MILLION DOLLAR POT!!@Monarch and @WAFoxen collide in the BIGGEST hand of the heads-up battle. GG! pic.twitter.com/38dETwPUCt
— Triton Poker (@tritonpoker) September 15, 2025
The Largest Pot in Televised History
The total pot amounted to $10,990,000, shattering all previous live broadcast records. Though Foxen accepted defeat with a brief “GG,” Ketola emerged as the hero of the night—at least for a moment.
Interestingly, YouTube ended the stream before this hand due to a community guidelines violation, causing a wave of frustration among fans. Those watching via Twitch or Kick were more fortunate and didn't miss the new record. The video of this historic moment quickly spread across social media, allowing everyone to witness this new milestone in the poker world.
Will There Be a Trilogy?
After two nights filled with million-dollar games, the question remains whether Foxen and Ketola will face off for a third “rematch.” Rumors in the lobby of the Landing Casino suggest that a deal to continue has already been struck. One thing is certain—Triton Jeju will go down in history as the venue for the largest televised pot ever.
Sources: Triton Poker Series, YouTube, Twitter
