5 Poker Players with Inspiring Comeback Stories

We all know that every player — whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro — faces challenges. But some players shine when it comes to making a comeback. Let’s dive into the inspiring journeys of five players who faced setbacks and returned even stronger.

Spinanga online casino is a perfect place to start playing poker with its multiple game variations, including live dealer ones. It accepts deposits as low as €10, making it ideal for budget-conscious players. Besides, it offers a welcome package for new players, providing up to €500 in bonus funds and 200 free spins for specified slots.

1. Chris Moneymaker

In 2003, a Tennessee accountant took a daring step by jumping into a $39 satellite tournament on PokerStars. He won it, earning himself an entry to the $10,000 buy-in WSOP main event.

He made an incredible comeback with just 1,000 chips, ultimately winning $2.5 million. This moment kicked off the “Moneymaker Effect,” changing the poker game for good.

But with fame came its challenges. Moneymaker went on to fight his personal demons through a painful divorce and blew the money he had won on a flashy lifestyle.

He eventually regained his footing with sponsorships and public appearances.

His comeback peaked in 2024 when he crushed the Enjoy Poker Tour Main Event, turning a measly three big blinds into a whopping $179,770 payday. Moneymaker’s story proves that success is possible with persistence and a sprinkle of luck.

2. Greg Merson

Merson built his reputation with cash game skills, winning $200,000 at the 2010 Borgata Winter Open.

But then life took an unexpected turn. He struggled with alcohol and drug addiction and decided to step back for his mental health (a smart move, really).

In 2012, Merson made a stunning comeback in the WSOP main event. When he fell to just 50,000 chips, less than three big blinds, he never panicked and just slowly chipped back. When the final table rolled around, he was sitting with 28,725,000 chips.

Merson had to outlast such tough opponents as Jesse Sylvia and Jake Balsiger and played an exceptional game against them that lasted 12 hours. He thus took the WSOP bracelet and was paid $8.5 million. In addition, he became the WSOP Player of the Year, motivating players everywhere to fight through their adversities.

3. Tom Dwan

Dwan gained fame in the late 2000s after turning a $50 birthday gift into $15,000 playing low-stakes games. He quickly became a top player on Full Tilt.

This guy was famous for his fearless “Durrrr Challenge,” testing his skills in high-stakes duels.

But in 2011, Dwan suffered a major setback when the U.S. government froze Full Tilt Poker’s assets. It forced him to lie low and focus on private high-stakes games in Macau.

He made a strong return, attending high-stakes cash games like the Triton Super High Roller Series and causing chaos on live streams such as the Hustler Casino Live.

Dwan’s comeback included significant wins, with one pot hitting over $3 million (can you imagine?). His ability to adapt proves that overcoming challenges requires both skill and a willingness to evolve.

4. Annette Obrestad

Annette captured the spotlight by winning the first-ever World Series of Poker Europe (WSOPE) Main Event just days before her 19th birthday. Under the alias Annette_15, she grew her bankroll entirely from freeroll tournaments, raking in an impressive $836,000 between 2006 and 2007.

After her early triumphs, including that historic WSOPE win, she struggled to transition from online to live tournaments. The pressure was intense, and it forced her to step back from public play — her last recorded cash in a live tournament was back in 2018.

Determined to regain her competitive edge, Obrestad took up Scrabble tournaments (yes, really!), showing her competitive spirit. She even finished fourth at the Crescent City Cup, proving she could adapt and excel in new challenges. Alongside her poker comeback, she became a mental health advocate within the poker community. Annette’s journey highlights resilience and the ability to reinvent oneself.

5. Maratik

Here’s a lesser-known yet equally inspiring figure in the poker world. This player showcased his talent around 2015 by finishing at the top of online leaderboards and winning big in lower-stakes tournaments like PokerStars Micro Millions and Sunday Million.

But then the pressure to maintain that winning streak became overwhelming. He struggled with the emotional toll of losing money, and it really affected his mental health. Connecting with fellow players and seeking advice from mentors helped him regain his confidence.

Determined to improve, Maratik studied strategies, worked on his mental game, and focused on discipline (which, let’s face it, isn’t easy).

His breakthrough came in 2019 when he qualified for the World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP) Main Event through frequent player point satellites. That moment gave him a shot at competing against the best. Maratik’s journey shows that persistence and a positive mindset can lead to success, no matter how far you’ve fallen.

The experiences of these five players remind us that setbacks can often pave the way for remarkable comebacks. Whether one is a seasoned professional or an amateur, there’s something to take away from their journey. Welcome challenges, tweak your strategies, and remember that the road to success in poker — and life — rarely goes in a straight line.