After the 2024 World Series of Poker Main Event Controversy, the WSOP has taken a historic decision to ban electronic assistance and live coaching at the final table. The World Series of Poker is all set to host the WSOP Paradise in the Bahamas, and just before it, it has updated its official rules. This update in rules is in response to the controversial WSOP Main Event Final table, which was a hot topic in the poker community.
Here is Some Backstory: In July 2024, Jonathan Tamayo became the World Series of Poker Main Event Champion, defeating amateur Jordan Griff. However, controversy began after the community noticed Tamayo taking help from Dominik Nitsche and WSOP Main Event Champ Joe McKeehen. Not only did they give live coaching to Tamayo, but also they used a laptop, along with solvers.
This ignited debate among the community. While several people sided with Tamayo, most people agreed it was a ‘bad look for poker’. The runner-up revealed in a X space, “I don’t want people to look at this event and say, Oh crap, I need to hire coaches, I need to learn RTA to get to the final table and heads up,” Griff said.
Back in July, Seven-time WSOP bracelet winner Daniel Negreanu said that WSOP needs to make rules as clear as possible, so no such incident happens in the future. While the WSOP officials stayed silent on the issue, everyone expected a response during the WSOP Paradise.
New Rules On Use of Electronic Assistance and Coaching
In Rule 63B, The WSOP has cleared its stance on the use of electronic assistance and live coaching. The rule states: “Players and spectators are not allowed to use charts, apps, or any other form of electronic assistance in the tournament room. Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a penalty up to disqualification for the player and removal from the tournament room for the spectator.”
The rule further stated that spectators are also prohibited from providing live assistance or coaching to players, and they are also not allowed to see the live stream of the final table on an electronic device. “Non-players on the rail must adhere to the **WSOP Terms & Conditions, including no viewing of live streams on an electronic device.”
Besides this, players are allowed to use electronic devices, until the tournament reaches its final three tables. They will be able to use their devices during players’ breaks or after elimination.
Rule 63C: Device Removal During Streaming Events: “When a tournament reaches three (3) tables, all players’ electronic devices will be removed. Players will only be allowed to have their devices back during player breaks or after elimination. No devices will be allowed to be used on the tournament rail during these late stages of streamed events and no coaching from the rail will be allowed; this includes viewing of the tournament stream and usage of any electronic assistance. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a penalty for the player and removal from the rail for the spectator.”
Some Other Notable Changes
- Players are not allowed to place their electronic devices on the table or rail of the table.
- Players should silence devices, which may cause a disturbance during the play.
- Players aren’t allowed to use a device to contact a player at their table.
The WSOP has officially released WSOP Paradise Official Rules on its website.
