Questions are now being raised about some of his previous wins
Australian poker professional Chris Skinner is facing heavy backlash after being caught cheating during a low-stakes tournament held on New Year’s Day. The incident took place at a casual event known as Poker With Fred, which carried a buy-in of AUD $125 (US$83.80) and was recorded on video.
Footage from the game shows Skinner quietly adding extra chips to his stack while play was ongoing. The clip spread quickly online, prompting sharp criticism from players and fans alike. Given Skinner’s profile in the Australian poker scene, the reaction was swift and unforgiving.
Skinner did not attempt to deny what happened. Shortly after the video circulated, he released a public statement admitting fault and taking responsibility for his actions. He stated that the amount involved did not matter and acknowledged that bringing chips into play was wrong under any circumstances.
In his statement, Skinner also apologized to fellow players and organizers, saying he had damaged trust within the community. He announced plans to step away from poker for an unspecified period, saying he needed time to reflect on the incident and its impact on his career.
Consequences followed almost immediately. The Southern Poker Tour confirmed that Skinner has been banned from its events, and Poker With Fred organizer Fred Baybon also barred him from future games. These decisions have raised doubts about whether Skinner will be able to rebuild his standing in live poker.
Skinner’s live tournament earnings exceed $312,000, with his biggest cash just over $32,000. That history has led some players to question whether this was truly a one-time lapse or something that went unnoticed in the past.
