Darvin Moon who finished runner-up in the 2009 WSOP Main Event has died following complications from surgery. The complete unknown came out of nowhere to almost pull off the impossible in the same style as Chris Moneymaker.
Darvin Moon Came So Close
Darvin Moon will be remembered as one of those characters who didn’t look as if he belonged to this modern era of poker. It is said that he never played a single hand of online poker in his life.
When Joe Cada defeated him to become the youngest ever WSOP Main Event winner at only 21 it would have been natural to just fade away in the background. But Moon had captured the imagination of the crowd.
Many posters on Twitter fondly remember that year and what it meant for amateur players.
“Darvin Moon is everything that makes the World Series Main Event a beautiful event in the aspect that anyone could show up, have the time of their lives, and have a chance to become a champion,”
The best person I ever met through poker is Darvin Moon. A man of integrity and honor. And quite possibly the most interesting person I’ve ever known. Truly. He and his wife Wendy became good friends. Sadly, Darvin succumbed to complications from surgery today. He’ll be missed. pic.twitter.com/oq0DmL74Jk
— Todd Anderson (@PokerNight_Todd) September 19, 2020
A Final Table to Remember
The 2009 WSOP Main Event was one to remember. Lining up alongside Maryland logger Darvin Moon was none other than Phil The GOAT Ivey and Jeff Shulman, the editor of CardPlayer Magazine.
Ivey was primed to fulfill his destiny. Shulman had made waves by promising to throw away his gold bracelet if he won.
Harrahs apparently didn’t care enough about the players any more and was purely thinking about the money in the poker boom after Moneymaker’s victory in 2003.
Thanks for the memories Darvin moon. You inspired so many people and starred in one of the most memorable final tables in WSOP history. We will never forget. Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/QHDArJLDyh
— WSOP (@WSOP) September 20, 2020
Moon had qualified for the main event through a $130 satellite tournament in Wheeling, West Virginia, and was sitting with around a quarter of the chips in play with only 11 players left.
Billy Kopp had stacked off with a massive stack holding a flush only to discover he was drawing dead against Moon’s even bigger flush. It was game on now.
With seven players left Moon then became the villain.
Phil Ivey was the greatest player in the world at the time. Not only that but possibly the most popular too.
When he picked up AK and declared himself all-in, Moon couldn’t find a fold with AQ, and we had a 13.73 million chips pot.
Unfortunately for Ivey a queen came on the flop breaking the hearts of the crowd.
Darvin Moon – A True Gentleman
When Joe Cada rode his luck and took the victory, most of the rail had grown fond of Moon and his gentlemanly conduct. Everyone could see he was one of the nice guys, and genuine to a tee.
In fact he turned down a six-figure sponsorship deal to wear patches during the November Nine stage. He thought it wasn’t right to endorse something he didn’t believe in.
He confirmed that he had never played online poker, and it was reported that he didn’t even own a computer. Definitely one of the old school.
There was much discussion on the TwoPlusTwo forums about what kind of a champion Darvin Moon would make for the game.
People were torn over an amateur taking down the spoils once again, completely forgetting that this is a part of the beauty of the game.
Upon news of his death the forums were full of respectful messages recognising his contribution to an amazing WSOP in 2009.
People can see that characters like Moon make the game what it is. Poker is not just high stakes.
Earn up to 60% partypoker rakeback when signing up through us!
When signing up through VIP-Grinders.com on partypoker, you can now earn up to 60% cashback on partypoker plus take part in the following exclusive VIP-Grinders Promotions with massive extra value:
- $30 Welcome Bonus in SPINS Tickets
- Up to 60% Cashback via the Diamond Elite Club
- 5 x €250 Private Poker Freeroll per month
- Exclusive Party & Bwin Chase
Terms and conditions apply. New customer offer and 18+ only. Should you require help regarding your betting pattern, please visit www.begambleaware.org
