The World Series of Poker has launched a cheating investigation into Martin Kabrhel after another competitor said he wanted Kabrhel banned during a live TV event.
The WSOP confirmed the investigation Monday to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, with the professional poker’s governing body saying that it is “taking these allegations very seriously.”
Kabrhel knocked out fellow pro player Dan Smith during a WSOP event Sunday that had a $250,000 buy-in. Smith’s elimination prompted him to tell Kabrhel that “your antics are the worst of anyone I’ve ever played with.”
Smith wished the others still seated at the table well before telling Kabrhel that “I hope you get barred.”
Other pro players also accused Kabrhel of cheating.
Kabrhel refuted the accusations Monday, saying that calling him a cheat was damaging to him and his family. He said he’s also taking legal action against another poker player who accused him of cheating.
“You can accuse me of controversial manners, bad jokes, uncomfortable play, or whatever stickers you put on my autistic behavior, you can call me pain in the a— but calling me a cheater is something completely out of line,” Kabrhel said.
The WSOP didn’t give a timeline on when its investigation will be complete.
