Player Flops Royal Flush To Land Nearly $1M at MGM National Harbor
A stunning Royal Flush of diamonds has delivered a life-changing $961,428.50 jackpot to one fortunate player at MGM National Harbor's Ultimate Texas Hold'em tables this November.
The anonymous winner struck gold on November 3rd at BetMGM's luxury Maryland resort, completing Ultimate Texas Hold'em's most coveted hand in spectacular fashion.
Making the feat even more remarkable, they flopped the immortal combination outright – no sweat, no drama, just an instant near million-dollar payday.
The dream scenario unfolded when our anonymous hero looked down at the A♦10♦ – a starting hand that would have had Ultimate Texas Hold'em veterans anywhere holding their breath.
Across the felt, the dealer revealed a modest 6♠9♠.
Then came the moment of magic: the flop spread Q♦K♦J♦, completing an instant Royal Flush and cementing one of the largest table game jackpots in American casino history.
The turn and river (7♣2♣) were mere formalities as our winner sat before a tower of chips that would put any Cheetos stash to shame.
Check out the winning hand here:
Lightning has struck twice at National Harbor's Ultimate Texas Hold'em tables this year – back in May, PokerNews reported on another massive score when a lucky Virginian scooped $1.2M at the same venue.
"What an incredible way to kick off the holidays," said Alex Alvarado, MGM National Harbor's Vice President of Casino Operations.
"We take great pride in offering the premier selection of table games in an industry where anything is possible. Today, that possibility became a reality with a life-changing win for our guest."
Want to learn the best Ultimate Texas Hold'em strategy? Check out our guide to Ultimate Texas Hold'em, which includes everything you need to know!
What Is Ultimate Texas Hold'em?
For poker fans seeking the excitement of the game but with a more relaxed vibe, Ultimate Texas Hold'em feels like poker’s favorite cousin—familiar yet refreshingly different.
Instead of facing off against seasoned sharks, players go head-to-head with the house, making it a perfect sweet spot for newcomers and recreational players alike.
How Ultimate Texas Hold'Em Works
The action kicks off with two mandatory bets – the Ante and Blind – plus an optional Trips side bet for those hunting bigger paydays. Players then receive their two-card starting hand, followed by three community cards hitting the felt (the flop). Here's where strategy comes into play: stick to your guns with a check, or fire a hefty Play bet of 3-4 times your Ante.
The dealer then reveals the turn and river cards to complete the board. To claim victory, you'll need to outdraw the dealer's hand – but there's a catch. The dealer needs at least a pair to "qualify." If they fall short, you'll collect even money on your Ante while your Play bet stands pat. Beat a qualified dealer, and both bets are winners.
What makes Ultimate Texas Hold'em so appealing is its blend of familiar poker hand rankings with casino game dynamics. You get all the rush of making monster hands like royal flushes and full houses, but in a more controlled, predictable environment than traditional poker rooms.