The world of high stakes poker witnessed a jaw-dropping moment when poker legend Dan “Jungleman” Cates scooped an incredible $15 million USD in one of the biggest televised cash game battles ever.
Six Matches, Sky-High Buy-ins
This epic showdown featured a series of six heads-up matches between Jungleman and Finnish businessman Ossi “Monarch” Ketola. The format was simple but brutal: play best-of-six duels with buy-ins escalating each round.
Stakes started at €1,000,000 and increased all the way up to €6,000,000, creating unprecedented pressure and some of the largest pots ever broadcast.
Cates eventually won four of the six matches, leaving the felt with a profit of approximately $15 million — a payday that instantly cements this clash as one of poker’s most iconic high-stakes battles.
Jungleman’s Trademark Style
The games showcased everything that makes Cates one of the most dangerous heads-up players in the world. Known for his mix of fearless aggression and creative bluffs, Jungleman turned the tide after early setbacks.
- A perfectly timed 5-high bluff, shocking both his opponent and the audience.
- Winning back huge pots after suffering one of the largest televised losses in poker history when Ketola flopped quads.
- Relentless pressure across the later matches, forcing Ketola into tough spots and capitalizing on his mistakes.
Despite losing some record-breaking hands, Cates’ resilience and adaptability allowed him to rally back and secure the historic win.
Ossi Ketola’s Brave Challenge
While Ketola ultimately came up short, he earned plenty of respect from the poker world. Taking on Jungleman across six escalating matches was no small task.
His early victories and massive pot wins demonstrated skill and courage, proving he could hold his own against one of poker’s best.
However, Jungleman’s experience and relentless mindset proved too much in the end, with Cates claiming victory in the €6 million finale to seal the series.
Why This Showdown Matters
The Onyx Super High Roller Poker Series was designed to showcase poker at its most extreme — and it delivered beyond expectations.
- Multi-million-euro buy-ins
- Record-sized pots
- Fearless plays that made this a true poker spectacle
For fans, it’s a reminder that poker remains the ultimate blend of skill, strategy, and mental endurance.
Takeaway for Poker Fans
Cates’ $15 million win is more than just a headline — it’s a story about risk, resilience, and the heights poker can reach.
- Stay tuned to poker news updates to catch legendary moments like this.
- Explore exclusive poker bonuses and promotions for GGPoker to maximize your own bankroll online.
- Study the strategies of the pros — from timing a bluff to staying calm under pressure.
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