Joseph Marttine

Joseph Marttine is a professional poker player from Ridgefield, New Jersey, United States. He specializes in seven-card stud and has found his greatest success at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City. After a prolonged absence from the game due to a serious health incident, he returned to the felt and demonstrated his enduring skill. Marttine had been playing poker for years before a health scare put his life and career on hold. He suffered a coma after playing for 48 hours straight, which kept him out of the game for seven years. During his recovery, he was on disability. Despite the setback, he eventually made his way back to the tournament circuit.

Marttine made an appearance at the Borgata Spring Poker Open in 2011, participating in the $300 + $50 seven-card stud event. While he did not make the final table, he was noted as a "fan favorite" by tournament reporters. The event drew 47 entries, with Bill Munley taking first place.

The highlight of Marttine's known career came during the Borgata Fall Poker Open in 2012. He entered Event 7, a $400 + $50 seven-card stud tournament with 39 players. Marttine stormed through the field, eventually becoming the chip leader before winning the tournament outright. He defeated a final table that included two former Borgata Open stud champions, including William Ray (runner-up) and Vinny Condina (third place). Marttine's victory earned him $6,809.

A key hand during the tournament saw Marttine crack Chris Reslock's rolled-up aces with kings-full, leaving the WSOP bracelet holder short-stacked and ultimately eliminated. Marttine described this hand as the catalyst for his run to the title.

Marttine is a pure seven-card stud specialist, a breed of player that tournament officials noted as increasingly rare. His strength lies in the ability to read opponents and make big plays in limit stud games, as evidenced by his comeback from a prolonged layoff to defeat seasoned champions.

Joseph Marttine's story is one of resilience. Overcoming a life-threatening coma and returning to the poker table to win a major tournament exemplifies his dedication and skill. While his presence on the tournament circuit is limited, his victories at Borgata have cemented his status as a talented stud player in the mid-Atlantic poker community.