One of the “mystery” players of the 2012 World Series of Poker Main Event was Percy Mahatan, who may become a well-known commodity if he makes the October Nine. There is literally no track record on Mahatan, who calls Derwood, Maryland home. He had never cashed previously in a major live tournament and, as such, all we can do is look at his performance throughout the 2012 WSOP Main Event to see how the Maryland poker player has performed at the tables.

Starting Day 6 with 2.4 million in chips, Mahatan made some big moves during the opening hours of play. After a flop of 2-8-K, Mahatan bet out and got a re-raise from Alban Juen. Undeterred, Mahatan 4bet the action to 1.15 million in chips (approximately half his stack) and, after a brief study of the situation, Juen let the hand and the big pot slide to Mahatan.

Mahatan used that chip bump to continue to increase his stack throughout the day’s play. He would clash again against Juen, this time calling off all-in bet. Mahatan was crushing with his A-Q over Juen’s A-J, but there wasn’t anything easy about the sweat.

An 8-3-4 flop was innocuous enough, but what was thought to be a safe queen on the turn actually gave Juen a flush draw. That missed on the river, though, when the ace of hearts hit, eliminating Juen and pushing Mahatan’s stack to over five million.

When Day 7 of the 2012 WSOP Main Event began at Noon PT on Monday, July 16, Mahatan sat in 16th place with 6.75 million in chips. While he had to contend with chip leader Marc Ladouceur at his table, Mahatan drove to a 16th place finish for $369,000.