In the world of poker, the elusive Royal Flush is the ultimate hand—and flopping one is an event so rare that even the most seasoned professionals might never experience it. But at the 2024 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Paradise, one poker pro’s lifelong wait came to an end. During Event #5: $25,000 Dealers Choice Championship, Jose Ignacio “Nacho” Barbero, a longtime poker veteran, finally flopped a Royal Flush for the first time in his illustrious career.
Barbero’s poker resume is nothing short of extraordinary. Since 2005, he’s amassed over $21.5 million in lifetime earnings, as reported by the Hendon Mob. Among his notable achievements is a career-best payday of $3,445,807 for finishing runner-up in the 2023 Triton Poker Super High Roller Series Event #7: $200,000 No-Limit Hold’em 8-Handed. Despite his many accomplishments, the flopped Royal Flush had always eluded him—until now.
The Build-Up and the Big Moment
The pivotal moment occurred with just 12 players remaining in the tournament, where only seven would cash. It was Level 14, and the format was no-limit hold’em. Action folded to Aaron Kupin in the small blind, who shoved his stack of 88,000. Barbero, sitting in the big blind, instantly called.
Aaron Kupin: K♦6♥
Nacho Barbero: A♣K♣
Barbero’s ace-king of clubs was already a strong hand against Kupin’s king-six offsuit, but what followed stunned everyone. The dealer revealed a jaw-dropping flop: Q♣J♣10♣, giving Barbero an instant Royal Flush. The turn and river—4♦ and 10♦—were irrelevant formalities. Kupin exited the tournament, victim to one of the rarest and most beautiful spectacles in poker.
As fate would have it, Barbero had spent much of the past hour lamenting his misfortune at the table. His tablemates, however, were quick to remind him just how lucky he had gotten with the flop. Barbero, visibly elated, pulled out his phone to capture the moment with a picture—a snapshot of poker history.
A Pro with History
Barbero’s Royal Flush is just one leg of his poker legacy. Argentinean all-time money leader. The 2022 WSOP bracelet winner won Event #67: Super Turbo Bounty No-Limit Hold’em Freezeout for $587,520.
Alejandro Lococo, Barbero’s compatriot, also won at WSOP Paradise. After winning Event #2: $1,000,000 Triton Million, Lococo earned $12,070,000 and his first WSOP bracelet.
The Momentum Continues
Barbero’s luck didn’t end with his Royal Flush. Shortly after eliminating Kupin, he found himself in another big spot. This time, Mike Watson shoved for 150,000 from the small blind with 8♣7♣, and Barbero called from the big blind with A♥9♠. The board ran out 9♥K♠6♠J♠6♦, giving Barbero a pair of nines to secure yet another elimination. With the bubble looming, he found himself well-positioned in the middle of the pack, ready to make a deep run.
Final Thoughts
Poker fans and pros love seeing a Royal Flush flop. Jose Ignacio “Nacho” Barbero’s once-in-a-lifetime moment is a fitting reward for nearly two decades of top-tier play. He showed skill and determination by capitalizing on momentum, building his stack, and cashing at WSOP Paradise.
Such rare moments remind us why poker is one of the most exciting and unpredictable games. Nacho Barbero’s flopped Royal Flush will be one of his most memorable hands.
