Poker Writer
On Monday, ACR announced that Nacho Barbero had been fired as the site’s ambassador. The announcement followed a string of events involving Barbero, from being caught with RTA pulled up on his computer while playing on ACR to his comments on the US Poker Open stream.
Despite ACR’s forgiving nature with ambassadors, something Chris Moneymaker wasn’t thrilled about, it was all ultimately too much, and Barbero was let go by ACR Poker.
In response to his firing, Barbero released a statement on his X account on Wednesday:
.@ACR_POKER pic.twitter.com/PZctamZP7F
— Jose Ignacio Barbero (@nacho_barbero) April 23, 2025
There are a few things to note in his statement:
- Starts with an apology to ACR, stating that he forgot his role as ambassador
- Says he is grateful to ACR for all the opportunities
- Makes it clear that he never cheated by using RTA
- Claims that he misunderstood the talk with Ike Haxton
- Says he did not know the talk was about game integrity
- States ACR is still a safe site to play
- Makes a pointed yet vague statement about “all the things that do happen but nobody bats an eye about”
- Wants to stay cool with everyone in the poker world and with ACR
- Ends with “I love goofing around”
Reaction to this statement was of course polarizing like the entire situation. There were a variety of opinions given.
Some said they believe Barbero and wished him luck in his future endeavors. While there were others who demanded Barbero clarify what he thought they were talking about if not game integrity. And a few others did not like the flippant use of “goofing around” at the end considering that was the initial defense ACR gave for Barbero.
The people who have been fortunate enough to meet you and talk with/play poker with you know that you’re as genuine as they come. There will always be negative people but keep doing what you’re doing Nacho. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/hTh4IZCmuc
— RobShep (@RobShep3) April 23, 2025
So if you didn’t understand the context of the conversation, what exactly did you mean when you said “I don’t think they’re even trying”?
— Lee Bradbury (@LeeBBury) April 23, 2025
Brother there is no way you put “goofing around” seriously in your apology tweet and expect people to take you seriously. This entire Charade has been something that would be on black mirror as an episode.
— Chalup (@chalup88) April 24, 2025
