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WSOP Investigating Cheating Allegations Against Martin Kabrhel

Martin Kabrhel was the subject of a lot of allegations from fellow players about his behavior in the $250,000 Super High Roller at the World Series of Poker. Now WSOP officials say they are investigating the two-time WSOP bracelet winner.

Lance Bradley
Jun 20, 2023
The World Series of Poker has opened an investigation into Martin Kabrhel following accusations from several high roller regulars that he was marking cards.

The final table of the World Series of Poker $250,000 Super High Roller was full of dramatic moments including the final hand that saw Chris Brewer win his first WSOP bracelet. However, in the lead-up to that final table there was plenty of drama off the felt as several elite level players, lead by Andrew Robl, accused eventual third-place finisher Martin Kabrhel of marking cards throughout the tournament.

Now the WSOP is looking into the allegations according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The WSOP provided the LVRJ’s David Schoen a statement indicating an investigation was underway. 

“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. As this is an ongoing investigation, there is no further comment on the matter at this time,” the statement read.

In the aftermath of Robl’s accusation, several social media sleuths went back through Kabrhel’s play on the livestreamed feature table from Day 2 and final table on Day 3 to find what they believe is proof the two-time WSOP bracelet winner was marking cards. High stakes tournament and cash game regular Haralabos Voulgaris amplified one particular video from Day 2 action 

Before the final table began on Sunday, WSOP staff informed the remaining players that standing up while in a hand was prohibited. Just moments into play, Kabrhel stood up with the action on him and Alex Kulev called for the floor. WSOP tournament supervisor Bob Smith returned to the table and explained to Kabrhel that what he was doing was not allowed. Players at the table, including Kulev, Dan Smith, and Chance Kornuth spoke up in an attempt to explain the new rule to Kabrhel. Even after having the rule explained, Kabrhel remained combative in his understanding of the directive leading to a somewhat terse exchange between Smith and Kabrhel.

“The reason you’re not allowed to stand is if the cards were marked you’d have a better angle of it. So as a preventative measure, you can’t have that,” Smith said.

“You’re joking or no?,” Kabrhel asked.

“No. That’s the reason the rule exists,” Smith replied.

Sixteen-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth, who also played the event, praised Robl for speaking up and admitted that he was “uncomfortable” playing with Kabrhel.

Late Monday night, Kabrhel released a multi-tweet statement denying the accusations and indicating plans to bring legal action against Robl.

WSOP officials have given no timeline for when they expect to finish their investigation.

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