In a move that’s raised eyebrows across the online poker community, GGPoker has Banned Francesco “forzaitalia” Garofalo—an Italian player who recently clinched the top spot in the prestigious $25,000 GGMillion$ Super High Roller Championship at WSOP Online 2024. Following an investigation by GGPoker’s security team, Garofalo was banned for breaking site rules, which led to his winnings, amounting to more than $1 million, being redistributed to other players at the final table.
Surprise Payouts for Finalists
British poker pro Patrick Leonard was one of the first to confirm the news, posting his reaction on X (formerly Twitter) on November 4. Leonard logged in and found $152,733 in his account as part of the prize reallocation. Sharing his excitement online, he said, “Wow, I just woke up and saw this. This is the biggest refund of my career. I have never received more than $2k before.”
Other players, like high-stakes regular Chris Brewer, also confirmed receiving significant compensation, signaling the gravity of Garofalo’s disqualification and how seriously GGPoker took the infraction.
What Rules Did Garofalo Allegedly Violate?
While GGPoker hasn’t released specific details about Garofalo’s rule-breaking, there’s plenty of speculation. Some believe he might have used banned software, while others think he could’ve received unauthorized assistance during the game—both of which are clear violations of GGPoker’s terms of service.
Those watching the final table noted Garofalo’s gameplay seemed unusual, which only fueled suspicions. Now, he’s banned from the platform, and his prize money has gone to other players who had competed alongside him.
Past Cases of Winnings Confiscation in Poker
This isn’t the first high-stakes confiscation poker has seen. Back in 2007, PokerStars took $1,378,331 from Natalie “TheV0id” Teltscher after uncovering that her brother, British poker pro Mark Teltscher, was actually the one playing on her account. Such instances serve as cautionary tales, reinforcing the need for honesty and fair play.
GGPoker’s Commitment to a Fair Game
GGPoker’s decision here underscores its commitment to fairness and integrity within the game. As stakes continue to rise in online poker, and with ever-advancing tech in play, GGPoker is investing in sophisticated monitoring systems to maintain a fair and competitive environment. Their strict stance reassures players that the platform is serious about upholding the rules and keeping the game fair for all.
