PokerGreed Poker Blog - The Greedy Gecko

Harry Demetriou is one of the most successful poker players in Europe, but that didn’t stop him being ejected from an event at this year’s WSOP. The controversial incident took place during the $2000 No Limit Hold’Em event. Having gained a sixth place finish in the $2,500 No Limit Hold 'Em 6-Handed Freezout just a day before, Demetriou looked primed to do very well in this event.

However, trouble began when the event rules were changed after 15 minutes of play because there were a number of empty seats. This meant the event changed from a 9,10 or 11-handed shootout to a 6 handed affair. Although this in fact suits Demetriou better, he was obviously annoyed at the sudden change in the situation.

He asked to speak to a floor person, and demanded that his entry fee be refunded. When this request was refused, he became even angrier and began shouting at the floor person. He asked to speak to the tournament commissioner, but instead was ejected from the event without warning.

This punishment seemed harsh, as there was no suggestion that Demetriou was violent or threatening. Although the situation was somewhat reconciled later on when WSOP commissioner Jeffrey Pollack met Demetriou and refunded his entry fee, the ejection will surely leave a sour taste in Harry’s mouth.

Commenting later, Harry Demetriou praised the tournament sponsors, but did admit that more needed to be done to appease players. He said that the money situation was not adequate, and that players were often left in the dark about rules and regulations. Although he didn’t rule out playing again in the WSOP, he clearly feels that something has to change before he will make an appearance again. The ejection was clearly harsh, but Demetriou will have the $60,000 he won the day before to ease the pain. Perhaps he will be persuaded to play in a later event, which would at least go some way to easing the tension between players and tournament organisers.