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Sunday was host to one of the more bizarre occurrences at this year’s World Series of Poker when Jonathan Epstein, a man, made the final table at the $1,000 buy-in Ladies Event in Las Vegas. Although a few men typically register for the female-specific poker tournament each year, this is the first time that one has entered the last table. Much to the annoyance of many female players at the WSOP, gender-discrimination laws prevent tournament organizers from barring men from the Ladies Event.

In order to make the final table, Epstein had to battle through 1,041 players in addition to some harsh treatment from the rail. The L.A. native said that he registered for the tournament out of necessity, as it was the only event that would fit into his schedule before returning to work on Tuesday. After hearing that the tournament always includes at least a few men, his friend convinced him to play.

Epstein said that most of his opponents have been surprisingly accepting, even if the fans watching the tournament weren’t so accommodating. As Epstein moved up through the tables, he was met with chants of “Beat the dude!” among less savory jeers.

When male players enter the Ladies Event at the WSOP, it’s typically in an act of protest against what some see as a violation of gender neutrality on the part of the event’s organizers. Epstein was torn regarding the implications of the event, describing it as “somewhat unfair” to men despite seeing the WSOP’s reasoning for hosting it.

The rail was generally pleased when Epstein was finally knocked out of the tournament. He was the first player eliminated from the final table, taking a cool sum of $13.7k for his 9th place finish.