SHOCKING POKER CHEATING ALLEGATIONS DURING LIVE TOURNAMENT

Poker cheating accusations rocked the WPT Gardens Championship as Peter Cross accused Andrew Esposito of using real time assistance (GTO wizard app) during live tournament play. This caused a poker controversy and many poker pros got involved on poker twitter. In this video we look at what happened and the aftermath of the incident.
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[@amadueskooler6559]

funny when i play phones are not allowed when you have cards in play, no phones no problems

[@MikeGowan-xo9yv]

I honestly thought they were unless for music…I don’t touch my phone at the table so as not to seem sketchy in any way. People using this stuff in between hands even take mulligans in golf….lol

[@mikemckeon8976]

The only solution to this, or the possibility of someone sharing hand information is to totally ban any mobile device during play at the table. If you want to look something up, just like talking on the phone, step away from the table, that way your actions are not affecting the hand in play. I personally miss the old days of keeping your devices in your pockets while seated at tne table.

[@andrewcrenshaw2459]

this

[@deathbymazda]

Imagine a world where everyone at the live poker table has their phone out with poker charts open. Man, that would totally ruin the experience of the game.

[@ChrisM-wv4gs]

As long as they don't use it while in a hand I don't see the problem . While in a hand that's different

[@jaketaylor3129]

No. You shouldn’t be allowed to use it while at the felt. At all. It’s like studying GTO solutions is the study material for the “test.” Which is the game/tournament. You can only refer to your brain at that point. Anything else is cheating.

[@jacksparrow3490]

Smart glasses are going to ruin it if its not already

[@Mdevlin0]

Exactly. This is a slippery slope and people need to get a backbone and protect the integrity of the game. There’s no going back once we allow this sort of thing.

[@cicatrace]

Cell phones should simply banned from games. Too many cheating apps exist

[@jamiepaolinetti5087]

This is ridiculous. Phones have to be banned at the tables in live poker if the player is in a hand. It has been going on for the last two years. At Cash games it is out of control.

[@bmoresweetz7023]

I Absolutely 100 💯 %percent Totally Agree 👍 it takes away from an Honest straight up enjoyable experience part of the game unless your making a phone call to that which you'll have to step out side and away from the table or your listening to music 🎶 there's no reason to pull out your phone in full view while you're actively in a hand ✋ or when others are actively in play while you're sitting out because of your fold and shouldn't be allowed in an important hand especially above the table like trying to take pictures now if your doing a vlog for your channel then that a different story but your listening to music 🎶 or an audio then thats cool 😎👍 but if your caught using RTA GTO or some other poker tool assistant while in play that mean you have to put your phone 🤳 away to in your pocket while the game is active and the cards is in play because it's ruining the once enjoyable game of poker and should be considered cheating but not banned from having your phone completely because you never know it could be an emergency situation on hand you might have to tend to*

[@jamiepaolinetti5087]

Solvers are being used now constantly. One issue is that the casinos (at least in LA where I live) are not training the dealers to keep up. A lot of them don't even know what a solver is. Thanks! Spread the word. @@bmoresweetz7023

[@tanthony298]

His explanation makes him sound more guilty

[@salgueroart6895]

Yea, especially when he trying to explain that he really does not how to use the app. Sounds fishy why bring it to the table to try and figure it out then.

[@jasras5003]

Exactly. Who tries to learn a new app on the fly during a live tournament? Excuses.

[@jong0000]

absolutely. He was clearly cheating

[@uhwey7650]

@@jasras5003exactly, save that learning shit for after. Who the hell would risk being distracted trying to “learn” an app about a a hand 10 flops ago in a 5k

[@stevest8675]

Exactly. Sound fishy.

[@chrischappa962]

This is equivalent to bringing a textbook to an exam, and between questions telling the professor “I’m not looking at the test right now, I’m just studying between questions.” If this technology existed back in the 50s and was used as the table, your thumbs would get broken.

[@JoeRogansForehead]

A lot more than that . Especially if you won a lot

[@craigwask6098]

This isn’t even a question. Where I play (cash) phones aren’t allowed. It makes no sense to let a player refer to any device in any poker game. The appearance of impropriety is unavoidable if it’s allowed. Like I always believed, If there’s money involved, someone is trying to steal it.

[@jasonrady1230]

Just ban all electronic devises at the table, period. End of controversy These entitled younger generation are a bunch of punks.

[@bonwatcher]

Listening to him explain himself tells me he's making up something while talking. Saying he doesn't know how to use it, yet he also said he was investigating a previous hand. Why use a new app that you know is banned to be used in live poker and run the risk of getting DQ'ed even though you don't know how to use it? Something smells and it's his excuses.

[@johnpercival651]

Exactly, he's completely full of shit. I hope he gets 1 and 2 outed and also many coolers for his cheating ways.

[@chadgridlock]

“You are using gto wizard the WHOLE time!” “One hand” Here he doesn’t defend the allegation of cheating, only denying the amount of times he cheated.

[@michaelg4664]

Agreed. He’s a bad liar.

[@stevest8675]

Agree.

[@jeffv3296]

If players are allowed to use poker aiding apps and be on their phones during hands-what’s preventing them from using code to communicate with each other to let each other know what hands they have? This is pretty concerning stuff.

[@dmed312]

The edge gained from that knowledge isn't going to propel someone to dominate the main event. Actually, if the other players are made aware of the collusion, than your edge actually decreases because everyone else can adjust their play to take advantage.

[@Antyvas]

@@dmed312 Then the next step becomes how to keep others unaware.

[@smackinmatt]

well in both situations you are not allowed to use the phone during a hand that you are involved in, so in theory you shouldnt be able to text a friend that you folded the A spades on a 3 spade board and them be able to read it as the hand is in progress.

[@stevest8675]

Agree

[@JSp8]

You clearly know nothing about anything related to this issue..😂

[@sparatore123]

If real time coaching is not allowed, then the app should not be allowed to be used either. Cell phones in general should not be allowed at the table since they could be construed as cheating. Imagine a tournament where every player has a coach standing behind them telling them to check, raise, or fold.

[@Juntahh]

That sounds like the answer of someone whos guilty....

[@Bhodisatvas]

Mobile devices should be banned at all tables, problem solved.

[@ighdesigns]

I don’t get it. It’s a no brainer.

[@scottlauren3145]

100%

[@-LUUK-]

yes

[@mikemckeon8976]

Totally agree.

[@sharkcapper]

Disagree. Need to watch my porn in between hands. Especially on tilt!

[@TheRealSlowhand]

Ban all forms of communication devices during the tournament... If you need such a tool should you really be playing in the tournament, I think not... Learn the charts and use memory otherwise find something else to do because you don't have the skill necessary to play those stakes...

[@markrabel6281]

There is a rule that you cannot be on your phone while in a hand. He should be DQ.

[@perc3136]

How tf do people not see this as a problem?

[@DoPtRiGGa]

Because they want to do it and cheat too lol

[@meepk633]

Because it's not helping with a hand. It's like pulling out a calculator to figure out how many draws you had in the last hand. The issue is that a bunch of scrub marks have bought into the idea that they are going to solve their way to a bracelet. Never gonna happen. The math is not your issue.

[@MGC64]

huge shocker: terrible ruling from the floor. inconceivable

[@efg1311]

I hate cell phones at the table. In cash games there’s players you have to tap the table in front of them and let the, know every time it’s their turn. It’s the same damn thing with cell phones and driving, people lose total sense of awareness and slow things down.

[@emperorburton]

Didn’t Mike Postle teach us that a phone shouldn’t be used on a poker table.

[@pauloalmaria6833]

No phones on the table if you’re in a hand. It’s a pretty straightforward rule. If you’re not in a hand, you’re more than welcome to be loosy goosy with your decision making…in fact, I encourage anyone who is not in a hand to be on their phone… I encourage all those to be distracted and not focus on player characteristics.

[@feyrh3740]

Tournament Directors just need to get dealers to enforce the no phone during hands policy. In some tournaments here in Australia, if you're caught on your phone during a hand, you get an immediate 5 minute suspension from play. When playing a tournament when your 10 BB's, 5 minute suspension can be a lot of missed time. Simply properly enforce the rule and make the dealers enforce it too, not just the TD's

[@sylvainguinepain5624]

Using the app during the play of a hand is definitely cheating. Using it away from the table isn't, it's a learning tool. I think the rule should be that a player should not be allowed to look at or touch anything other than his cards, his chips, or his beverage while sitting at the table. If a player needs to use his phone, he should step away from the table at least 30 feet.

[@thankyoujodi]

Like smoking areas, have a mobile phone area

[@justinkushable1668]

We need to start policing the game ourselves. Casinos don’t care. This dude straight up cheated and should of got his ass kicked

[@RoCkShaDoWWaLkEr]

I would have been waiting in the parking lot for him, sad no one else seems to have the parts required to confront people away from security.

[@cicatrace]

@@RoCkShaDoWWaLkEr yes violence solves everything, right?

[@AceEquality]

I fcking love this comment

[@thankyoujodi]

​@@cicatracehe didn't say everything, it's facetious to suggest that. You know the kid was being a twerp and least deserved a serious non PC tongue lashing.

[@Kevin-MM69ex]

Why was he trying to "figure out" the app during the tournament instead of doing so on his own free time?!?

[@dleach02]

because most of the tournament play is pretty boring... I've seen folks watching movies in a tournament

[@Kevin-MM69ex]

@David Leach Lol, movies I can understand, but the app and its usage just seemed like bad timing to decide that was a good time to do so.

[@andrewdinns1746]

he is lying lol.

[@jasras5003]

@@dleach02 You're silly. It wasn't like he opened an app not pertaining to the actual game or anything. Sarcasm. Come on man. He knew how to use the app and is a liar. Period.

[@mattnick23]

he knows how it works

[@jonchristy41]

Figuring out how to use the app during a live tournament..right…

[@mikew742]

“He didn’t know how to use the app” what a schmuck…so he thought he teach himself midway through a $5k live game….sounds plausible, yeah ok 🤦‍♂️

[@viktorvasilik5477]

No phone while you have cards. Period. Easy simple solution.

[@deathbymazda]

Absolutely no charts open at the live poker table. This isn’t online poker and it never should be.

[@jimmywheelz6721]

As a Dealer ,I would like all Phones to be banned and video recordings. It’s tough enough for us to keep the game rolling smoothly yet constantly having to tell someone to pay attention to their hand ….and I’m a rookie dealer making mistakes along the way . So the more the player pays attention the less I have to remind them it’s their turn or so on. GOoDLuck to all Playing this Game of poker ♣️ as it’s life and fun ….up and down ….the River can take you away ….Hooyah from a. Tadpole

[@popskull42]

Vlogs are really good for the growth of the game though. There needs to be some way to allow recordings in a more accountable way.

[@theMaster...]

Mobile phones should NOT be allowed at a poker table. Players should be told to put them in a locker and they should be metal / electronics detected before sitting at the table.

[@Goldensimba815]

I was playing in a cheap 160 dollar tournament a few weeks ago I call an all in aq vs aj. I texted my girl during the hand being dealt out after dude got knocked out he called the floor over trying to rule my hand dead floor sided with me. I thought the rule was you can’t talk on the phone at the table or during a hand. dude was snapping

[@CodemanAmerica]

@@Goldensimba815 Depends where. Different houses, Different rules. Always.

[@xancypillosi]

Nevada law explicitly prohibits use of electronics to assist playing. So it’s pretty clear you can’t do it in Vegas. NRS 465.075  Use or possession of device, software or hardware to obtain advantage at playing game prohibited.  It is unlawful for any person to use, possess with the intent to use or assist another person in using or possessing with the intent to use any computerized, electronic, electrical or mechanical device, or any software or hardware, or any combination thereof, which is designed, constructed, altered or programmed to obtain an advantage at playing any game in a licensed gaming establishment or any game that is offered by a licensee or affiliate, including, without limitation, a device that: 1.  Projects the outcome of the game; 2.  Keeps track of cards played or cards prepared for play in the game; 3.  Analyzes the probability of the occurrence of an event relating to the game; or 4.  Analyzes the strategy for playing or betting to be used in the game, Ê except as may be made available as part of an approved game or otherwise permitted by the Commission.

[@jeffg6900]

Cheating or even the perception of cheating has the ability to ruin the game of poker. It is that important. So there needs to much discussion and changes made when warranted. I was playing a medium sized MTT at a major casino in Las Vegas when I observed two players (one of either side of me) apparently messaging each other during hands. I could see each ones screen, they both had a bluescreen, as well as making facial expressions back and forth. One yes, also one was a World Champion, he had won the WSOP ME. At the break I went to the dealer and two other players from our table had the same concerns and beat me to the dealer. The two players were confronted. They admitted messaging back and forth, yet the only action the casino took was to tell them to knock it off! We were all shocked at the lack of any meaningful discipline,

[@aoyt]

We need to ask whether it is in the spirit of the game. Ultimately, the challenge in strategic games is who is the most skilled, which includes memorization, leveling, and thinking several moves ahead. In this instance, the question is, should the tournament be human against human, or RTA vs RTA? If they allow this, then heck, why not let chess tournaments allow players to reference Stockfish during play? And Go tournament players should be able to use AlphaGo. Allowing RTAs defeats the purpose of a competition. Strategy games like poker are based on a player's skill. If everyone can look up the optimal play in-game, the players' skills become moot and it no longer is who's mind is best, and everyone becomes level 9999. It becomes "who's RTA has the most optimal play." If they allow this, poker will be dead soon enough.

[@jolaz69]

This is why I don’t play online tournaments. People sit there with solvers and AI open

[@longdong3972]

Honestly you shouldn’t be allowed in your phone at all at a poker table imo. But if they are allowed, then you should be allowed to do whatever you want in your phone, as long as it’s not in the middle of a hand. That being said, yeah, he used it during a hand he was currently playing, should get DQ’d

[@VenomousStare]

Imagine using a solver at a live game... lol

[@wesleybehn4772]

Not a gambler, but the only electronic devices that should be allowed at the table should be a pacemaker.

[@andytaylor8998]

If you need a chart or a solver then you're cheating basically because you can't play the game with integrity and simply enjoy the game for what it is.

[@victorjadams4220]

cell phones or any electronic devices should not be allowed at a tournament table. They may have use away from the table to evaluate played hands but never live! Poker is supposed to be based on skill and mental acuity and shouldn't be aided by devices in live competition. IMO

[@stetomlinson3146]

Go into a casino, start playing at a table. Any game not just poker, take out your mobile and open any of these apps whilst playing. See how long you last at the table! There’s your ruling!

[@quokka_11]

"Hey, the player next to me is using real-time assistance during a tournament!" "Sir, I'll have to ask you to keep your voice down." 😆 1:13

[@Illiadofmalorne]

Whenever anyone says "even if I did" during their explanation, they were cheating.

[@mosbinatuna]

when you come to play....you come to play....no phones....no notes....no friends....no nuthin....just you and your brain vs the others and their brains

[@JohnnyBGood11]

What gets me is that a person can use that app when they play online tournaments

[@dox42o]

literally says in their own posting of the rules " Betting apps and charts may not be used by players with live hands" and that is what the guy is pointing out to the floor, that this guy was using it while in the hand. How did he not receive a DQ or penalty when the rules are plain as day?!

[@TheNYgolfer]

I thought he was cheating until his explanation convinced me that he really was cheating.

[@lemiless]

I feel like even using it for a past hand, while you are still in the tournament in which that past hand occured, can provide some edge that you didn't have coming into the tournament. I think accessing those apps at all in the middle of a tournament should not be allowed. Or am I wrong?

[@chujwie4028]

him saying that he didn't know how to use the app, makes me pretty sure that he was cheating, or at least not telling the truth, i don't buy it i can smell that shit from miles away

[@damonthomas2975]

See everyone saying you want phones banned at poker tables aren't seeing the big picture. 1. You're going to cut down your clientele a significant amount of you do that...I personally may not even care to go to casinos if that becomes a rule...why should I be punished for doing nothing wrong? Also I simply don't understand why anyone is not okay with this. If he was pulling a Mike Postle or something then yeah that's super not okay and should be banned for life, but he's looking at a chart instructing how to play, in other words his play becomes extremely predictable. Anyone that fears this at its current state is either a weak player or just making an excuse to feel better about themselves. I'm very okay with players play becoming very predictable. I'd willingly play in a cash game against 8 other players openly using solvers, I would even prefer it to a certain extent. Now to be fair I do fear a day when AI is able to become so advanced that it becomes able to start predicting other people's hands with accuracy and therefore become the strongest poker player on the planet...then that's a problem. If people were able to use it how chess players use their computers to cheat then I totally agree that's a problem. But that is not where we are today and there's no guarantee that could ever be achieved in poker... that's the beauty of the game and I think people that are complaining about people playing off a predetermined chart are being a little Kareny and not seeing the big picture.

[@amandadavies6166]

You know you're in trouble when Mr Bean gets involved 😂

[@jkrein82]

No phones - no hats no sun glasses and massagers at the table. Thats real poker

[@novabigstar1509]

Save the learning apps for after the game is over and you are back home. Playing a live game is not the time for study hall.

[@davidgentile4576]

I remember at one time you could not even read a newspaper at the table. Face it you came to play not play with your electronics

[@keanhsu-official]

The Tourny referee handled this poorly. Using any kind of poker app DURING a hand you are in IS NOT ALLOWED. Period. It doesn't matter if you are looking at a old hand from a few minutes ago. Esposito should have gotten a warning. Also, I would have instructed Esposito to open the app to see if he was in-fact looking at a old hand or the current hand in play. If it was the 2nd, then an auto-disqualification should've happened. If Esposito refused to open the app to be looked at by the referee, then an auto-disqualification should've happened. Cross's objection was correct and was in the right.

[@davidgentile4576]

No type of any ELECTRONICS at any table anywhere.

[@lenspicks]

He’s a seasoned Professional he knows exactly what he was doing should have been disqualified This is definitely bad for the Game All electronic devices should not be allowed in poker play even reference on paper shouldn’t be allowed

[@erroreliminator2.076]

Psychopaths will always find a way to cheat... and in poker, there're a tons of psychopaths.

[@timothynelson5684]

How about no cell phones at the table? I can only imagine how they have been used to cheat.

[@auckman2281]

WSOP rules: a player may not use betting apps or charts during a live hand. Pretty clear isn't it?

[@ELKORA2388]

You shouldn’t be allowed to have any training material during a session man it’s bs no phones or headphones it should be just you and your knowledge

[@Bryanpeacock33]

Once this dude started saying he didn't understand how to use the app without ever saying he wasn't using the app

[@orlandoskipper589]

either you play online or you play live...not both at the same time.

[@keithralston1133]

Devices shouldn't be allowed at the table. Period

[@chrisolson3240]

What a headache for dealers and floor people. No phone should be accessed during a hand, period. It should be face down during a hand by active players in the hand. Issue solved. However, the way this particular situation was handled, the guy gets attacked for pointing this out of the other player on his phone. Now I see this as getting more out of control since no hard rules are given.

[@kennethkraft4821]

Cross is right ... esposito is the villain here ... should have been DQ'd and physically thrown out the door onto the sidewalk...a message needs to be sent before this gets out of hand.

[@dustinbasurto7371]

"Even if I did?" = D-bag

[@stephenx2857]

it's wild that phones are allowed in tournament play at all. all electronic devices should be banned at tables where any play is occurring. phones, headphones, anything that could relay information or transmit information shouldn't be allowed.

[@firehorse5206]

Imagine if someone did this with chess , should be disqualified

[@randallross420]

that type of stuff will get you beat up in a lot of games, no matter how you cut it thats cheating

[@justinkushable1668]

Only the ones not regulated in a card room or casino. I wish someone would do this bs in my weekly game. They wouldn’t leave on their own that’s for sure.

[@anthonyiaconianni9451]

If you're using your device while you have cards, your hand should be dead. Period

[@gimletinf69]

If you want to reference an app then you can do it on break

[@bill8by5]

Easy solution - Tournament play, NO phones, NO printed materials.

[@viking956]

"I was using the app to look at one hand from 15 minutes ago." Well now that just sounds stupid. What in the world is a hand 15 minutes ago going to have to help you with the hand in front of you? I don't buy that lie for one minute.

[@csnide6702]

WHY are players allowed ANY access to ANY electronic device during play...?

[@bg0420]

Solvers at the poker table whether or not they are in the hand is like bringing notes to the final exam at a high school test. Should not be allowed ever. Ruins the game, and makes people really suspicious of what you’re doing.

[@patrickwilkes5295]

The guy he is accusing says out loud that he only used it "in one hand". He cheated and I wouldnt play this tournament on a free roll.

[@Duderz]

Good coverage

[@mikehill8881]

Phones should not be allowed at the table PERIOD. For this and many other reasons. If you need to be on the phone get up from the table

[@griffengoat4115]

No way phones should be allowed at a 5k tourney fuck that

[@WhyamIstillwatchingyoutube]

Phones should not be allowed at the table period! Not sure why they allow it. We didn't need them 30 years ago. We waited until we got home to answer the machine. This is just not acceptable in any terms.

[@davealton3734]

ya i don't think phones should be allowed at the table it only invites the opportunity for cheating. Step away from the table if you need to use your phone

[@dwaingambino1979]

If you need that...don't play poker. No phone at the table. If you get a call walk away

[@2cardarsenal310]

He even said he used it for one hand! Ridiculous! How about don't have any solvers out while playing at the table.

[@billybubba8344]

No cell phones out of your pocket at the table. Can you take a phone call during a hand? Can you text during a hand. If you want to take out your phone, leave the table. That is the rule I would make.

[@chrischappa962]

Wait… he’s trying to figure out how to use the app DURING the tournament? I don’t buy that at all. You can’t convince me that he’s never used this app prior to this tournament. That just doesn’t make any sense.

[@stArCraft168]

Apparently he thought computer will help him win, he didn’t even make to the final table

[@NoTeaBaggers]

Esposito has always been dirty. Most players already know this.

[@erlinavicente7411]

Makes no difference, you still don’t know what cards he’s holding. It’s like reading a book about “how to play poker, while you play poker.” You must be really not sure of yourself or petty if you believe a person looking at a chart is going to effect how you play.

[@ProPokerPlyr9945]

I don't get it????? Apps, don't care WHICH one you use, CAN'T ensure a WIN in any poker Tournament. If Apps/phones are prohibited, it needs to be up to the individual venue/tournament director, & needs to be announced prior to Start of Tourney. Plain & Simple......

[@Needfreedom8953]

At a table while playing I do not believe anything should be available for help during the game.

[@TalkingGIJoe]

If you take the cheaters and liars out of poker who will be left?

[@ericfry5937]

If you don't lie you don't play poker in the other hand any real poker player will do everything in their power to get rid of cheaters if you don't have the skill stay away from the game

[@jeffsmith1780]

Player with app open should be eliminated from the current tournament with no refund. He is trying to ride an integrity fence that doesn't exist. Tell him to explore past hands on breaks!! Total cheating thar was found out imo.

[@aqn1976]

OMG this is so silly ... Tournaments should either allow or ban any electronic devices or cheat sheets from the table...Just like blackjack, you are allowed to refer to probability charts during play. Allow or disallow why is this so difficult ???

[@greggcuppels5593]

Esposito is totally lying when he says the ap is so complicated- total BS lie. He should have been DQ

[@thanefalkner6156]

The fact that a app like this exists is just gross. It's cheating plain and simple.

[@Chance-ry1hq]

Why are phones allowed at the table? Ban phones or any computer devices.

[@luvmenow33]

How is using WIZARD different from using a chess program to choose ur next move?

[@TheNYgolfer]

You can't use the Wizzard during a hand in order to plan your next move.

[@OFF-GRIDPhenohunt]

NO PHONES! NO CHEATING.

[@horsecockexpress7612]

allowing any kind of device at a table after Mike Postle is just stupid. If you can't be without your phone for a few hours you shouldn't be playing poker

[@earlcrosby8352]

Just goes to show the lack of accountability for self and the ambiguity in the rulings