WSOP opens investigation of Martin Kabrhel after cheating accusation

The World Sequence of Poker is investigating a participant for dishonest after he completed third in the most costly event on the schedule.

Martin Kabrhel, a high-stakes skilled from the Czech Republic, was accused of wrongdoing Sunday by at the very least two outstanding poker gamers earlier than, throughout and after the $250,000 buy-in Tremendous Excessive Curler No-Restrict Maintain’em occasion.

Event officers mentioned Monday they have been conscious of the allegations.

“Whereas we don’t focus on particular safety protocols used to observe gamers and gaming tools, the integrity of the sport stays paramount and we will guarantee fellow patrons that we’re taking these allegations very severely,” the WSOP mentioned in an announcement to the Overview-Journal. “As that is an ongoing investigation, there is no such thing as a additional touch upon the matter at the moment.”

Previous to the beginning of the ultimate desk of the Tremendous Excessive Curler occasion, skilled poker participant Andrew Robl accused Kabrhel on Twitter of marking playing cards and requested, “How is Martin Kabrhel not banned from the WSOP?”

Robl completed out of the cash within the event.

The ultimate 9 gamers have been knowledgeable earlier than play began Sunday at Horseshoe Las Vegas they’d not be permitted to face whereas their hand was dwell, a ruling that gave the impression to be aimed toward Kabrhel.

At one level throughout six-handed play, Kabrhel stood up and a event official was referred to as to the desk.

“The explanation that you just’re not allowed to face is that if the playing cards have been marked, you’d have a greater angle of it,” sixth-place finisher Dan Smith informed Kabrhel. “So, as a preventative measure, we will’t have that. … That’s the explanation the ruling sits.”

When Kabrhel requested in the event that they have been severe, high-stakes professional Likelihood Kornuth weighed in.

“They’ve created the rule so that you can shield us,” Kornuth mentioned. “When you’ve got any extra questions, tell us.”

After Smith was eradicated, he wished the remainder of the desk good luck and informed Kabrhel he must be banned.

“Your antics are the worst of anyone I’ve ever (performed with),” Smith mentioned.

Kabrhel defended himself Monday, posing an announcement on Twitter that mentioned he meant to pursue authorized motion towards Robl.

“I’m not a cheater, this isn’t true!!” Kabrhel wrote. “This gossip is damaging me not solely as poker participant, but additionally my enterprise actions and my household.”

Kabrhel has two WSOP bracelets and 5 Circuit rings for event victories with greater than $11.6 million in profession earnings, in keeping with the Hendon Mob Poker Database.

He additionally has a popularity for getting underneath gamers’ pores and skin along with his stalling techniques and desk discuss.

Kabrhel earned practically $2.3 million in Sunday’s occasion that was gained by high-stakes professional Christopher Brewer for $5.3 million.

Contact David Schoen at dschoen@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5203. Comply with @DavidSchoenLVRJ on Twitter.