Alleged World Series Of Poker Cheat To Be Paid Prize Money After Months-Long Investigation

The fifth-place finisher in this past summer’s $10,000 heads-up no-limit event at the World Series of Poker who was accused of marking cards by some high-profile members of the poker community will finally get his prize money, according to a statement Thursday from the WSOP.

The WSOP said that the investigation into the alleged cheating by Valeriu Coca, who hails from the Eastern European country of Moldova, is complete.

“Once issues were brought to our attention, we immediately commenced an investigation and worked cooperatively with the Nevada Gaming Control Board,” according to a statement from WSOP spokesperson Seth Palansky. “The investigation that was performed has now been completed by all parties. At this time, the matter is considered closed and the 5th place finisher in Event #10 will now have his funds released for payment.”

Coca beat Matt Marafioti, Pratyush Buddiga, Aaron Mermelstein, Connor Drinan and Byron Kaverman before being eliminated by eventual-champion Keith Lehr in the round of eight.

Drinan, who lost to Coca in the money round, was the most vocal about the concerns.

“We are aware, monitoring very closely with all resources at our disposal,” WSOP Tournament Director Jack Effel said on Twitter after the allegations mounted. “Those include surveillance, security, and forensic examination of cards. We take integrity very seriously, as evidenced by our lifetime bans, and would enjoy nothing more than catching a cheater in our midst.”

Coca denied the allegations.

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