ACR Poker Parts Ways with Nacho Barbero: A Dramatic Split
In the ever-evolving landscape of online poker, ACR Poker has made headlines once again by officially severing ties with its prominent ambassador, Jose ‘Nacho’ Barbero. This decision comes on the heels of some explosive comments made by Barbero just days prior, raising eyebrows and sparking debates about the commitment to maintaining a fair playing field on the platform.
The Breaking Point: Candid Comments Spark Controversy
The relationship between Barbero and ACR Poker, which lasted two years, appears to have reached its tipping point during a lively exchange on a recent US Poker Open livestream. The dialogue unfolded when fellow poker icon Isaac Haxton challenged Barbero on ACR’s security measures regarding real-time assistance (RTA) tools like GTO Wizard. Haxton bluntly asked, “Are they even trying?” To which Barbero quipped, accompanied by laughter, “I don’t think they’re trying.” This casual dismissal did not sit well with the management at ACR Poker.
Phil Nagy, the CEO of ACR Poker, was quick to respond, stating, “At ACR Poker, we hold our team members to the highest standards of integrity and commitment." He went on to clarify that Barbero’s remarks raised significant concerns regarding his understanding of their security protocols. Nagy added, "We never censor our pros, but we do expect them to speak truthfully and be well-informed about our security efforts. This reflects a fundamental misalignment with our values.”
Nacho Barbero
The Fallout: A Rapidly Evolving Situation
The drama surrounding Barbero isn’t new; it follows closely on the heels of a prior incident earlier in the year. In February, Barbero created a stir when an Instagram post revealed him playing ACR’s flagship Venom tournament while GTO Wizard was visible on his screen. This act raised red flags, as the platform has strict policies against using such software during play, often considered tantamount to cheating.
While Barbero insisted he wasn’t using the solver for his current hands, claiming it was just there from a previous coaching session, ACR Poker launched an internal investigation. They publicly cleared him of wrongdoing but described the incident as “Nacho being a goofball.” Despite this, Barbero agreed to forfeit his Day 2 stacks in the Venom tournament, indicating an acknowledgment of the misstep.
Community Backlash and the Final Straw
The poker community reacted with a mix of disbelief and criticism regarding ACR Poker’s lenient handling of Barbero’s past incident. Many questioned how a sponsored pro could slip through the cracks despite being embroiled in such a sensitive situation. Chris Moneymaker, another ACR ambassador, openly aired his frustrations in an interview, stating that ambassadors should undoubtedly be held to stricter standards. He hesitated to align with the notion of leniency, emphasizing, “If I owned ACR, I would probably get rid of both of them if I’m being real with myself.”
Fast forward to the streaming incident, and Barbero appeared almost nonchalant about past controversies when addressing Haxton, lamenting about his earlier post showcasing GTO Wizard. His comments at this moment showcased a disconnect that ultimately led ACR to reassess their partnership.
Conclusion: The Future of Barbero and ACR Poker
As of now, Jose ‘Nacho’ Barbero, a WSOP bracelet winner with over $23.52 million in live tournament earnings and impressive recent results, including $597,900 in April cashes, will no longer fly the ACR Poker banner at future events, such as the upcoming 2025 World Series of Poker.
While Barbero’s future ambitions in poker remain unpredictable, one thing is clear: the ramifications of this split echo far beyond just two parties separating. It raises questions about the integrity within poker and how platforms manage the dual responsibilities of branding and a commitment to fair play.
For more insights and coverage of the latest in poker, stay tuned to our updates!
