Justin Bonomo, one of poker’s most prominent figures, recently found himself at the center of controversy during the $25,000 World Series of Poker Paradise (WSOPP) Super Main Event. Deep into the record-breaking tournament, Bonomo informed his X followers that he was threatened with disqualification for wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern scarf closely associated with Palestinian identity.
The $50 million guaranteed event had whittled down to just 15 players from the original 1,978 entries during Day 4. Bonomo, second on the all-time money list with $64 million in career earnings, was in ninth place with 60,300,000 chips. Meanwhile, Australian poker pro Michael Addamo dominated the leaderboard with a commanding 153,700,000.
WSOP’s Official Statement
In response to the incident, WSOP officials issued a statement explaining the reasoning behind the request:
“The request for removal of Mr. Bonomo’s keffiyeh once he reached the TV production table was simply a matter of broadcast clearance. Our future distribution platforms for the Super Main Event do not allow garments deemed controversial or political in nature.”
This explanation underscored a long-standing debate in poker—how political expressions intersect with professional tournaments, particularly those with global audiences.
Bonomo’s Stance and Backlash
Bonomo has been a vocal supporter of Palestine, frequently sharing his views on social media amid the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His stance has polarized the poker community, with some lauding his commitment to his beliefs and others criticizing him for bringing politics into the game. High-profile players such as Daniel Negreanu and Mike Matusow have been especially outspoken, calling Bonomo’s actions divisive.
Matusow, known for his bold opinions, went so far as to urge incoming U.S. President Donald Trump to imprison Bonomo for his pro-Palestinian stance. This extreme reaction highlights the intensity of the debate within the poker world and beyond.
The Keffiyeh as a Symbol
The keffiyeh is more than just an accessory—it has become a powerful symbol of Palestinian heritage and resistance. Its significance was further spotlighted during a tragic incident in Vermont in late 2023 when three college students were shot, two of whom were wearing keffiyehs. Their families described the crime as “fueled by hate.”
Bonomo was not the only player to wear the keffiyeh during the event. Michael Acevedo also donned similar attire on Day 1 of the tournament, reportedly complimenting Bonomo’s style.
What the WSOP Rulebook Says
According to Section 54(d) of the WSOP rulebook, host properties retain the right to ban any apparel they deem objectionable at their sole discretion. This policy leaves no room for ambiguity in such cases, allowing organizers to enforce rules as they see fit.
“Host Properties reserve the right at all times to impose a ban on any apparel deemed objectionable by Host Properties, in its sole and absolute discretion,” the rulebook states.
The Broader Context
This isn’t the first time political statements have caused friction in the poker world. In 2014, PokerStars banned players from wearing political attire during European Poker Tour (EPT) events. At the 2021 WSOP, two players who won a Tag Team event wore “Free Palestine” shirts during play, but the photos featuring their victory were edited to exclude the messaging.
Even within WSOP Paradise, political undertones have emerged. A $10,000 charity event held earlier in the series raised funds for IDF Widows and Orphans, a move that drew criticism from Bonomo and others. According to reports, the event raised approximately $140,000, a decision that some players, including Bonomo, found controversial given the ongoing conflict.
A High-Stakes Dilemma
For Bonomo, the stakes extend beyond the felt. The $25K Super Main Event offers a massive $6,000,000 first-place prize, a win that would bring him within $3 million of all-time money leader Bryn Kenney. Yet, the threat of disqualification looms, adding an extra layer of tension to his quest for poker glory.
The incident has sparked widespread debate across social media, with responses to Bonomo’s tweets ranging from support to outrage. While some believe the WSOP’s actions were justified, others view the decision as an infringement on personal expression.
Ultimately, the controversy surrounding Justin Bonomo’s keffiyeh serves as a reminder of how cultural and political issues can intersect with professional poker, igniting conversations far beyond the game itself. For now, all eyes remain on Bonomo as he continues his pursuit of poker greatness amid the heated backdrop of one of the year’s biggest tournaments.
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