New World Record at High Stakes Poker: Eric Wasserson Wins $2.47 Million Pot

The poker world is reflecting on a historic event in Las Vegas. A new milestone was set at the prestigious PokerGO Studios on August 29, shattering the previous boundaries of the High Stakes Poker format. Eric Wasserson, a well-known figure in the high-stakes cash game scene, faced off against the legendary Andrew Robl in a hand that held the entire studio in suspense. With a total volume of $2,478,000, this is the largest pot ever played in the more than two-decade history of the show.

The action unfolded rapidly during a special livestream week presented by CoinPoker. Aggressive pre-flop betting built pressure early on, pushing nearly $600,000 into the middle of the table. When the dealer revealed the Nine, Seven, and Four, both opponents initially hesitated. The turning point came with the Three of Diamonds on the turn. After Robl checked, Wasserson bet $200,000, to which Robl responded with an all-in that effectively totaled $940,000. Wasserson did not hesitate for long and called, sealing the record-breaking pot.

Numbers and facts

The exact amount of $2,478,000 surpasses the record set just in June 2026 by Santhosh Suvarna. Suvarna had won a pot of $2,421,500 during Season 16 of the iconic series, playing against the likes of Matt Kalish and Sam Kiki. Wasserson and Robl agreed to run the river twice, a practice known as running it twice to reduce variance. In both instances, Wasserson remained ahead, securing the full amount. PokerGO, the world's leading poker content company, confirmed the record immediately after the broadcast.

"Eric Wasserson wins the largest pot in High Stakes Poker history, hauling in $2,478,000 against Andrew Robl." - Official Statement, PokerGO Media

Since its debut in 2006, High Stakes Poker has become the gold standard for televised cash games. The show has produced numerous memorable hands, but the year 2026 is proving to be particularly historic. The fact that two records fell within a few months demonstrates the increasing willingness to pay and the risks professional players are taking in modern Las Vegas poker studios.

Background

Andrew Robl, who came out on the losing end of this hand, is actually considered one of the most successful players in the show's history. He is known for his cool, calculating play but was ultimately defeated by Wasserson's aggressiveness and card luck. Wasserson himself solidifies his reputation as one of the most fearless actors at the table with this victory. The show is streamed on the PokerGO platform, which provides all seasons since the start of the series on demand.

Why it matters for German players

For German poker players, such sums are unimaginable in the domestic reality. Since the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021) came into force, online gambling in Germany has been subject to strict rules. Anyone playing with providers on the official whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL) must adhere to a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros. Additionally, stakes at virtual slot machines are limited to 1 euro per spin. These measures serve player protection and the prevention of gambling addiction. The central monitoring system LUGAS ensures that these limits are maintained across all providers. A million-dollar pot like the one Eric Wasserson won would be technically and legally absolutely impossible in a licensed German online casino.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German casinos with a GGL license focus on a secure and regulated environment. While international formats like High Stakes Poker celebrate the fascination of extreme risk, German operators rely on transparency. Players in Germany should ensure they play exclusively with licensed providers to enjoy legal protection and fair gaming conditions. Illegal providers without a German license often lure players with high limits but offer no security for winning payouts. The Wasserson case thus remains a pure entertainment spectacle from afar for local players, highlighting the stark contrasts between the unregulated high-stakes world in Nevada and strict German consumer protection.