Chess Streamer Nemo Faces Backlash for Giving $12K WPT Ticket to Boyfriend

Chess streamer Qiyu Zhou, known as Nemo, has sparked controversy by giving a $12K WPT ticket to her boyfriend Alex Epstein, who is also her poker coach. The ticket was part of a YouTube giveaway where the first 10 entries were eligible. Nemo announced that she would give the prize to Alex “Thallo” Epstein, her poker coach for the last year, without revealing their relationship.

The backlash was immediate. Commenters on YouTube accused Nemo of rigging the giveaway, feeling deceived by the process. Critics pointed out that the contest seemed like a charade to gain followers and likes, with the winner predetermined.

Todd Witteles highlighted that the WPT requires tickets to be given away through a contest, but noted that Nemo won hers, not received it for free. Shaun Deeb, among others, suggested that Nemo should rethink her decision and proposed an alternative distribution of the ticket. In response to the backlash, Nemo apologized and announced that Thallo would opt out, with a random drawing to determine the new winner.