WSOP Orders Justin Bonomo to Remove Pro-Palestine Scarf at Paradise Super Main Event

WSOP Orders Justin Bonomo to Remove Pro-Palestine Scarf at Paradise Super Main Event

By Michael Davidson

December 19, 2024 at 05:57 PM

Justin Bonomo, a professional poker player, faced potential disqualification from the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event for wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian headdress, during the tournament at Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.

Professional poker player Justin Bonomo

Professional poker player Justin Bonomo

Tournament officials requested Bonomo remove the garment before the televised final table, citing broadcast clearance issues. The WSOP released a statement explaining their distribution platforms don't permit controversial or political garments.

According to WSOP rulebook Section 54d, the organization reserves the right to ban any apparel deemed objectionable and may refuse participation to players who don't comply with dress code rules.

The incident follows controversy over WSOP's decision to host a charity tournament benefiting IDF Widows and Orphans. Bonomo criticized this decision, calling the IDF a "genocidal terrorist organization." Fellow player Mike Matusow strongly opposed Bonomo's stance, suggesting supporters of terrorism should be banned from tournaments.

This isn't the first such controversy in poker. In 2014, Oliver Busquet wore a "Free Gaza" T-shirt during an EPT Super High Roller Event in Barcelona, leading PokerStars to revise their dress code policy.

Bonomo, who made it to the final table, will compete for the $6 million first prize. He later requested a Palestinian flag on social media, suggesting the controversy may continue.

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