Samm Greenwood on Martin Kabrhel: Does His Behavior Help or Hurt Poker?

Samm Greenwood recently delved into the controversial behavior of poker player Martin Kabrhel, sparking a debate within the poker community. Greenwood's article, inspired by a New York Times piece by Will Leach, explores whether Kabrhel's antics are beneficial or detrimental to the game.

Greenwood begins by referencing the long-standing debate surrounding Pete Rose, who was banned from baseball for life due to betting on matches. This comparison sets the stage for discussing similar controversies in the poker world, such as the criticism Phil Laak faced in 2004 for his distinctive hoodie-wearing style. Despite the initial backlash, Laak is now known for his friendly demeanor and has mellowed over the years.

Greenwood then shifts focus to Martin Kabrhel, who has been accused of cheating, which, if true, would severely impact the poker community. Greenwood notes Kabrhel's slow playing style and constant talking, which he finds both entertaining and annoying. Kabrhel's repeated phrase 'No, not like that!' during WSOP-2025 was criticized for lacking spontaneity, highlighting the issue of players becoming 'meme machines' rather than genuine personalities.