Marty Zabib, a New Yorker now living in Las Vegas, had a 2012 World Series of Poker Main Event story not unlike many of the 97 players who started Day 6. He wasn’t in the greatest shape to begin the day, holding only 1.18 million chips and sitting in 68th place, but it wasn’t the worst spot, either. At least the Nevada poker player could say he was ahead of the likes of Vanessa Selbst, Gavin Smith, Danny Wong, and 2011 WSOP November Niner and 888 Pokerpro Sam Holden, right?

The problem for Zabib was that he was just never able to get things going. If he got involved in a hand, he’d eventually have to fold. If he made it to showdown, he might make a solid call, but still be beaten, like when he made a river call with king-high, correctly thinking his opponent didn’t have much, but that “not much” was ace-high. He just never got it going.

In the end, he moved all-in over the top of the pre-flop raise by David Balkin with A-6. Zabib only had 1.36 million, which wasn’t a lot at that point, and likely thought back to an earlier double up with A-9. That double up, though, came against a pair of deuces, whereas this was a little different. This time, he was up against a pair of eights.

The flop of J-5-2 did nothing for either player, which was good for Balkin. It looked like Zabib was in back in business when he nailed an ace on the turn, but his joy was short-lived, as Balkin spiked an eight on the river to eliminate Zabib in horrific fashion.

This was Zabib’s second lifetime cash at the World Series of Poker. His first came in the Main Event in 2009, where he placed 164th.

When not playing poker, Marty Zabib has a career as a real estate agent in Las Vegas. Perhaps he might find himself a cozy new home with the $236,921 he won.