High-Stakes Pro Shown the Door in Cyprus
High-stakes grinder Tony “Ren” Lin has been disqualified from the World Series of Poker Super Circuit Cyprus Main Event after officials reviewed allegations that he had provided real-time advice during an online final table earlier in the week.
The $5,300 buy-in no-limit hold’em event at the Merit Royal Diamond features a $5 million guaranteed prize pool, but Lin never made it to Day 2 action. Tournament Director Andy Tillman informed the Chinese poker star that he was no longer eligible to continue, according to a post by Merit Poker Live on X.
Trouble Started Online
Just days before the Cyprus stop, Lin’s name surfaced in connection with the $10,000 GGMillion$ event on GGPoker, held on October 14. That tournament was won by a player using the screen name “RealOA” for $346,903, while “Buzzcut” finished third for $213,273.
After the event, Buzzcut took to X to claim that “RealOA” had shared his screen during the final table and was receiving real-time coaching from several players — including Lin, who wasn’t even in the event.
Screenshots, Chats, and an Admission
Buzzcut posted screenshots from a group chat showing “RealOA” thanking Lin for his “coaching.” In private messages, Lin reportedly apologized for giving in-game advice, saying it was “quite common and normal” for players to do so.
That admission, combined with the evidence presented, appeared to violate GGPoker’s Online Poker Security Ecology Policy, which states: “Every decision at the poker table should be made free of any external assistance.”
WSOP and GGPoker Respond
As a GGPoker ambassador and one of poker’s most visible high rollers — with more than $16 million in live tournament cashes — Lin’s disqualification drew discussion within the poker community.
The World Series of Poker, now owned by GGPoker’s parent company NSUS following a $500 million acquisition in 2024, has been enforcing fair play standards across both online and live arenas, including disqualifying online violators from certain WSOP-branded live events.
A Warning to the High-Stakes Community
Lin’s removal follows similar disciplinary actions against other big names, including Ali Imsirovic, who was banned from live tournaments in Florida and Texas earlier this year amid cheating allegations.
Ironically, the move comes just weeks after GGPoker announced a reinstatement program allowing previously banned players to reapply for access. Lin’s case, however, serves as a reminder that the platform isn’t taking new violations lightly — especially when it comes to real-time assistance.
