From poker ambassadors to scandals: Why brand deals often end in disaster
Poker ambassadors play a key role in representing brands, from wearing logos to hosting events. But their time in the spotlight doesn’t always end well. Over the years, several high-profile figures have left—or been forced out—after scandals, cheating, or controversial behaviour.
The role itself has evolved since the poker boom. Today, more players take on ambassador duties, yet the risks remain the same: a warm welcome can quickly turn into a messy exit.
The job of a poker ambassador involves more than just visibility. They represent sponsors with integrity, produce content, and sometimes act as a bridge between players and the company. But when things go wrong, the fallout can be swift.
One of the earliest controversies involved Russ Hamilton, the 1994 WSOP Main Event champion. As an UltimateBet ambassador, he was later found to have cheated in online games. The scandal led to a settlement of over $22 million being paid back to affected players. Chris Ferguson and Howard Lederer faced similar backlash as Full Tilt Poker ambassadors. The US Department of Justice accused them of misleading customers about the safety of their funds. The case damaged their reputations and the brand’s credibility. More recently, Nacho Barbero’s tenure as an ACR Poker ambassador ended after he was caught using banned solver software. His dismissal was later confirmed when a hot mic picked up discussions about the incident. Dan Bilzerian’s stint as a GGPoker pro also ended poorly. His public comments about poker players led to his departure, proving that even high-profile names aren’t immune to controversy. In January 2026, WPT Global signed Ren Lin as a new ambassador after he helped a friend make decisions in a GGPoker tournament. The move sparked backlash, leading to the resignation of existing ambassadors David Lappin and Dara O’Kearney. They cited irreconcilable differences over the appointment, having only joined the team in June 2025. Meanwhile, Chris Skinner, an Australian ambassador for the Southern Poker Tour, was banned from their events after being caught cheating in a live tournament. The pattern is familiar: a poker room proudly welcomes someone to their ‘family’, only for the relationship to sour. At first, the ambassador smiles, wears the sponsor’s patch, and promotes the brand. But over time, the smiles fade, the patches disappear, and the exit often comes under a cloud.
The role of a poker ambassador remains important, but the risks are clear. Scandals, cheating, or poor judgement can end partnerships abruptly. For brands, the challenge is balancing star power with trust—because once an ambassador’s reputation is damaged, the fallout can last far longer than their contract.
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