WSOP Player Ejected for Smoking and Chip Tampering

A player participating in the $3,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em event at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) was ejected from the tournament for persistent rule violations, including smoking at the table and attempting to pocket chips. The incident, captured on video and shared by the WSOP’s social media accounts, involved Brazilian poker player João Siqueira.

Smoking at poker tables has been prohibited in U.S. poker rooms since 2003, yet Siqueira was reportedly adamant about continuing to smoke while playing. This led to an argument with a floor supervisor. Security was eventually called to the table, and other players voiced their objections, with one suggesting at least a one-round penalty. Despite warnings, Siqueira continued to smoke, prompting further intervention.

Por que importa

According to a WSOP source speaking to PokerNews, Siqueira was ultimately disqualified from the tournament for excessive drinking and the act of placing his chips into his pocket. He was escorted from the tournament area without further incident.

Despite the ejection, Siqueira was not banned from Caesars properties and is expected to be able to return to the WSOP. The $3,000 6-Handed No-Limit Hold’em event, identified as Event #56, had 342 players at the time of the report, with late registration still open. Notable players such as Jean-Robert Bellande, Bruce Buffer, and Jeremy Becker were also participating in the event.

Contexto

This incident highlights the strict rules and regulations in place at major poker tournaments like the WSOP, emphasizing player conduct and adherence to established protocols. Violations, especially those involving prohibited activities like smoking and attempts to gain an unfair advantage through chip manipulation, can lead to immediate disqualification.

The WSOP is known for its rigorous enforcement of rules to maintain a fair and professional playing environment for all participants. While Siqueira’s actions led to his removal from this specific tournament, his ability to return to other WSOP events indicates that the penalty was specific to the infraction and not a broader ban from the series.

Key facts

This development matters to PlayVideoPoker readers as it underscores the importance of adhering to tournament rules, even in high-stakes environments like the World Series of Poker. Understanding and respecting these regulations is crucial for any player aspiring to compete at this level, ensuring fair play and a positive experience for all involved.

Source: PokerNews – https://www.pokernews.com/news/2026/06/poker-player-banned-at-wsop-51601.htm