Published on: December 19, 2024, 10:18h.
Last update: December 19, 2024, 10:18h.
Poker player Justin Bonomo revealed that he received a warning of disqualification from the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event for wearing a keffiyeh, an Arab headdress.
The keffiyeh that Bonomo wore represents a traditional Palestinian garment and serves as a symbol of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
During the tournament, Bonomo implied on social media that the keffiyeh was bringing him luck as he progressed.
While nearing the final stages of the $25k buy-in event at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, Bonomo was instructed to remove the scarf because the WSOP preferred to avoid any political statements on the televised final table.
Poker Politics
The 39-year-old American managed to reach the final and will compete today for a $6 million top prize – albeit without his scarf. On Wednesday evening, he reached out to his Twitter followers in the Bahamas to help him acquire a Palestinian flag, indicating potential future actions.
The request for Bonomo to remove the keffiyeh at the televised production table was simply to comply with broadcast standards,” the WSOP stated. “Our upcoming platforms for the Super Main Event do not allow any attire that could be considered controversial or political.
According to section 54d of the official WSOP rulebook, “Host Properties have the right to enforce a ban on any clothing deemed objectionable, in their sole discretion. They can refuse entry or participation to any player who fails to adhere to the apparel rules.”
Charity Tournament Controversy
Bonomo’s public expression of support for Palestine may be related to the WSOP’s decision to organize a charity tournament benefiting IDF Widows and Orphans, which supports families of deceased Israeli soldiers.
Bonomo criticized this decision as “monstrous” and condemned the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) as a “genocidal terrorist organization” responsible for the devastation in Gaza.
However, fellow player Mike “The Mouth” Matusow, who holds contrasting views, accused Bonomo of supporting terrorism.
He should not be allowed to participate in poker tournaments!” Matusow tweeted. “I eagerly await the day when those who support terrorism are held accountable! Maybe Jihadomo will be the first!”
Bonomo is not the first poker player to stir controversy with pro-Palestine attire. In 2014, Oliver Busquets prompted PokerStars to review its dress code after wearing a “Free Gaza” T-shirt at the EPT Super High Roller Event in Barcelona and emerging as the champion.
“Players have various platforms to express their political views, but our tournaments are not the appropriate venue,” PokerStars stated in response.
Busquets suggested that it is important to discuss the appropriateness of such expressions in a tournament setting.