West Virginia’s Jason Koon is no stranger to the high-stakes poker tables. He has racked up over $16.5 million in live action, including a US$3.57-million win at the US$128,000 Short Deck tourney during this year’s Triton Super High Roller (TSHR) Series in Montenegro. Still, seeing a million-dollar pot slip out from between your fingertips is never a good feeling. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened in a recent Triton Cash Game in the TSHR series.

Koon found himself at the game with poker greats such as Patrik Antonius, Tom Dwan and Phil Ivey. Also present was the player that would become his nemesis, Kane Kalas. The game was a €1 million (US$1.17 million) buy-in NLHE event and a particular hand could not have gone more wrong for Koon. In poker, position can make or break a player.

Koon was sitting on A-Q off-suit, undoubtedly a strong hand. He bet in pre-flop with €11,000 (US$12,956), causing everyone at the table to fold except for Kalas and Nikita Badziakouski. Badziakouski called and Kalas raised to €55,000 (US$64,784). Not ready to be put off, Koon five-bet to €120,000 (US$141,000), causing to Badziakouski to get out of the way. Kalas was in for the long haul and called the bet.

A 5-3-6 didn’t offer any support to Koon, but he was confident that he would be able to at least buy the post. He bet in with €128,000 (US$150,000) and Kalas called. A 10 on the turn still didn’t help Koon, but he kept at it, betting €160,000 (US$188,000). Kalas, who was showing no emotion, called and an Ace on the river gave Koon his high pair. Koon felt like his shoving had paid off, and he moved all-in.