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WPT Global has attracted both criticism and ridicule for its choice of known poker cheat Tony ‘Ren’ Lin as its latest ambassador.
On Monday, January 12, WPT Global announced the appointment of Tony ‘Ren’ Lin, writing on
NEW AMBASSADOR
Tony ‘Ren’ Lin joins WPT Global as our new ambassador!
One of the most accomplished players on the global live circuit, Tony brings over $16 million in live winnings and years of success on poker’s biggest stages.
Welcome, Tony!
pic.twitter.com/QvD13HDKjL
– WPT Global (@wpt_global) January 12, 2026
However, the decision was criticized on social media, as Lin previously admitted to cheating, serving a suspension from poker in the second half of 2025. Lin was disqualified from the Main Event of the World Series of Poker Super Circuit in Cyprus last year for using real-time assistance prohibited (RTA)resulting in the player’s “indefinite suspension” from GGPoker and WSOP events.
Other World Poker Tour brands, including the parent brand, distanced themselves from WPT Global following the announcement. ClubWPT Gold posted a photo of controversial alleged poker scammer Maurice Hawkins on X, joking that it had also signed him as an ambassador.
And while we’re at it… pic.twitter.com/TTDDQfbZjP
– ClubWPT Gold (@ClubWPTGold) January 12, 2026
The World Poker Tour addressed X in a now-deleted post to say: “WPT Global is a licensee of the World Poker Tour. We do not officially support any of their ambassadors.” On Tuesday, Dara O’Kearney and David Lappin of the Chip Race podcast resigned as ambassadors following the appointment.
In a statement released to values.
“Signing Ren Lin as Global Ambassador came as a shock to us. Given our personal and outspoken views on the scandal surrounding it, it was immediately evident that our continued role within the company was untenable. As a result, we are parting ways with WPT Global.”
ANNOUNCEMENT pic.twitter.com/zPqEdR8yyR
—
The flea race
WPT Global doubles down
WPT Global has since doubled down on its choice of ambassador, writing in a now-deleted
“Players like @TheBradOwen and @rampagepoker are great at attracting vlog watchers, but are they great poker players? While others may prioritize influence. We stand out.”
– WPT Global (@wpt_global) January 12, 2026
In a second, longer statement also shared with XWPT Global indirectly acknowledged the cheating scandal, writing: “WPT Global remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, security and fairness in online poker. Our decision to collaborate with Tony is rooted in our belief in second chances and our focus on the future.”
Featured Image: World WPT
The position WPT Global draws criticism for choosing Tony ‘Ren’ Lin as ambassador appeared first on ReadWrite.
