Cheating Allegations Rock Las Vegas – Mike Holtz and Top Pros Demand Reform

The 2025 Poker Atlas Tour was held at Resorts World Las Vegas from February 27 to March 10. Following the $800 buy-in Main Event, multiple players voiced suspicions of possible cheating. The controversy centers around Mike "BrockLesnar" Holtz, a two-time WSOP Online Player of the Year, who shared his concerns in a nearly 10-minute video.

According to Holtz, he witnessed suspicious behavior at his table involving two players. He claims a short-stacked player consistently mucked his cards in a way that allowed the big stack next to him to see them. Holtz said he reported this to tournament staff, but no action was taken.

Holtz also described another incident in which an eliminated player stood behind an active player and allegedly communicated with them in a foreign language during a hand. Again, staff did not intervene.

Beyond collusion concerns, Holtz pointed out a broader problem: the frequent accidental exposure of cards due to the American-style "pitch" dealing technique. This method, where cards are tossed through the air, often leads to cards flashing if the throw is too high or angled poorly.

Holtz advocated for switching to the European "slide" method, in which cards are dealt flat and slid across the table. This significantly reduces the risk of accidental exposure and is considered a more secure method, especially in high-stakes environments.

Holtz believes these incidents might not be isolated. He suspects a coordinated cheating ring may be active across multiple poker rooms in Las Vegas. Several respected players—including Patrick Leonard, Eric Zheng, and Joel Baker—have reported observing similar suspicious behavior.

Top professionals such as Ryan Riess, Tony Dunst, Allen Kessler, Andy Bloch, and Robert Mizrachi have publicly supported Holtz’s call for stricter anti-cheating protocols. According to Holtz, if the poker community fails to act, it could damage Las Vegas's reputation as a premier poker destination.

Holtz praised Wynn Las Vegas as a positive example, highlighting its strict procedures and consistent penalties for any kind of cheating or collusion.