Robbi Jade Lew electrified the tables at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, where she emerged victorious in a $500 buy-in on Monday night.
Lew’s path to victory wasn’t without its challenges. Initially intending to depart after exiting the World Poker Tour (WPT) Rolling Thunder Championship earlier in the week, Lew’s decision to stay one more day proved fortuitous. She faced off against Barry Birdwell heads up, ultimately besting him to claim the top prize of $11,115, while Birdwell secured $7,410 as the runner-up.
Reflecting on her win, Lew emphasized the blend of skill and luck required for tournament success. “There’s two things that have to happen when winning tournaments — you have to play well and run well,” she explained. “That’s really what it comes down to — make the right calls, make the right folds, and it just so happened it went down for me.”
The victory held additional significance for Lew, marking her first tournament win since a contentious incident at Hustler Casino Live in September 2022. The incident involved Garrett Adelstein, a poker pro who accused Lew of cheating during a high-stakes pot. Lew has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining her innocence despite Adelstein’s assertions.
In a cheeky move, Lew opted to tweak the customary winner photo, replacing the winning hand, with a nod to the infamous hand that sparked controversy. Instead of showcasing the hand she won with Ace-Jack, she replaced it with Jack-four a playful jab at Adelstein. “Jack-four is always going to follow me,” Lew remarked with a laugh. “At first, I was a little annoyed about it, but now I just embrace it.“
The confrontation with Adelstein during the contentious Hustler Casino Live stream remains a significant chapter in Lew’s poker journey. Despite refunding Adelstein $135,000 following the incident, Lew adamantly maintains her innocence. While some viewed the refund as an admission of guilt, Lew clarified that it was a gesture aimed at de-escalating the situation rather than an admission of wrongdoing.
Adelstein’s absence from subsequent streams and the lukewarm reception he received upon his return underscores the lingering tensions within the poker community. Lew remains steadfast in her stance, asserting that she doesn’t harbor a pressing need for the refunded amount but emphasizes the principle behind it.
Born in Saudi Arabia in 1985, Robbi Jade Lew’s journey to poker prominence is a testament to her resilience and dedication. After relocating to San Francisco at a young age, Lew pursued higher education at UC Santa Barbara before delving into the world of poker. Initially introduced to the game by her husband, Lew’s passion and talent propelled her from casual player to professional contender.
Despite the controversies and challenges she’s faced along the way, Robbi Jade Lew remains a prominent figure in poker. Her triumph at Thunder Valley Casino services as a testament to her skill and determination