Nacho Barbero Dropped by ACR Poker

The decision comes only days after Barbero publicly questioned ACR’s commitment to fighting cheating, sparking controversy across the poker world. During a recent PokerGO livestream, Barbero and fellow pro Isaac Haxton got into a candid exchange about ACR’s efforts in security and game integrity. When Haxton asked, “Are they even trying?” Barbero replied, “I don’t think they’re even trying.”

Those seven words may have cost him the patch.

Barbero’s Fall From Grace

Barbero was already skating on thin ice after being caught on camera with a GTO Wizard RTA tool open while playing online poker in January. Although he claimed it wasn’t being used in live hands, the incident sparked backlash, with many pros demanding stricter enforcement against cheating.

At the time, ACR Poker stood by Barbero, brushing the matter off as “Nacho being a goofball.” But now, the site seems to have had enough.

ACR CEO Phil Nagy Responds

Following the viral clip from the PokerGO stream, Phil Nagy, CEO of ACR Poker, released an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming the site's decision to cut ties with Barbero:

“At ACR Poker, we hold our team members to the highest standards of integrity and commitment. Recent comments by team pro Nacho Barbero regarding the use of GTO Wizard have raised serious concerns about his understanding of our security measures and his role as an ambassador.

Nacho has not brought any security concerns or questions to us, either in team pro meetings or through direct communication.

We never censor our pros, but we do expect them to speak truthfully and be well-informed… The nature of these comments reflects a fundamental misalignment with our values.

As a result, we have decided to part ways with Nacho as an ambassador for ACR Poker.”

It’s a firm stance—and one that many in the poker world are applauding. Others, however, see this as a troubling example of silencing criticism rather than addressing potential platform issues.

A Bigger Conversation About Cheating?

Barbero’s ousting reopens an uncomfortable conversation in poker: What should happen to players caught using RTA tools? And more importantly, are online poker sites doing enough to detect and prevent cheating?

Despite being a popular ambassador and visible presence in the poker world, Barbero had already burned goodwill. His dismissal may be less about one comment—and more about the cumulative weight of missteps ACR Poker could no longer ignore.

For now, Barbero is without a team sponsor. As for ACR Poker, the spotlight is now squarely on their anti-cheating measures—and whether the community believes they’re doing enough.