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Poker player Michael McQuaid had an unforgettable day last month after a run-in with a wild raccoon left him injured, only for him to bounce back and win a tournament hours later.
The Washington, D.C.-based player, who has earned $75,916 in live tournament winnings, was walking his dog on Theodore Roosevelt Island when two large raccoons appeared near a tree. As one animal began chasing him, McQuaid sprinted down the boardwalk and, while glancing back to check if it was still following him, lost his balance and fell, dislocating his shoulder.
McQuaid went straight to the emergency room, where doctors administered anesthesia and reset his shoulder. Despite the ordeal, he decided to spend the rest of his day playing poker rather than resting.
He headed to MGM National Harbor and entered the $200 buy-in Wednesday night tournament at the 2026 Potomac Summer Poker Open. McQuaid went on to win the event via a chop, taking home around $3,000.
McQuaid said the injury, which will require surgery for a torn labrum, was serious, but that the story of a raccoon chasing him added an odd twist to an already eventful day. The situation became something of a running joke among his friends, especially after it coincided with online buzz about “Jimothy,” a viral raccoon from Seattle known for its unusual condition.
McQuaid shared the story with PokerNews at the same MGM National Harbor venue where his unlikely victory took place.
