{"id":4550,"date":"2022-05-02T11:39:23","date_gmt":"2022-05-02T11:39:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.top10pokersites.net\/?p=4550"},"modified":"2023-08-22T14:02:02","modified_gmt":"2023-08-22T14:02:02","slug":"top-5-controversial-poker-players","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.top10pokersites.net\/blog\/top-5-controversial-poker-players","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 Controversial Poker Players"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ControversialWhat\u2019s the first image that pops into your mind when you hear the word poker<\/i> for the first time<\/a>? <\/p>\n

Most people picture a frequent stereotype associated with this game \u2014 a bunch of shady-looking players with obscure facial expressions, gathered around a table in a dimly lit, smoke-filled, grimy room.<\/p>\n

Another conventional impression sealed in people\u2019s imagination is more luxurious and movie-like. In it, the game is played by the dubious tuxedo-wearing elite, in a lush, high-ceiling mansion illuminated by large crystal chandeliers. The image of James Bond probably comes to mind.<\/p>\n

Both of these associations aren\u2019t that far from reality. After all, stereotypes wouldn\u2019t be so widespread if there weren\u2019t a tincture of truth to them. And, let\u2019s face it \u2014 the part about poker players being shady and dubious is often true since the game requires that the winners outfox their opponents.<\/p>\n

This is why some players don\u2019t shy away from cunning tricks that spark controversy<\/a>. In fact, some of them resort to dirty, scandalous moves, causing public outrage and contempt. <\/p>\n

Poker Players Who Spark The Biggest Outrage<\/h2>\n\n

There are also players whose guileful tactics in the game mirror their real-life behavior, and in this article, we\u2019ve made a list of the five most controversial ones.<\/p>\n

#5 Dan Bilzerian<\/h3>

\"DanLet\u2019s start with the biggest amateur among the professionals who is still considered a \u2018badass\u2019 and a controversial poker player<\/a>. Why did we call him an amateur? Well, his only recorded tournament win was $33,626 at the 2009 WSOP Main Event<\/em><\/strong>, where he finished at the humble 180th place. Nevertheless, he claims to have won $50 million during 2014 and that he quit playing with professionals.<\/p>\n

The real reason why he gave up on public tournaments is probably the fact he doesn\u2019t stand a chance against experienced cardsharks. That\u2019s why he decided to focus on private cash games. After all, this is where he shines because naive yet opportunistic contenders assume he\u2019s an amateur. They challenge him, hoping they\u2019ll take his millions, only to be disappointed when the opposite proves to be the case. Playing against rich unprofessional players<\/a> is his sly tactic and the most likely reason behind his wealth.<\/p>\n

However, many people dispute the origin of his affluence. They call him a \u201ctrust fund baby<\/em>\u201c, believing he inherited his wealth from his father, a controversial businessman convicted for tax fraud. Wherever it comes from, his money is still there, and he uses it to promote his lavish playboy lifestyle. He garners much attention from videos of partying with models on his yachts, as well as posing with his sumptuous arsenal of weapons.<\/p>\n

Having over 32 million Instagram followers speaks volumes about his popularity, so you\u2019ve most likely heard about him. This guy is more famous for his lifestyle<\/a> than his feats at the table. However, he definitely gives publicity to poker and attracts new players.<\/p><\/div>\n

#4 Ivan Freitez<\/h3>

\"IvanNicknamed \u201cThe Payer<\/i>\u201c, Ivan Freitez<\/a> is the most successful Venezuelan poker player in the world. Active in live tournaments since 2007, he reached the peak of his career in 2011, when he won the European Poker Tour Main Event<\/em> and collected the \u20ac1.5 million prize. Although he\u2019s not among the most famous players, one dirty bluff<\/a> gained him a lot of notoriety.<\/p>\n

Namely, during the 2011 EPT Final<\/strong> in Madrid, Freitez was dealt a 6\u20135, while his opponent Eugene Yanayt<\/strong> got a K\u2013Q. The first three cards on the board were 5\u20133\u2013K, succeeded by a 5, and then a 6. Freitez, having a full house, logically went for the raise, but then he made a shocking move. He pretended he actually meant to make a call, and a comical, \u201cNo speak English!<\/em>\u201d was his weaselly excuse for saying, \u201cRaise!<\/em>\u201d The floorperson was so outraged by the move he warned Yanayt it was a bluff. Still, instead of mucking, Yanayt fell for it.<\/p>\n

The fact that Ivan went on to win the tournament by angle shooting may seem unjust to some, but he still made poker history, winning with the dirtiest bluff.<\/p><\/div>\n

#3 Vanessa Selbst<\/h3>

\"VanessaIn 2014, V. Selbst made history by becoming the only woman to ever reach number one ranking by the Global Poker Index<\/a>. She\u2019s also the only woman to win three WSOP bracelets in open field events. Selbst gained public attention in 2010 and 2011 by winning the North American Poker Tour<\/strong> two times in a row. She earned over $11,850,000 from live tournament prizes, and her biggest win was $1.82 million for the first place in the Partouche Poker Tour<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

You can\u2019t become number one without taking risks, which is why Vanessa\u2019s playing style is characterized by bold bluffs. However, some players read through her schemes. When this happens, the controversial side of Selbst\u2019s personality kicks in. There are many instances of her childish overreactions to losses. She swears, attacks players verbally, and even plays the friendship card if the player who beat her happens to be someone she knows privately<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Given that she\u2019s always hungry for victory, it\u2019s no wonder she\u2019s a sore loser. Although everybody respects her<\/a> achievements, some poker fans consider her frantic behavior irritating.
\n<\/p><\/div>\n

#2 Phil Hellmuth<\/h3>

\"PhilNicknamed The Poker Brat<\/i>, Phil Hellmuth Jr. doesn\u2019t need much introduction since he\u2019s one of the top five most popular players in the world. He set the world record by winning 16 WSOP bracelets<\/a>, and he became a member of WSOP\u2019s Poker Hall of Fame in 2007. His overall live tournament winnings exceed the staggering amount of $24,000,000<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

Helmuth holds his nickname for a reason. He demands that other players comply with everything he says while disrespecting them at the same time. Like any other poker player, he occasionally resorts to bluffs, but he overreacts when he loses to the same trick. In one such instance, he called the winning player \u201can idiot<\/em>.\u201d His double standards and infantile behavior are the reason why many poker fans root against him<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

#1 Tony G<\/h3>

\"TonyAntanas Guoga<\/a>, or Tony G, is the most successful Lithuanian poker player. He won the 2005 No-Limit Hold-Em Main Event<\/em> of the European Poker Championships<\/strong>, collecting a $456,822 prize. He won several million dollars from live tournaments, but he never finished first in a WSOP bracelet. As you can see, he\u2019s not one of the most successful poker players<\/a>, but he\u2019s still pretty famous.<\/p>\n

The main reason for Tony G\u2019s popularity is his questionable behavior at the table. His core tactic is getting on the nerves of other players. He frequently belittles and ridicules his opponents in an attempt to get them off the rails and win. In fact, he continues to mock them even after he wins!<\/p>\n

Although he\u2019s not among top poker players, he\u2019s considered the big mouth of poker and is arguably the most controversial poker figure. The fact that he used to be a politician only adds to the controversy.<\/p><\/div>\n

Honorable Mentions<\/h2>\n

Our top 5 most controversial poker players article wouldn\u2019t be complete without honorable mentions. Here are a few other names that have made poker outlets\u2019 headlines for all the wrong reasons.<\/p>\n

\"RobbiRobbi Jade Lew<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 Lew, a newbie in the NL high-roller poker arena, sparked controversy by playing against poker pro Garrett Adelstein<\/strong> in a 2022 episode of the popular YouTube show Hustler Casino Live. <\/p>\n

The latter accused Lew of cheating after her unconventional play caused him to lose all his chips in an all-in face-off. <\/p>\n

In response, High Stakes Poker Productions opened an investigation<\/a> with the help of private investigators and legal firms. However, they found no evidence of foul play.<\/p>\n

\"AliAli Imsirovic<\/strong> \u2014 Along with Jake Schindler and Bryn Kenney, Imsirovic was accused of cheating by a number of high-stakes poker pros in 2022. <\/p>\n

Foxen and fellow players claimed Imsirovic used Real Time Assistance (RTA) software, multi-accounting, chip dumping, and angle shooting in online and live tournaments. <\/p>\n

PokerGO Tour<\/strong> (PGT) responded to the allegations by suspending the trio for the entire year<\/a>. <\/p>\n

After months of silence, Imsirovic addressed the matter in a 2023<\/a> YouTube video. He admitted to multi-accounting online in 2020 and 2022 but denied using RTA, rubbernecking, and ghosting. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s the first image that pops into your mind when you hear the word poker for the first time? Most people picture a frequent stereotype associated with this game \u2014 a bunch of shady-looking players with obscure facial expressions, gathered around a table in a dimly lit, smoke-filled, grimy room. Another conventional impression sealed in…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTop 5 Controversial Poker Players<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There are also players whose guileful tactics in the game mirror their real-life behavior, and in this article, we\u2019ve made a list of the five most controversial ones.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.top10pokersites.net\/blog\/top-5-controversial-poker-players\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Top 5 Controversial Poker Players\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" 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