Professional poker player Martin Kabrhel was informed he is being investigated by the World Series of Poker for allegedly cheating at one of the WSOP events, which is being held at the Horseshoe in Las Vegas.
At least two players accused Kabrhel, who is from the Czech Republic, for cheating in the $250,000 buy-In Super High Roller No-Limit Hold ’em event held June 18.
Tournament officials were mum on the charges levied at Kabrhel. They told the Las Vegas Review-Journal they were aware of the allegations and issued a statement to the newspaper.
“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 statement read. “As this is an ongoing investigation, there is no further comment on the matter at this time.”
A fellow player, Andrew Robl, was very vocal in his criticism of Kabrhel. Before the start of the final table, he went on Twitter and accused Kabrhel of marking cards.
“How is Martin Kabrhel not banned from the WSOP?” Robl tweeted.
Tournament officials told players at the final table they would not be allowed to stand while a hand was in play. Kabrhel tested the rule and stood during a hand he was involved in and a tournament official was immediately called to the table.
One of the nine players remaining in the tournament told Kabrhel why he had to sit.
“The reason that you’re not allowed to stand is if the cards were marked, you’d have a better angle of it,” sixth-place finisher Dan Smith told Kabrhel. “So, as a preventative measure, we can’t have that. … That’s the reason the ruling sits.”
Another member of the final table, Chance Kornuth, shot back at Kabrhel when he questioned the rule.
“They’ve created the rule for you to protect us,” Kornuth said. “If you have any more questions, let us know.”
Smith eventually was knocked out of the event in sixth place. After being eliminated, he stood up, wished the remaining players good luck and told Kabrhel he should be banned.
“Your antics are the worst of anybody I’ve ever (played with),” Smith said.
Kabrhel then took to Twitter to answer his critics. He hinted he may take legal action against Robl.
“I am not a cheater, this is not true!!” Kabrhel tweeted. “This gossip is damaging me not only as poker player, but also my business activities and my family.”
Kabrhel finished third and earned $2.3 million. He has two WSOP bracelets and five Circuit rings for tournament victories with more than $11.6 million in career earnings.
