In a move that has sent shockwaves through the poker community, Nacho Barbero, the World Series of Poker (WSOP) champion, has been dropped as an ambassador by ACR Poker. This comes after Barbero made explosive comments questioning the site’s commitment to combating cheating.
But, what led to this dramatic fallout, and what does it mean for the future of ACR Poker?
RTA Scandal: From Goofball to Public Outcry
Barbero’s involvement in a previous real-time assistance (RTA) scandal set the stage for his controversial exit. Caught using an RTA chart during an online poker session in January, Barbero was initially given a pass by ACR Poker, which dismissed the incident as “just Nacho being a goofball.” However, his more recent comments about the site’s efforts to prevent cheating would ultimately cost him his ambassador role.
Phil Nagy Responds: ACR Poker CEO Breaks Silence
Phil Nagy, CEO of ACR Poker, wasted no time addressing Barbero’s recent comments. In a public statement, Nagy emphasized that ACR holds all its ambassadors to the highest standards of integrity. Barbero’s questioning of ACR’s commitment to game security was seen as a direct conflict with the company’s core values. Nagy made it clear that such comments were not aligned with ACR Poker’s objectives, leading to the decision to sever ties with Barbero.
The Tipping Point: Barbero vs. Isaac Haxton
The turning point came during a PokerGO livestream when Isaac Haxton, a former ambassador for other poker sites, asked Barbero about ACR’s anti-cheating measures. When Haxton questioned whether ACR was even trying to stop cheating, Barbero bluntly responded, “I don’t think they’re even trying.” His remarks, made in jest or not, sparked outrage within the poker community and forced ACR to reassess its relationship with the ambassador.
ACR Poker Cuts Ties: The Aftermath of a Scandal
In the wake of Barbero’s comments, ACR Poker made the decision to part ways with the pro. Nagy stated that the company expected its team members to represent the brand truthfully and be well-informed about security practices. As a result, Barbero will no longer appear in ACR promotional materials, and his association with the brand was officially terminated just ahead of the WSOP.
Poker Community Reacts: Jokes, Criticism, and Defenses
The poker community’s reaction was swift and mixed. While some defended Barbero, claiming he was merely being playful, others criticized both him and ACR for the ongoing security issues on the platform. Social media was flooded with jokes, with some players humorously mocking ACR’s inability to tackle cheating. Others highlighted the broader issue of security within online poker and questioned whether ACR would ever take stronger action.
The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for ACR Poker?
Barbero’s comments have reopened old wounds for ACR Poker, a site already facing criticism for its lack of serious efforts to combat cheating. The company has long struggled with allegations of bot usage, collusion, and RTA cheating, but Barbero’s remarks have now put these issues front and center. ACR Poker must now decide how to move forward in order to restore player trust and improve its reputation within the poker world.
A Career in Limbo: What’s Next for Barbero?
With over $23 million in live tournament earnings, including a WSOP bracelet in 2022, Barbero’s future in poker remains uncertain. While his skill on the felt is undisputed, his involvement in this scandal may tarnish his image as a brand ambassador. Whether he can recover from this blow and rebuild his reputation with future sponsors is a question that only time will answer.
Key Events Leading to Barbero’s ACR Poker Exit
| Date | Event |
| January 2025 | Barbero caught using RTA chart during online poker session |
| April 2025 | Barbero questioned about ACR’s security on PokerGO stream |
| April 2025 | Barbero’s comments about ACR not trying to stop cheating |
| April 2025 | ACR CEO Phil Nagy issues a statement cutting ties with Barbero |
| April 2025 | Barbero no longer represents ACR at the WSOP |
Conclusion: A Turning Point for ACR Poker’s Future
Nacho Barbero’s controversial departure from ACR Poker shines a light on the ongoing challenges faced by the online poker industry. As players demand greater transparency and improved security measures, ACR Poker now finds itself at a crossroads. Will the company take meaningful steps to address its cheating concerns, or will this scandal be yet another chapter in its history of controversy? The future of ACR Poker—and its place in the broader poker community—depends on the answers to these questions.
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