Oldest WSOP Player Leaves Main Event to Standing Ovation

At age 96, Jack Ury of Indiana is the oldest player to compete in the World Series of Poker Main Event. Ury started his Main Event journey on day 1B Saturday and advanced to the second day before he was knocked out of the competition by Antonio Maestro on Tuesday. When he was eliminated he was honored by the other 1,476 players who stood and gave him a standing ovation at the Rio as he exited.

Many fans of Ury approached him seeking autographs and photos as his grandson, 32 year old Seth Harrold, escorted him from the tournament in his wheelchair. Ury’s eyesight and hearing are impaired greatly so his grandson was allowed to sit with him after permission was granted by tournament officials. Harrold helps his grandpa stack chips and communicate with the other players at the table. Harrold did not make bets or look at Ury’s cards.

Harrold commented on helping his grandpa, stating: “It’s fun and I know this makes him happy. Everyone at the table is respectful and he loves it. Usually we start preparing for this in March because he’ll talk about it all year.”

Ury started the day with 23,075 chips and after more than two hours of play Ury’s stack got down to less than 12,000 chips. He then called an all in raise with Ace-ten off suit against Antonio Maestro who had Ace-Jack off suit. Both players paired their aces but Maestro took the pot with a Jack kicker and Ury was eliminated.

Ury commented on the standing ovation he received on his exit. He stated: “I enjoyed it, especially because the people gave me such a good applause. The people were all rooting for me, I wish I could have won for them.”

Everyone at the table shook Ury’s hand as he exited the table. Ury commented that he didn’t have good cards. He stated: “Bad luck. I’m disappointed. I may not live another year, but if I do I’ll be playing.” Ury dreams of cashing out at the WSOP main event, something he has never done. He jokes that death will be the only thing that will keep him from the poker table. He stated: “They say you get lucky right before you die and I’m still here. I haven’t died yet, so my cards will come.”

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