Poker Writer
The World Series of Poker-focused docuseries No Limit was taken offline after controversy ripped through social media over the weekend when the show’s creator admitted to using AI voice editing without consulting interviewees.
The highly anticipated series was funded by GGPoker. It followed a variety of poker players in the WSOP Paradise series last year.
In a now-deleted post on X, one of the stars, Alan Keating, called attention to the matter. He said that the documentary had used AI to “put words into my mouth.” Keating noted that there were a few quotes in Episodes 5 and 6 that he did not actually say.
Show creator Dustin Iannotti admitted to using AI to create quotes for Keating. He said it was limited to “two brief sequences.”
We used AI technology on two brief sequences during post-production, totaling approximately 10 seconds across the 55 total minutes of episode 5 and 6. As we’ve discussed with Alan directly, we should have consulted him on these editorial choices.
Adding to the intrigue, Iannotti’s production company reportedly runs Keating’s YouTube channel.
The high-roller cash game player found out about the AI additions when watching the episodes in which he was featured.
Keating may not have been the only player affected by the AI-generated quotes. Another Keating in poker, Alex, also voiced concerns regarding his quotes. He said in a post on X that the episodes included a “fake voice” for him. He followed up by saying he no longer wanted to be a part of the series.
Iannotti maintained that post-production did nothing out of the ordinary when editing the sections featuring Alex Keating. He said the only use of AI there was “audio enhancement,” intended to improve sound quality that was compromised by a damaged microphone.
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Series Removed from YouTube
Despite the reportedly limited use of AI, the damage was done. GGPoker and the WSOP removed the entire six episodes from YouTube.
WSOP has recently learned that AI-generated content was used in the No Limit docuseries to alter players’ words without authorization. We have removed the videos and will redo the editing to ensure the final product reflects our standards.
We sincerely apologize to everyone affected and appreciate your understanding.
Adding irony to the AI controversy is that Iannotti initially promoted the series as showing the “human element” of poker.
The backlash to the reports of AI manipulation was swift and forceful. Jennifer Tilly was among those publicly rebuking the show’s creators. A poker player with a unique perspective on the matter due to her time in Hollywood and experience with media, Tilly called the situation “egregious.”
On the other hand, Matt Salsberg, who has a background in TV production, said such post-production edits and voice additions are relatively standard practice. He said only “deranged liberties” would qualify as a big deal.
Was No Limit Already a Disappointment?
Issues with No Limit run far deeper than an editing controversy. Even before the AI scandal, many in the poker world were unhappy with No Limit.
One of the main complaints was that the series failed to tell the stories it had promised to tell at its outset. Iannotti and others promoted the series with grand declarations about revolutionary poker storytelling.
Few feel it delivered.
For example, the majority of the first episode was filmed at Daniel Negreanu’s house. He already has many hours of similar coverage via his own WSOP vlogs.
A satirical video post on X by a GGPoker and WSOP competitor’s brand manager attacked the series, using AI editing to poke fun at Negreanu and the entire series’ concept.
One of the major goals that the producers promoted was attracting new fans to poker. However, the numbers suggest a minimal impact in that regard. The episodes also did not garner all that many views on YouTube, with the most recent ones only having around 30,000 before their removal.
CoinPoker ambassador Patrick Leonard had some harsh words to back up Victoria Livschitz‘s negative review.
I can’t imagine my parents or friends watching for more than 10 minutes and definitely not 5+ episodes. The storylines, the scripting, the visuals, the thumbnails, the titles, everything just seems so poor/amateur. I’m surprised wsop/gg approved it. It got hype from the characters in the documentary hyping it up, it should have been shown to 10-20 outsiders to get their unbiased view.
German pro Dominik Nitsche suggested GGPoker just “bin the entire project” and use the money to reduce rake, giving money back to the WSOP players.
Can a Self-Promoting Series Maintain Quality?
The source of anger and disappointment for many regarding No Limit comes from how it was promoted. If it were promoted as a basic GGPoker and WSOP Paradise documentary, then people would have expected more brand-serving fluff.
However, the big promises made by the production team made it sound like something truly different and revolutionary.
In the initial announcement post of the series in April, Iannotti said:
The poker content industry is creatively bankrupt and I’m done pretending otherwise.
He then went on to pitch this series as, in many ways, an answer to the creative bankruptcy. And that’s exactly what poker fans were looking for when it hit YouTube.
Many attacking the series are, in fact, ambassadors for industry rivals. But the lukewarm-at-best reception overall stands in stark contrast to the initial bluster from Iannotti. Certainly, nothing feels like it’s been revolutionized.
Ultimately, those with the money to produce content call the shots. Perhaps those with such means will note the multi-level flop here and revise their game plans for selling poker to a broader audience. Views will drive direction, and the disappointing numbers for this series should lead to introspection for the next big poker media project.
WSOP will reportedly add the series back to YouTube after edits, along with new episodes. However, there is currently no timeline for when this will occur.
