Did Jonathan Tamayo Cheat by Using a Solver in the 2024 WSOP Main Event?

Jonathan Tamayo won the WSOP Main Event a week ago, but discussions around his victory are still ongoing. Users on Twitter, Reddit, YouTube are all discussing one topic: whether using a solver on the rail is considered cheating or not.

We tried to figure it out.

How Did Tamayo Use The Solver in the WSOP 2024 Heads-Up?

Dominik Nitsche and Joe McKeehen stood on the rail with a phone and laptop. During the PokerGO broadcast, it was not clear what exactly Nitsche and McKeehen were watching.

Pat Moore posted a photo from the rail on his Twitter (X): the final table broadcast was open on the phone, and the solver was open on the laptop. 

This became the reason for discussions on Twitter, Reddit and YouTube. And the main question is: is it fair?

Dominik Nitsche fans the flames on Twitter: 

The best part of having a piece win the main is definitely the money. But the 2nd best part is how mad the biggest dipshits on twitter get when they see someone using a laptop on the rail. pic.twitter.com/i2NQkWy9el

— Dominik Nitsche (@DominikNitsche) July 18, 2024

Can Tamayo’s Behavior Be Considered Cheating?

Users agree: it’s not a cheating, but it’s not good either. Firstly, fans used laptops on the rails at previous years’ final tables.

Secondly, communicating with fans is not prohibited. Finding out what hands your opponents had and whether the hand was played correctly is a common practice at final tables.

Thirdly, before the start of each tournament at the WSOP 2024, the following announcement was made:

We do ask you to please do not use any type of poker solvers at any point in time at the table or in the tournament area. If you’re found using one of these poker solvers, there’s a possibility of being disqualified from this tournament.

But Tamayo did not use the solver directly during the hand. That’s why Tamayo’s behavior cannot be considered cheating.

Reaction of WSOP Main Event Runner-up Jordan Griff

Jordan Griff came to Doug Polk’s podcast. He did not blame anyone, did not insist on breaking the rules or anyone’s dishonesty, but calmly shared his thoughts on the situation.

“I thought that if they were doing anything nefarious or against the rules that it would have been called out or caught on. But when I’m at the table in that moment, I’m focused on playing. I’m not focused on, ooh does he have a solver? I’m there to play my game.“

He added:

“I think using RTA is going to give an advantage. Everyone can debate how large that is, and how much it will really help a person. I think it’s hard to quantify that. If I had 100% confirmation that they were there running sims, I may have mentioned something to the floor then.“

You’ll find their full sit down below:

Poker Pros’ Opinions on Using Solvers During the Final Table

Most players condemned the behavior of Tamayo and Nitsche. Alex Keating was one of the first to comment:

I can’t comment on whatever is on that laptop, but I will share that I was with a dozen friends last night watching the final table playing on the background and not a single one of them thought whatever is on that laptop was tasteful or within the spirit of the game.

I’m… https://t.co/gmB4aqT8Nr

— Mister_Keating (@Mister_Keating) July 18, 2024

Bryan Paris added:

“Theoptics are bad but with this sort of money in play people are going to push every edge they can. Dom and Joe did nothing wrong here but the rules around this should probably be changed in the future to make a better viewing experience.“

While Sam Greenwood said:

“I see people saying “well we need to ban all devices from the rail because coaches could verbally relay solver outputs to students”, but that’s not what happened here. Tamayo is looking at solver outputs, this is 10% getting coached and 90% looking at a chart. It doesn’t matter whose device he’s looking at.

All that being said, the edge gained here makes his actions closer to petty theft than grand larceny. The WSOP should have clearer rules and enforced them, a warning or a one orbit penalty would be sufficient. Anyone saying Tamayo isn’t a deserving champ is off base.“

Sam Grafron also took to X to share his thoughts on the matter:

Absolutely sucks and can’t be allowed. https://t.co/3Dw8wyZ0HY

— Sam Grafton (@SquidPoker) July 18, 2024

Fedor Holz also chimed in: “Regarding the WSOP main event winner getting ‘coached’:

I think it’s not good for the game if players go to the rail and look at charts or sims or get input based on those. I believe that shouldn’t be part of the game. I hope the rules are being changed for next year.

Finally, Scotty Weinstein also gave his two cents:

Imagine being part of the biggest moment of someone else’s life, presumably a *friend*, and making it all about yourself. All while calling them “a piece”.

Moral bankruptcy is definitely a Ni(e)ts(z)chean philosophy! https://t.co/9BWNTUnRBT

— Scotty Weinstein (@scottynooooo) July 19, 2024