The high-stakes player was controversially called out for his garb during the game
Justin Bonomo, one of the most successful poker players in history, faced controversy during the $25,000 WSOP Paradise Super Main Event. Deep into the tournament, WSOP officials threatened to disqualify him for wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern scarf that has become a symbol of Palestinian identity.
Down to 16 players in the $25k Super Main@WSOP informed me that I will be disqualified from the tournament if I don’t take my Keffiyeh off
Pretty fucked that they’ll run charity tournaments for the IDF but won’t let me wear a scarf because it was made in Palestine 🤬🤬🤬
— JustinBonomo.bsky.social 🇵🇸 (@JustinBonomo) December 18, 2024
The tournament, which featured a record-breaking $50 million guarantee, had dwindled to just 15 players out of the original 1,978 entries. Bonomo, holding the ninth-largest stack at 60.3 million chips, was vying for the $6 million top prize. Michael Addamo led the field with a commanding 153.7 million chips.
According to WSOP officials, the keffiyeh’s removal was required due to broadcast clearance policies. The organization stated that its distribution platforms prohibit attire deemed political or controversial.
Bonomo, known for expressing pro-Palestinian views online, has faced criticism from notable figures in the poker community, including Daniel Negreanu and Mike Matusow. However, he has remained steadfast in his beliefs, even at the risk of jeopardizing his tournament run.
The issue reignited debates about the intersection of politics and poker. While Bonomo was warned of potential disqualification, the WSOP rulebook grants host properties the authority to ban apparel they find objectionable. This rule has been enforced before, with PokerStars banning political displays in 2014 and past instances of players wearing politically charged clothing at WSOP events, leading to selective image exclusions.
The keffiyeh gained additional attention recently when two students wearing the scarf were victims of a hate crime, according to reports. Although Bonomo wasn’t the only player wearing a keffiyeh in the event, the incident has stirred mixed reactions. Some argue the ban is necessary to maintain neutrality, while others view it as an overreach.
Editor at the Big Blind, is a rising star in gambling journalism with a decade of experience, focusing on clear and accessible communication for a diverse audience.
