The year is almost over, and we are still in the middle of a worldwide pandemic. However, there has still a lot been going on in the world of poker, and therefore we would like to reflect on the biggest poker scandals in 2021.
5. Paul Pierce’s wild poker home game
Paul Pierce is not only one of the best NBA players in history, but he also knows how to party. He played 19 seasons in the world’s best basketball league and retired after the 2016-17 season.
For anyone wondering what private poker games in LA look like 😂
— Joey Ingram 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽 (@Joeingram1) April 3, 2021
Hosting private poker games and parties may be a good thing, however, doing that during a pandemic may not be the smartest decision.
It didn’t take too long for the Media and Instagram users to react, and most of the comments weren’t too positive, to say the least.
After Pierce published his controversial Instagram story, ESPN took measures and decided to part ways with the former NBA champion.
this how espn wanted Paul Pierce to be in that live pic.twitter.com/jjYW92k1Ct
— ball fade (@ballfade_) April 5, 2021
4. Street gang member steals $1,000,000 from Chad Power
Chad Power is a highstakes pro who had approximately $750,000 in cash in $100 bill denominations and approximately $250,000 in high-value poker chips, including ten $25k chips from the Aria Hotel & Casino stored in a safe.
He believes that he was followed home on his way back from the casino. After he left his home in Henderson, Nevada, two men were captured on surveillance TV making off with the safe.
3. Zenith Poker stealing material fromBluffTheSpot
Zenith Poker founder Pinnock took aim at the Pre-Flop Range chart from a number of sites including BluffTheSpot and AlTeachesPoker’s ‘Overnight Monster’ course.
Several poker coaches and poker pros were obviously not happy with him presenting material from other sites.
“It’s super, super fucked that you share counterfeit / stolen material from other schools,” wrote Alvin Lau, the “Al” behind one of the main sites Pinnock targeted.
The main issue he was confronted with was him using knowingly stolen merchandise because he even stated that somebody sent it to him.
Lau responded to that with, “It’s not fair use since you knowingly received stolen merchandise. You said in the livestream someone sent it to you, but then you told one of my students that you paid for it. I’d LOVE to see your receipt, Thomas, I certainly don’t see it on my end. Does Bluff the Spot have a receipt from you, too?”
Pinnock then claimed that he actually purchased the courses himself, which is obviously a highly questionable claim.
2. Only vaccinated players at the 2021 WSOP?
News that all players at the 2021 WSOP must be vaccinated against Covid-19 has led to a massive uproar on social media.
The WSOP has announced in late August that the 2021 WSOP would require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 before registration.
Participation in the 2021 WSOP will require proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 prior to first registration. Players are encouraged to make use of CLEAR’s free mobile app and Health Pass feature: https://t.co/PxfgAohpBe. Additional info & FAQ: https://t.co/wUF6nLTXLL (1/3) pic.twitter.com/pHSh4PTj41
— WSOP (@WSOP) August 27, 2021
Kristen Bicknell was one of the first poker pros to speak out against a mandatory vaccination requirement.
Yes, that's mainly it! Which to me, makes the case against vaccine passports stronger, among other concerns.
I see people saying they are a 'freeroll' and safe, which I think is a dangerous and irresponsible statement to make.
— Kristen Bicknell (@krissyb24poker) August 29, 2021
Her partner Alex Foxen also expressed his thoughts about the new rules, and both used organisations commonly described as alt-right to support their position.
This year will be the most challenging to win a bracelet as only the smart people are allowed to play.
— Joe Tall (@JoeTall) August 27, 2021
1. Europeans excluded from the 2021 WSOP
COVID-19 is still dominating the headlines in 2021 and also caused the biggest poker scandal of the year.
I heard today that Euros aren’t allowed in the USA until after the WSOP Main Event. Weird I know, but totally true. Check back mid November. RT for awareness. https://t.co/ApsPncesa8
— Johnnie VIBΞS (@JohnnieVibes) June 29, 2021
The popular YouTube vlogger Johnnie Vibes broke the story on Twitter and caused a lot of negative responses.
The poker community was hoping that the WSOP 2021 would mark when poker would finally go back to normal, however, things did not work out as many people have hoped.
WSOP Executive Director Ty Stewart was optimistic earlier in the month saying:
“Make no mistake, the 2021 WSOP will be the real deal and we’re preparing for a full house. Throughout the storied history of the WSOP, this year will be particularly memorable and we’re preparing for a poker reunion all players can celebrate,”
“We’re beyond thrilled to offer a complete schedule of can’t-miss events including all our flagships and the variety players deserve.”
In June 2021, the European Union has added the United States to the list of approved countries for travel, ending a 15-month ban.
The EU however remained on the list of the countries that may not legally enter the United States.
Nevertheless, things have changed meanwhile and players from the European Union were given permission to enter the United States.
The ban expired on the very next day after the final Main Event Day 1 starting flight ran.
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