Duel Casino Founder Faces Social Media Ban After Record-Breaking Run
Controversial Finnish high-stakes player and Duel Casino owner Ossi “Monarch” Ketola has once again found himself in the spotlight — this time for being suspended from X. The outspoken poker figure revealed on Twitch that both his personal handle @Monarch and his business account @Duel were taken down by the platform on Wednesday.
X stated that the accounts were removed for violating the X Rules, but no details were given. The timing, however, raised eyebrows across the poker world, coming just as Duel rolled out its new return-to-player (RTP) games.
“They’re Attacking”: Monarch Responds on Twitch
During a fiery Twitch stream, Ketola accused his rivals of orchestrating the ban.
“Why banned? It looks like they are attacking. Just when we launch RTP games, this happens,” he told his followers.
“From what we’ve looked into, it seems that someone spent a significant amount of money to get the accounts banned. So now obviously the priority is to get them unbanned.”
Despite the setback, Ketola vowed to keep pushing forward.
“Duel is going to continue working. We will keep fighting,” he said, before signing off with his signature bravado: “The lion doesn’t mind the sickness. The lion fights when they have to.”
A Polarizing Figure in the High-Stakes Arena
Known for his brash style and for being criticized over the use of offensive language online, Ketola has never shied away from controversy. Still, his fanbase remains fiercely loyal and vocal. After the suspension news broke, supporters quickly rallied behind him on X.
“The online casino industry is desperately trying to protect their profits,” one user wrote. “Duel is coming for their market share. Duel is inevitable.”
From a $12.7 Million Pot to Platform Trouble
Just weeks ago, Ketola captured global attention after scooping a $12.7 million heads-up pot against Hong Kong’s Bjorn Li — one of the biggest hands ever recorded in poker history. That win cemented his status as one of the most talked-about names in high-stakes action.
Now, however, the “Monarch” faces a different kind of battle — one that could test the future of his brand both in poker and the online gambling scene.
Poker Content Under Increasing Scrutiny
Since Elon Musk’s 2022 acquisition of X, the platform has relaxed many of its moderation rules, reinstating several previously banned accounts. Yet, Ketola’s removal comes as poker content creators face growing challenges on multiple fronts.
Recently, YouTube temporarily suspended Brad Owen’s channel before reinstating it following an appeal. The move was widely criticized by the poker community. Meanwhile, Axios reported on what it described as a “war on poker,” noting that players and streamers alike are feeling the squeeze from regulators and major platforms.
For now, Ossi “Monarch” Ketola’s suspension adds another dramatic twist to one of poker’s most unpredictable modern storylines — and the battle for his online throne is just getting started.
