The Biggest RTA Scandals in Poker History

The digital revolution in poker brought unprecedented opportunities for players worldwide, along with sophisticated new technologies that have sparked intense debate within the poker community. Real-Time Assistance (RTA) has become one of the most controversial topics in modern poker, creating a complex landscape where technology, regulation, and player ethics intersect.
These high-profile cases have shaped industry policies, influenced platform security measures, and sparked ongoing discussions about the role of technology in competitive poker. Understanding these incidents provides valuable insights into the evolving relationship between poker, technology, and regulation.
In this comprehensive analysis, we'll examine the most significant RTA-related controversies in poker history, explore the technical and regulatory complexities involved, and analyze how these cases have influenced the current poker ecosystem.
The Fedor Kruse "Dream Machine" Case (2020): The Lockdown Discovery
The Case
German poker professional Fedor Kruse became the center of one of the most detailed RTA exposures when his sophisticated setup was discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
**Key Details:**
- **Player:** Fedor Kruse (German poker pro)
- **Method:** Dual-computer "dream machine" setup
- **Detection:** Reported by roommates who discovered the setup
- **Year:** 2020
- **Outcome:** Community exposure and platform investigations
What Happened
Kruse operated a sophisticated RTA system consisting of two computers - one for playing Texas Hold'em and a separate computer running advanced GTO solvers offline. This setup was designed to avoid detection by keeping the assistance software completely separate from the poker client, giving him a significant edge over opponents in holdem games.
**Technical Setup:**
- Primary computer for poker client and gameplay
- Secondary computer running advanced solver software for optimal strategy calculations
- Manual input system between the two machines for real-time GTO analysis
- Designed to circumvent software detection methods while maintaining perfect strategy
The Discovery
The case came to light when Kruse's roommates discovered his setup during pandemic lockdowns and reported it to the poker community. This peer discovery highlighted how RTA operations could be exposed through social circumstances rather than just technological detection.
Industry Impact
This case had significant ripple effects:
- Demonstrated the sophistication of RTA setups
- Led to increased scrutiny of high-volume players
- Sparked discussions about hardware-based detection methods
- Resulted in a wave of investigations across multiple platforms
The "Postle-Gate" Controversy (2019): Live Stream RTA
The Case
While technically not an online RTA case, the Mike Postle scandal at Stones Casino's live-streamed games represents one of the most brazen uses of real-time information to gain an unfair advantage.
**Key Details:**
- **Venue:** Stones Casino live-streamed games
- **Method:** Suspected access to hole card information via mobile device
- **Duration:** Multiple sessions over several months
- **Detection:** Community analysis of streamed footage
What Happened
Mike Postle displayed virtually impossible win rates and decision-making accuracy during live-streamed cash games. Statistical analysis revealed that his play was so close to optimal that it was mathematically impossible without external assistance.
**Evidence Included:**
- Win rate of over 60 big blinds per 100 hands over 135+ hours
- Perfect or near-perfect decisions in marginal spots
- Suspicious behavior with mobile device during key hands
- Statistical analysis showing impossibly low probability of natural occurrence
Lessons Learned
While not traditional online RTA, this case highlighted:
- The importance of production security in live-streamed poker
- How technology can be exploited even in "live" settings
- The power of community analysis in detecting suspicious play
- The need for robust security protocols in all forms of poker
The Ali Imsirovic and Jake Schindler GGPoker Bans (2022)
The Case
Two high-stakes professionals, Ali Imsirovic and Jake Schindler, were banned from GGPoker for multiple violations including RTA usage, creating one of the most high-profile cases involving established pros.
**Key Details:**
- **Players:** Ali Imsirovic and Jake Schindler
- **Platform:** GGPoker
- **Violations:** RTA usage, multi-accounting, and other policy violations
- **Detection:** Platform investigation across multiple tournaments
- **Year:** 2022
What Happened
The duo were suspected of using RTA solvers across five high-stakes Texas Hold'em tournaments, along with allegations of ghosting and multi-accounting. The case was particularly notable because both were well-known professionals in the high-stakes holdem community who allegedly used these tools to gain an unfair edge.
**Specific Allegations:**
- Use of illegal RTA software providing real-time GTO strategy recommendations
- Multi-accounting across different events to maximize their edge
- Ghosting violations (playing on behalf of others, essentially becoming the "hero" in multiple spots)
- Coordinated activities across multiple tournaments using solver-based strategies
**Additional Context:** Imsirovic faced additional allegations from Alex Foxen regarding card-peeking during the PokerGO Super High Roller Bowl in North Cyprus, though this was separate from the RTA allegations.
Industry Impact
This case was significant because:
- It involved well-established, recognizable professionals
- It demonstrated that reputation didn't provide immunity from enforcement
- It showed the scope of investigations (spanning multiple tournaments)
- It highlighted the complexity of modern RTA enforcement cases
The GGPoker Mass Ban Wave (2022): The Kruse Fallout
The Case
Following the Fedor Kruse revelations, GGPoker conducted extensive investigations that resulted in approximately 80 players being banned for various violations including RTA usage.
**Key Details:**
- **Platform:** GGPoker
- **Scale:** Approximately 80 players banned
- **Trigger:** Investigation following Fedor Kruse case
- **Notable Players:** Dominik Nitsche, Jeff Gross, Chris Brewer, and others
- **Year:** Around 2022
What Happened
The mass investigation revealed a broader network of policy violations across the platform. The bans were issued for various reasons including RTA usage, but also encompassed other violations discovered during the expanded investigation.
**Scope of Investigation:**
- Comprehensive review of high-volume accounts
- Statistical analysis across large sample sizes
- Cross-referencing of account activities and patterns
- Multiple violation types beyond just RTA
Industry Impact
This mass action demonstrated:
- The interconnected nature of RTA investigations
- Platform willingness to take large-scale enforcement action
- The effectiveness of comprehensive statistical analysis
- The ripple effects that major cases can have across the community
The Bryn Kenney Stable Allegations (2022)
The Case
High-stakes professional Bryn Kenney faced allegations from Martin Zamani of operating a stable that engaged in multiple rule violations including RTA usage, collusion, and ghosting on GGPoker.
**Key Details:**
- **Accused:** Bryn Kenney
- **Accuser:** Martin Zamani
- **Platform:** GGPoker
- **Allegations:** RTA usage, collusion, ghosting within stable operations
- **Year:** 2022
What Happened
Martin Zamani accused Kenney of running a stable that systematically used prohibited assistance methods to exploit wealthy amateur players and gain an unfair edge. The allegations included:
**Specific Accusations:**
- Use of RTA solvers by stable members for real-time GTO strategy guidance
- Collusion between stable players to maximize their collective edge
- Ghosting (sharing hand information mid-tournament, allowing experienced players to be the "hero" in crucial spots)
- Targeting of wealthy recreational players who lacked access to advanced solver technology
- Coordinated exploitation tactics using optimal strategy calculations
**Stable Operations:** Zamani alleged that Kenney directed his "horses" (backed players) to use these methods systematically, creating an organized operation rather than isolated incidents.
Resolution and Industry Impact
GGPoker conducted an investigation but took no public action against Kenney. Notably, Kenney retained his affiliate relationships with the site, which fueled criticism from the poker community about potential conflicts of interest.
**Industry Response:**
- Questions about platform independence in investigations
- Discussions about affiliate relationships and enforcement
- Community debates about the scope of stable operations
- Increased scrutiny of backing arrangements
The Recent ACR RTA Chart Incidents (2024-2025)
The Cases
Two separate incidents on Americas Cardroom involved players being caught with visible RTA charts during gameplay, both discovered through screenshots that became public.
**Key Details:**
- **Platform:** Americas Cardroom (ACR)
- **Players:** Nacho Barbero (February 2025) and Ebony Kenney (January 2024)
- **Detection Method:** Screenshots showing visible RTA charts
- **Evidence:** Public social media posts
What Happened
**Nacho Barbero (February 2025):** ACR poker pro was caught with a GTO solver chart visible on screen while playing. He claimed the chart was open to assist his "horses" in Discord chat rather than for his own play, raising questions about real-time strategy assistance and coaching boundaries. The incident highlighted how even indirect access to solver-based edge can blur ethical lines.
**Ebony Kenney (January 2024, reported February 2025):** Second ACR poker pro caught with an exposed RTA chart visible during the January 2024 Venom tournament. The incident was captured in a screenshot from her Instagram story, showing what appeared to be GTO strategy recommendations that would give any hero a significant edge in Texas Hold'em tournament play.
Technical and Policy Questions
These cases raised several important questions:
- **Indirect Assistance:** When does helping others cross into personal RTA use?
- **Coaching Boundaries:** How are real-time coaching and RTA distinguished?
- **Detection Methods:** Social media as an unexpected source of evidence
- **Intent vs. Impact:** Whether intended use matters for rule violations
Industry Impact
These recent cases demonstrated:
- The ongoing nature of RTA enforcement challenges
- How social media can provide unexpected evidence
- The complexity of distinguishing between different types of assistance
- The need for clear policies regarding coaching and indirect assistance
Ali Imsirovic Live Tournament Exclusions (2025)
The Case
Following his 2022 online bans for RTA usage, Ali Imsirovic faced exclusion from live tournament events, highlighting the ongoing consequences of RTA violations in live poker settings.
**Key Details:**
- **Player:** Ali Imsirovic
- **Events:** Florida RGPS event (May 2025) and Texas cardroom (February 2025)
- **Reason:** Previous RTA history and reputation
- **Status:** Expelled while chip-leading in Florida event
What Happened
Despite being allowed to play in some live events like the WSOP, Imsirovic faced exclusion from other live holdem tournaments due to his documented RTA history from 2022.
**Specific Incidents:**
- **February 2025:** Banned from a Texas cardroom
- **May 2025:** Expelled from Florida RGPS event while holding the chip lead
- **Ongoing:** Continued participation in WSOP events despite other exclusions
Industry Impact and Questions
This case highlighted several important issues:
**Enforcement Inconsistencies:**
- Different standards between tournament organizers
- Questions about whether online violations should affect live play
- Debates about rehabilitation vs. permanent consequences
**Industry Standards:**
- Lack of unified approach to handling players with RTA history
- Ongoing stigma and reputation damage from past violations
- Community discussions about appropriate consequences for past cheating
**Tournament Integrity:**
- How live Texas Hold'em events should handle players with online cheating history
- The balance between second chances and maintaining integrity in holdem tournaments
- The role of reputation and community trust in live poker
Lessons Learned for the Industry
Detection and Technology Development
**Statistical Analysis Evolution**
- Modern detection relies heavily on statistical modeling and pattern recognition to identify solver-based play
- Machine learning algorithms continue to evolve to identify subtle behavioral patterns that suggest GTO strategy usage
- Large sample sizes provide more reliable data for analysis of real holdem playing patterns vs. artificial solver output
- Behavioral analysis complements statistical methods in creating comprehensive profiles of Texas Hold'em players who may have an unfair edge
**Technical Innovation**
- Advanced monitoring systems continue to develop
- Real-time analysis capabilities are expanding
- Cross-platform information sharing has improved
- Enhanced verification procedures are being refined
Policy and Regulatory Framework
**Regulatory Clarity**
- Platforms continue to refine definitions of prohibited vs. permitted assistance
- Terms of service are regularly updated to address new technologies
- Enforcement policies are becoming more transparent
- Educational resources help players understand regulatory boundaries
**Enforcement Approaches**
- Platforms are developing more nuanced enforcement strategies
- Investigation procedures are becoming more sophisticated
- Appeals processes are being refined
- Industry-wide communication is improving coordination
Community Engagement
**Player Education**
- Ongoing dialogue about technology boundaries in poker
- Clear communication about platform policies and enforcement
- Transparency in investigation processes where appropriate
- Community involvement in maintaining game integrity
**Industry Collaboration**
- Information sharing between platforms regarding policy development
- Coordinated approaches to complex regulatory questions
- Joint research into detection and prevention technologies
- Ongoing development of industry standards and best practices
The Ongoing Battle: Current State and Future Challenges
Technological Arms Race
The RTA detection field resembles a continuous technological arms race:
**Advancing Threats:**
- More sophisticated RTA software
- Better integration with poker clients
- Improved human-like behavior simulation
- Coordinated multi-account operations
**Evolving Defenses:**
- AI-powered detection systems
- Real-time monitoring capabilities
- Cross-platform collaboration
- Advanced statistical modeling
Future Considerations
**Emerging Challenges:**
- Integration with legitimate training tools
- Distinguishing between study and assistance
- Handling gray areas in policy
- Maintaining player privacy while ensuring security
**Potential Solutions:**
- Blockchain-based transparency
- Advanced biometric verification
- Real-time behavioral monitoring
- Community-driven detection systems
Impact on Player Trust and Industry Health
Trust Erosion
Each major RTA scandal has contributed to:
- Decreased confidence in online poker fairness
- Player migration to perceived safer platforms
- Reduced participation in high-stakes games
- Community fragmentation and suspicion
Recovery Efforts
The industry has responded with:
- Increased transparency in security measures
- Regular communication about detection efforts
- Enhanced player verification processes
- Continuous investment in security technology
Conclusion: Navigating the Complex Landscape of Technology and Poker
The history of RTA-related controversies in poker illustrates the complex relationship between technological advancement and competitive gaming. Each incident has contributed valuable insights about detection methods, regulatory approaches, and the ongoing evolution of the poker ecosystem.
**Key Insights:**
1. **Regulatory Complexity:** The boundary between acceptable study tools and prohibited assistance continues to evolve as technology advances.
2. **Detection Evolution:** Both assistance technologies and detection systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, creating an ongoing technological dialogue.
3. **Industry Adaptation:** Platforms, players, and regulators continue to adapt their approaches as the landscape evolves.
4. **Ongoing Discussion:** The poker community continues to engage in important conversations about the role of technology in competitive play.
The poker industry continues to navigate these complex questions about technology, competition, and regulation. These cases provide valuable data points for understanding how the ecosystem responds to technological change and regulatory challenges.
Understanding this history helps all stakeholders - players, platforms, technology developers, and regulators - make informed decisions about their role in the evolving poker landscape. The ongoing dialogue between technology and regulation will likely continue to shape the future of competitive poker.
**The relationship between poker and technology continues to evolve, with each development contributing to our understanding of this complex ecosystem.**