An $0.80 ticket turned into a career-best poker score for John Kim, who parlayed the pocket change into a $2,650 entry and ultimately $42,700 at ACR Poker.
From 80 Cents To A $2,650 Entry
Playing online as ‘DotardEatLysol,’ the 47-year-old Chicago sales consultant started his run through ACR Poker’s Venom Vault promotion, where he received a $0.80 Venom Survivor Flip Step ticket. After working his way through the fast-paced Survivor Flips, Kim turned that entry into a $2,650 buy-in to Mini Phil’s Thrill.
The high roller tournament drew 61 entries for a $152,500 prize pool.
The Mini Phil’s Thrill is a weekly event on ACR Poker that launched in October of last year. It is the lower buy-in version of the $10,300 Phil’s Thrill, also named for site CEO Phil Nagy.
Turning $2,650 Into $42,700
Kim’s biggest break came with nine players remaining and seven spots paid. Sitting second in chips, he flat-called a short-stack shove with pocket aces before the chip leader moved all in behind him.
Kim called and found himself up against pocket sixes. His aces held against both players, more than doubling his stack and putting him in control of the final table.
The win couldn’t have come at a better time. Kim said his car had recently been repossessed. He and his three dogs are currently staying with family. Now with an extra $42,700 in his account, he has the means to get back on his feet.
Kim’s previous online high score was just $1,400, which he had earned a couple of times in $21 Hyper tournaments.
The Poker Dream…
Last night player parlayed
80c $2650 ticket 1st placeWe love to see it! @MTGtherealMarge https://t.co/ClQZ74oLOF pic.twitter.com/WKLnb0Zh1Q
— ACR Poker (@ACR_POKER) August 10, 2026
About ACR Poker
About ACR PokerACR Poker has been a leader in online poker since 2001, serving players across the U.S., Latin America, and beyond.
The online poker site is renowned for its massive tournament guarantees and innovative formats. ACR Poker has a rewarding loyalty ecosystem, including rakeback, reload bonuses, and leaderboard races.
