A combat-sports promotion supported by controversial offshore crypto casino Duel is receiving backlash after Nazi salutes, a swastika flag, and antisemitic abuse tainted its debut at Orlando’s Kia Center.
Duel Arena 1, which took place on Saturday (August 29), featured a kickboxing match between Paul “GypsyCrusader” Miller, known for racist and antisemitic content online, and Jewish influencer Ben Azoulay.
Miller, who, despite his Romani heritage, has self-identified as a neo-Nazi, claimed victory by split decision before directing an antisemitic insult towards his opponent over the arena PA system. Miller referred to Azoulay as a “short little f—ing Jew prick.”
Video footage from the event also revealed Nazi salutes, with a spectator displaying a large swastika flag before being ejected from the city-owned venue.
USA Today reported that multiple fights broke out among the audience, resulting in some attendees being escorted out of the building.
The incidents have led to widespread condemnation from Orlando officials, lawmakers, and the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida.
Orlando Venues, the operator of the Kia Center, expressed strong disapproval of racism, discrimination, and messages promoting violence. They stated that the flag was promptly removed upon staff awareness.
Miller has gained a following online through racist and antisemitic content and previously served time in federal prison for firearms offenses. Federal prosecutors have accused him of advocating for a “race-based civil war.”
Who Is Behind Duel Arena?
The controversy has also shed light on the unconventional gambling operation connected to the emerging fight promotion, which also used racist language in its event coverage, referring to Black fighter Patrick Clark Jr. as a “chimp” in a post that has since been deleted.
Duel Arena is associated with Duel.com, a cryptocurrency casino and sportsbook founded by Finnish gambling entrepreneur and high-stakes poker player Ossi “Monarch” Ketola.
Ketola previously established CSGOEmpire, a gambling platform where users gamble virtual items related to the Counter-Strike video game, known as “skins.”
Launched in 2025, Duel.com is operated by Nevis-registered Immortal Snail LLC under a gaming license issued in Anjouan, Comoros.
The company has faced criticism for its marketing strategies, including the distribution of controversial videos featuring the casino’s watermark.
The exact corporate relationship between the casino and fight promotion remains unclear. Florida Athletic Commission records identify “Ryan Toole Inc. DBA Duel Arena” as the licensed promoter for the event on Saturday.
However, Duel Arena has been publicly presented as a Duel-backed project, with its official social media account promoting the event alongside Duel.com.
Betting on Its Own Event
Duel.com also provided betting options associated with Duel Arena 1 through its sportsbook, featuring the event in a dedicated “Duel Arena” section under “Duel Specials.”
If Duel was involved in creating and branding the promotion while also offering betting markets on the event, questions may arise regarding safeguards and integrity, although there is no indication that any of the matches were unfairly influenced.