The Biggest RTA Scandals in Poker History

6/8/2025

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.**