Poker can be a very interesting game, but sometimes what really spices it up aren’t the big pots, but the big flair for dramatics that poker pros usually have. Right now, for example, three of the biggest pros are embroiled in a conflict that involves an online word battle.

Three-way crossfire

Tony G, Andrew Robl, and Daniel Negreanu recently had a bit of a heated discussion at the PokerStars Big Game last Monday. Tony G and Negreanu were both goading Robl, who had arrived as an alternate. The tension between the three was certainly rising throughout the game, but it went into its boiling point when they had the clock called on Robl. It was a classic case of bullying, and the three continued with the hysterics in the Internet. Tony G, in all fairness, was apologetic, which immediately showed in his blog post. Negreanu, on the other hand, was anything but. Negreanu called Robl a ‘time waster’ and ‘bad symbol for online poker’. As a response, Robl posted in his own blog, specifically targeting Negreanu. Not to be outdone, Robl said that poker has “passed him (Negreanu) by” and saying that Negreanu is outclassed by average Internet players.

Robl was also disgruntled about the possibility that he might never be called back to the Big Game, because Negreanu apparently has some control over who gets to appear there. He finished with a particularly sharp barb, saying “So Daniel, since it’s unlikely I’ll be able to earn money playing on the Big Game in the future, please start playing again online. I need to line my pockets somehow.”

“Nerds”, says Tony G

While Phil Hellmuth followed up the announcement of his title as “poker pro who inspires most thoughts of homicide” with a good deed that made people think twice about their decision and maybe even feel a slight twinge of guilt and shame, Tony G did the exact opposite. He only got second place in that poll, but he quickly proved how deserving of the title he was with a few controversial statements, one of which included calling the members of Two Plus Two Forums “Nerds”. He also insisted that he is not a bully — though his actions in TV sometimes prove otherwise. Still, he didn’t deny that he was something of a “douche bag” and even admitted it, saying “Deep down I am just a kid from the street but I made it in poker and in life, so if a douche bag like me can make it, it should give hope to everyone.”

It was nice of him to apologize, though, so he’s somewhat absolved from the situation now. Robl was the last one to post a statement, but Negreanu has yet to reply.