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Nacho Barbero Gets a New Patch — and a Fresh Start at WPT Global

Nacho Barbero Gets a New Patch — and a Fresh Start at WPT Global
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Iva Dozet News Editor
  • Fact Checked by: PokerListings
  • Last updated on: August 19, 2025 · 2 minutes to read

Well, that escalated interestingly.

Just a few months ago, Argentinian poker pro Nacho Barbero was in hot water over a GTO Wizard tab, some unscripted stream banter, and a swift exit from the ACR Poker ambassador team. Now? He’s sporting a new logo — as the newest ambassador for WPT Global.

Yes, that Nacho Barbero. The one who asked “Are they even trying?” on a PokerGO livestream — and in the process, triggered one of the more public ambassador splits in recent poker memory.

Apparently, someone was watching. WPT Global came calling. Barbero said on The Chip Race podcast:

Nacho Barbero

I was surprised to get an offer from WPT. I’m very happy that I was given a second chance because I bring value to poker.

He also pointed out his strengths in plain Nacho style:

“I get attention on TV. I think I’m very funny, people like my content… I know how to entertain.”

So, what exactly happened to get him here?

A Quick Recap

It all started with a screenshot. Back in January, Barbero posted an Instagram story showing him grinding ACR’s Venom tournament — while GTO Wizard was open in the background. Not the best look for an ambassador.

Nacho Barbero and Isaac Haxton
Nacho Barbero and Isaac Haxton

Though both ACR and GTO Wizard later confirmed no evidence of cheating, Barbero forfeited his Day 2 stack voluntarily. The incident raised eyebrows but seemed to cool off — until he brought it all back up.

Fast forward to the US Poker Open. Sitting across from Isaac Haxton, Barbero joked about the saga, then tossed out what would become a viral quote:

Nacho Barbero

I don’t think they’re trying.

The internet did its thing. ACR’s CEO Phil Nagy responded publicly, calling the remarks a “fundamental misalignment” and announcing Barbero’s removal.

Nacho Barbero Tries to Clear the Air

After the fallout, Barbero posted an apology on X (formerly Twitter), owning up to what he called “two stupid mistakes.” He maintained he’s never cheated, clarified the GTO tab was open during a lesson, and said he misunderstood Haxton’s question on stream.

Nacho Barbero

I completely forgot my role as an ambassador. In the end poker is just a game and I will still be around to play… I hope down the line this will be water under the bridge.

Whether the community has moved on is still debatable — but WPT Global clearly has.

Why WPT Global Went with Nacho

From a marketing perspective, Barbero’s got reach. He’s a recognizable figure, a strong player, and never dull on camera. Even if his recent past includes some turbulence, he still brings what many poker sites crave: visibility, personality, and — like it or not — engagement.

WPT Global’s decision to bring him on board reads as a calculated move: take a controversial but compelling figure and give him a platform that matches his media-savvy persona. It’s not the first second-chance story in poker, and it won’t be the last.

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Written By: Iva Dozet News Editor
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