Poker After Dark: Eli Elezra Sets New Record

Season 3 of Poker After Dark brought some of the most aggressive players in the “Jam Up” block of episodes available exclusively on PokerGO. Some PAD veterans – Mike Matusow, Howard Lederer and Barry Greenstein joined some fresh faces Antonio Esfandiari, David Williams and Eli Elezra.

The action didn’t disappoint with Eli Elezra busting on the very first hand. Lederer opened the action with pocket aces, Elezra played back with ace king and Lederer took the pot. In unprecedented action, Elezra was allowed to buy back in for another $20,000 as there was a special caveat that if any player busted in the first orbit during “Jam Up” week they could buy back in.

The fast action set a PAD record for fastest bust with Phil Laak holding the previous record of six hands. Esfandiari commented, “I wish Phil was here…”

“I wish Phil Laak was here…” said Antonio Esfandiari both verbally and visually.
“So do we buddy,” Matusow responded. “We would have made this game seven-handed just for him.”

Williams made his second appearance on PAD flashing some high-end jewelry.

Matusow made a mistake against Elezra mid-way through the first episode where he bet $2,500 on the turn. Elezra tossed out a $10,000 stack of cash to call and Matusow mucked his hand in anger saying, “I’m not gonna let you bust me with this hand again.”

Matusow mucked pocket nines, Elezra only had a pair of eights and the table needled Matusow about mucking. “We need chips on the table, he tossed in a giant stack,” Matusow said.

Elezra told him he was just calling and Lederer called him out instantly. Matusow argued back, but to no avail – claiming that players usually announce action when using cash. “I’m steaming because it’s unfair that you have a $10,000 pack and no one else at the table does,” he said. “We’ve never had a $10,000 pack – if it’s a five then I know it’s a call.”

“That’s the stupidest thing I’ve heard all day,” said Lederer.

“What’s the difference between a five and a ten?” Esfandiari asked Matusow.

Mike Matusow mucked the best hand by mistake.
“I thought he moved all in,” Matusow said, “So I just lost a big pot because of it and you guys want to needle me. It’s fine, I’m used to it.”

Most of the Season 3 match-ups are available on demand exclusively on PokerGO and new blocks of episodes continue to be released. Season 1 and 2 are available in their entirety with Ali Nejad providing commentary.