In the WSOP 2023 most expensive poker tournament, the $250,000 Super High Roller, allegations of cheating have sparked intense controversy. Martin Kabrhel was accused of allegedly cheating at the final table of the prestigious event, Andrew Robl was the first to point it out, followed by other prominent members of the community.
Gianfranco Preverino is a magician and card fraud detection expert.
Contrary to these allegations, Kabrhel sought legal advice from the Zeisler law firm in Miami and New York and expressed his distrust of Andrew Robl, Daniel Smith, PokerGO streaming company, Chance Kornuth and Justin Bonomo. His lawyers announced they would pursue legal action for defamation. The situation has become increasingly serious.
While the allegations lack solid foundations, it is important to remember that Kabrhel was innocent until proven guilty. Cheat technologist Gianfranco Preverino analyzed the video in question but did not provide any conclusive confirmation. According to Preverino, While there was suspicious activity, the cards need to be examined for more concrete evidence.
WSOP has announced that it is investigating, despite claiming that its security logs are sound. While awaiting the results, Preverino shared some tips on possible poker cheating techniques. It’s worth noting, however, that it’s unclear whether Cabrel used any of these techniques.
“In one of the scenes, nail movement is clearly visible. Whether this happened voluntarily remains to be proven. Nail tricks are very old, with the first written evidence dating back to 1552!” the expert noted.
Martin Kabrhel ruined the map. Switching decks @WSOP pic.twitter.com/pcP0xKC9Aq
– Hugo Lemaire (@HHHUGINHO) June 19, 2023
The cards used in the tournament are from the Copag brand equipped with RFID sensors on the TV tables. While the use of fraudulent techniques has not been proven, it should be noted that most RFID cards are protected using lamination techniques. Also, these cards are fragile and may stop working when stressed.
“On the other hand, he also does it in a kind of awkward way because he can do it in a more stealthy way when looking at the cards,” Prverino added. “Instead, it’s less likely that he used special inks, which are easy to spot (with the right lens) even at close distances between him and his opponent. The need to see them so closely is only compared to the lines of a fingernail.”
Is he reading map markers or just using his x-ray vision superpower? pic.twitter.com/OZleiV85mi
— Andrew Robl (@Andrew_Robl) June 18, 2023
Is he reading the markings on the cards or is he just using his x-ray vision superpower?
Preverino emphasized the importance of table bosses enforcing the rules and preventing players from accessing opponent items during play, which is both daunting and baseless. Suspect. Player behavior must be monitored to ensure the integrity of the game.
“The moment he presses his index finger on the card is suspicious, but I suspect he used a special ink, as there’s no need to apply pressure to smear the ink on the card. The purpose in this case is probably to create a small indentation in a point of the card, to take advantage of the softness of the table and hope it doesn’t straighten out completely, etc. I don’t know what material the card is made of, If they were laminated together, it would be an almost useless trick “.
It is worth noting that Kabrhel has little sympathy from other poker players who consider him to be one of the toughest opponents at the table. While that doesn’t mean the allegations are baseless, it’s understandable that those who don’t like him can be quite suspicious of him.
The WSOP investigation is critical to clarifying these allegations and determining whether tournament cheating has occurred. At the same time, it is also crucial to uphold the presumption of innocence and avoid hasty judgments.
