2026 WSOP controversy: Dealer calls hand dead, then allows opponent to call
During the bubble of 2026 WSOP Event 62, Patrick Leonard shoved on the river. After his opponent thought for a long time past the time limit, the dealer called the hand dead, but the opponent then said 'call.' A second dealer intervened and allowed the call. Leonard lost the pot, sparking intense criticism of the dealer's standards in the poker community.
The 2026 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is once again embroiled in controversy, this time not due to the eccentric behavior of player Martin Kabrhel, but because of a floor decision. Professional player Patrick Leonard became the unfortunate victim.
On January 24 local time, Leonard posted on his X account that in Event #62: $2,500 No-Limit Hold'em, during the bubble just before the money, he shoved all-in on the river. His sole opponent tanked for six minutes. The floor was called and gave the player a 30-second thinking time.
Eventually, when the floor started a countdown from five seconds, time expired and a "dead hand" was declared. But to Leonard's surprise, the opponent called out "call" after the floor's announcement. Another floor was brought in to discuss, and surprisingly allowed the call, which deeply disappointed Leonard.
Video Reveals the Truth
Leonard then posted two videos taken by another player at the table, documenting the situation. In the first 8-second video, the floor's countdown can be clearly heard, counting down to "one" and then saying "dead hand." The person filming then starts guessing Leonard's hole cards, assuming the hand is over and Leonard is the winner.
But just as the filmer finished guessing, a voice off-screen says: "I call, I call."
In the second 34-second video, Leonard calmly argues with the floor, insisting that the hand was dead. The floor (off-screen) argues that the opponent's call and the "dead" declaration were "simultaneous."
Also heard in the video is another player saying the call came before the dead hand declaration, and of course the opponent himself claims he called in time. Leonard says he is certain the call came after the declaration, and the other player who filmed can testify.
Ultimately, Leonard lost the pot. Commenters on X expressed surprise at his civility and calmness in the video. Leonard responded: "I was very calm because I was 100% sure the floor would make the right decision."
Pro Poker Players Back Leonard
In the replies, almost no one sided with the floor. Josh Arieh commented: "Not only the floor is disgraceful, but also the player for cheating."
Poker Hall of Fame candidate Scott Seiver joked: "Seriously, no offense, but if it were me, I'd stop the tournament until the correct ruling is made, and security would have to drag me out of my seat."
Joseph Cheong said: "Pads (Leonard's nickname) is too nice. Definitely should call in all the tournament directors on site. This is ridiculous."
Galen Hall questioned: if the floor makes an obviously wrong ruling (like thinking a straight beats a flush), is there any recourse? He also criticized the other players at the table for not speaking up.
Image source: PokerGO.com