We all still remember the WSOP Main Event final table this summer, where Jonathan Tamayo was the winner. However, he didn't enjoy his success for long, as a wave of criticism immediately descended on his head. He received it for being advised by Dominik Nitsche, who was standing in the rake, via his laptop, where he had the RTA software open. This case was named "laptop gate" and after it players started to demand a strict ban on the use of auxiliary software.
We all waited for the WSOP to comment, but it didn't comment on anything. But now, before the WSOP Paradise stop, it has come up with updated tournament rules where it clearly prohibits the use of electronic devices. Both music players and headphones are allowed, but once the tournament reaches the last three tables, players will have to remove any electronic devices. In the new rules, players are also not allowed to put their mobile phone or any other electronic device on the table or in the rails during play.
The controversy surrounding Jonathan Tamayo's rake has brought about a new rule that prohibits players, as well as spectators, from using any kind of ancillary software, and even bans coaching. Spectators will also be banned from watching the live stream. The full rule reads as follows: "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. Spectators are also prohibited from providing live assistance or coaching. Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a penalty for the player and removal from the rail for the spectator. Non-players on the rail must adhere to the WSOP Terms & Conditions, including no viewing of live streams on an electronic device."
"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."
It will be very interesting to see how these rules are enforced in practice if, for example, a player wants to play both a live WSOP tournament and an online WSOP tournament at the same time, as the world's largest online poker room is the new owner of the series.
What will the penalties be?
After reading the new rules, you must have wondered how this behaviour and violation of the new rules will be punished. This is not specified in the new rules, it is only stated that the player will be punished up to disqualification. What the punishment will be for the offender is thus apparently left to the discretion of the WSOP floormanager. However, it should be clear to everyone that the floormanager has the power to immediately disqualify a player from the tournament.
It would have been interesting to see how the final day of the WSOP Main Event would have unfolded if these new rules had been in place during the summer WSOP in Las Vegas to see if Jonathan Tamayo would have been champion without the help of his rake. That, however, is anyone's guess.
If you're interested in the full text of the new WSOP rules, you can find them at this link.
What do you think of the new rules? Do you welcome these changes to the WSOP tournament rules, or do you have a different take on it? Let us know in the comments on our social media channels.
Source - WSOP, X - Kevin Mathers, Pokernews, Reddit
