Justin Bonomo, one of poker's most successful players, faced potential disqualification from the WSOP Paradise Super Main Event for wearing a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian headdress, during the tournament.

The incident occurred when Bonomo reached the final 16 players in the $25K event at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. Tournament officials requested he remove the scarf, citing broadcast restrictions on political statements during televised final tables.

The WSOP released an official statement explaining that their "future distribution platforms for Super Main Event do not allow garments deemed controversial or political in nature." This aligns with Section 54d of their rulebook, which gives them discretion to ban any apparel deemed objectionable.

The controversy extends beyond the dress code issue. Bonomo had previously criticized the WSOP's decision to hold a charity tournament benefiting IDF Widows and Orphans, a nonprofit supporting families of fallen Israeli soldiers. His stance drew criticism from other poker professionals, including Mike "The Mouth" Matusow.

This isn't the first time poker has intersected with political expression through clothing. In 2014, Oliver Busquet wore a "Free Gaza" T-shirt during his victory at the EPT Super High Roller Event in Barcelona, prompting PokerStars to revise its dress code policy.

Despite the controversy, Bonomo advanced to the final table and will compete for the $6 million first prize, though without his keffiyeh. He later requested a Palestinian flag on social media, suggesting the discussion around political expression in poker tournaments may continue.

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