Michael Jordan ’s legendary competitiveness extended far beyond the basketball court. The five-time MVP’s relentless pursuit of victory was so ingrained that he couldn’t stand losing at anything. This drive once led the New York native to stage an incredible $1.3 million comeback during an all-night blackjack session at a local casino, showcasing how he went above and beyond to prove himself as a winner.
Jordan found himself in a worrisome state
In late October of the 2001-02 season, Jordan’s penchant for gambling drew him to the Mohegan Sun casino in Connecticut. Aware of his high-stakes habit, the Hartford Courant ’s sports editor dispatched a part-time clerk to track the activities of the five-time MVP. Eventually, as the 6’6” shooting guard made his way, he grabbed everyone’s attention. While the security kept fans at bay, the newspaper clerk managed to maintain a discreet watch of Mike’s blackjack table. Moreover, reports from off-duty dealers supplemented his observations.
Mike, accompanied by Antonio Walker and Richard Hamilton, began the night with a $500,000 stake, represented by 100 blue chips worth $5,000 each. The six-time Finals MVP started placing bets of $5,000 to $10,000 per hand.
As the night progressed, the former DPOY’s fortunes waned. By 2 AM, he took a security-escorted bathroom break, having lost a significant portion of his initial sum. An hour later, he appeared to lose his entire $500,000. Even though Jordan tried to raise his bets to $15,000, he struggled to turn his luck around.
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Mike made a stellar comeback
As morning light began to creep in, Mike, who casually sipping coffee, started showcasing his legendary perseverance. The five-time MVP went on such a hot streak that the dealer eventually ran out of blue chips. By the reporter’s count, Jordan’s chip stake had grown to $700,000.
After an exhausting 10-hour battle when the six-time NBA Champ finally decided to end his time at the table at 7:45 AM in the morning, the newspaper clerk was informed that the Wizards’ guard had potentially earned a profit of ‘$800,000.’
So, if you do the math, being down by as much as $500,000 and going on to finish his time with a $800,000 profit, Mike made a $1.3 million comeback in one sitting - talk about making legendary comebacks as well as off the court.
Related: When Michael Jordan slipped out of NY and gambled during the 1993 EC Finals: "We got a limo and went and gambled for a couple of hours and came back"
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