Poker news | jun. 20, 2023
WSOP Opens Investigation into Martin Kabrhel’s Cheating Allegations
By RTR Dennis
Well-known high-stakes poker pro Martin Kabrhel has found himself at the center of another controversy. He is facing accusations of cheating at live poker tournaments by marking cards, an allegation that has previously been made against him several fellow poker pros. This time, however, the claims are being treated more seriously, leading to an investigation by the World Series of Poker.
“While we do not discuss specific security protocols used to monitor players and gaming equipment, the integrity of the game remains paramount and we can assure fellow patrons that we are taking these allegations very seriously,” the WSOP said in a statement to the Review-Journal. “As this is an ongoing investigation, there is no further comment on the matter at this time.”
The accusation took a more serious turn during the livestream of the $250,000 Super High Roller WSOP event on PokerGO, which Kabrhel finished in 3rd place for $2,279,038. During the game he displayed unusual behaviour, including scratching and digging his nails into cards, frequently standing up (against the rules) and staring closely at his opponents chips, he claims to be counting the stack.
Martin Kabrhel ruining cards. Change the deck @WSOP pic.twitter.com/pcP0xKC9Aq
— Hugo Lemaire (@HHHUGINHO) June 19, 2023
Andrew Robl's Initial Tweet
How is Martin Kabrhel not banned from the WSOP? He makes any tournament no fun for anyone and on top of it I’ve seen him mark cards in every tournament I’ve ever played with him.
— Andrew Robl (@Andrew_Robl) June 18, 2023
Kabrhel Threatens Legal Action
Kabrhel, however, has strongly denied the accusations on Twitter.
On behalf of yesterday situation I feel necessary to speak up. @Andrew_Robl yesterday posted on twitter an accusation that I'm marking cards and cheating in poker tournaments. I was shocked by how quickly people took it as true, pure statement with no evidence and..
— Martin Kabrhel (@martinkabrhell) June 20, 2023
Possible legal action against Andrew Robl,
Kabrhel is angered by the allegations and has threatened legal action against who he sees as the main aggressor.
..line.
— Martin Kabrhel (@martinkabrhell) June 20, 2023
I am not a cheater, this is not true!! This gossip is damaging me not only as poker player, but also my business activities and my family. That’s why I have decided to take legal action against Andrew Robl, because in such a professional tournament series as WSOP..