Watching a Doug Polk Video Leads to Penalty in WSOP Main Event
Table Of Contents
Chih Fan has denied violating WSOP Rule 64 regarding approved electronic devices after receiving a one-round penalty for allegedly viewing a GTO chart at the table during Day 6 of the Main Event.
The Taiwanese player strongly denied the accusation at the time and has since released a statement saying he was watching “Doug Polk’s YouTube” during the hand in question. Despite the explanation, the ruling was upheld and the penalty enforced.
Rule 64 explicitly bans all electronic devices in the tournament room during the final three tables of bracelet events. It also forbids any form of coaching, including watching the live stream or using charts, apps, or artificial intelligence while inside the room.
“Failure to adhere to this rule will result in a penalty for the participant and removal from the tournament room for the spectator,” reads the official WSOP policy.
“I’ve Never Cheated. Never.”
Fan took to Instagram to address the incident directly, stating, “I’ve never cheated. Never.”
“I don’t stall on angle, don’t even skip the big blind,” he added. “I swear on my life and character: I see poker as a sport — one that deserves sportsmanship.”
In the same post, Fan explained that he had opened a Doug Polk video while another player was tanking and that a GTO chart may have briefly appeared on screen.
“Rules are dead. People are alive. And to those who live like dead rules — I feel nothing but sympathy.”
“Next time, I’ll be more careful,” Fan wrote. “Won’t open Doug Polk’s YouTube while someone else is tanking... just to avoid a random GTO chart popping up — that I absolutely don’t need.”
Polk responded to the post on Instagram, writing, “I got your back buddy, getting a shoutout on my next breaking news.”
PokerNews' Connor Richards, who witnessed the incident, reported that several players at the table were sympathetic to Fan, noting that it’s possible for hand histories or charts to appear accidentally if sent by a friend.
Fan also shared a more philosophical take in his Instagram post, writing, “Rules are dead. People are alive. And to those who live like dead rules — I feel nothing but sympathy.”
What is Rule 64 - Approved Electronic Devices; Prohibited Filming and Streaming?
Rule 64 was introduced to curb the use of electronic tools and potential Real Time Assistance (RTA) during streamed WSOP events. The rule contains provisions that cover both participants in tournaments and spectators present in the tournament room.
According to the rule, “No devices will be allowed to be used in the tournament room during these late stages of streamed events and no coaching from anywhere within the tournament room will be allowed. This includes viewing of the tournament stream and usage of any electronic assistance.”
Participants and spectators are not allowed to use charts, apps, artificial intelligence, or any other form of electronic assistance
-2025 WSOP Official Rules
It further states, “Participants and spectators are not allowed to use charts, apps, artificial intelligence, or any other form of electronic assistance in the tournament room that could give a participant an advantage.” This includes both direct communication, such as speaking, and indirect methods like text, email, or messaging apps.
The WSOP policy makes it clear that both players and spectators are subject to Rule 64, with signage posted throughout the venue stating that “by entering the tournament room they agree to abide by Rule 64.”
