Did Garrett Adelstein get his money back?

Garrett Adelstein, a high stakes poker player, was involved in a controversial hand against Robbi Jade Lew on Hustler Casino Live in September 2022. After Adelstein bet big on the river with the nuts, Lew called him down with just jack high in a seemingly inexplicable call. Suspecting foul play, Adelstein had the hand ruled as misdeal and was refunded his bets totaling $135,000. The incident sparked a heated debate in the poker community.

The Hand Between Adelstein and Lew

Here are the key details about the controversial hand:

• Game was $200/$400 No Limit Hold‘em with a $400 straddle.

• Adelstein ($400,000 effective stack) raised to $2,500 with the J♥10♥ on the button.

• Lew ($100,000 effective) called from the big blind with the J♣4♣.

• The flop came 9♣2♦5♦, Lew checked, Adelstein bet $2,000, Lew called.

• The turn was the A♥. Lew checked again, Adelstein bet $5,500, Lew called.

• The river was the 7♠, completing a flush draw. Lew checked once more. Adelstein shoved all-in for $390,000 with the nuts.

• After tanking for several minutes, Lew called all-in with just jack high.

• Adelstein showed his hand immediately in disbelief. Lew initially mucked her hand face down without showing.

The Controversy and Refund

Adelstein was extremely suspicious of Lew‘s river call and accused her of cheating. After demanding to see her hand, Lew eventually tabled the J♣4♣ for just jack high. Adelstein was awarded the $135,000 pot.

However, Adelstein remained convinced of wrongdoing and threatened to leave the game unless the hand was ruled a misdeal and his bets were refunded. After some deliberations and Lew returning the funds, the casino agreed to cancel the pot and refund Adelstein‘s wagers.

This fuelled accusations that Lew had cheated with the aid of an electronic device or a partner communicating her the contents of Adelstein‘s hand. Adelstein has maintained Lew colluded to cheat him. Lew has denied any wrongdoing.

The investigation into the hand remains ongoing. But as of now, Adelstein did manage to get his $135,000 back after the controversial ruling of misdeal.

Key Figures in the Controversy

Here are profiles of the main individuals involved in the disputed hand:

• Garrett Adelstein – American high stakes poker pro with over $7 million in live tournament earnings. Regular on Hustler Casino Live.

• Robbi Jade Lew – Recreational poker player. Works in real estate. Staked in the game by Rip Chavez. Has denied cheating.

• Rip Chavez – LA-based poker pro who staked Lew in the game. Accused by Adelstein of collusion with Lew.

• Ryan Feldman – High stakes pro who has analysed the hand and believes Lew‘s actions were legitimate.

• Nick Vertucci – Poker pro who has accused Lew of cheating and wants her banned from casinos.

• Doug Polk – Popular poker personality who has said the hand was likely not cheating but very fishy.

While Adelstein did get his money back after the misdeal ruling, speculation continues around whether Lew cheated or just made an extremely loose call. For now it remains an unresolved controversy rocking the poker world.