WPT Global Ambassador Deal Offers Nacho Barbero ‘A New Beginning’
Summary
Argentinian pro Nacho Barbero has joined WPT Global as an ambassador after parting ways with ACR earlier in 2025. Barbero describes the move as a “fresh start” and accepts responsibility for his exit from ACR. He praises WPT Global’s rapid growth and unique offerings, including deep-stacked cash games and unusual blind structures.
At the Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju II, Barbero lauded the quality of Triton events — from the venue and service to the overall player experience — and said Jeju was “the softest Triton stop.” He also revealed a shift away from frequent high-stakes PLO cash games toward mixed games and a cleaner lifestyle.
Barbero has three Triton titles and around $14.1 million in Triton earnings. At Jeju he played a full slate but had limited cashes, including a 26th-place finish in a $30,000 event for $53,000 while failing to cash in the $25,000 WPT Global Slam he represented.
Key Points
- Nacho Barbero signed as a WPT Global ambassador following his exit from ACR earlier in 2025.
- Barbero calls the deal a “new beginning” and openly takes responsibility for his previous departure from ACR.
- He praises WPT Global for broad reach, well-run tournaments and novel cash-game formats (deep stacks, three blinds, big antes).
- Barbero highly regards Triton events for their luxury and player experience, calling Jeju one of the softer stops.
- He plans to step back from frequent high-stakes PLO cash games, favouring mixed games and a less party-centric routine.
Context and Relevance
For followers of the high-stakes poker scene, this story ties together three trends: the rising profile of WPT Global as an international brand, the continuing movement of pros between operators after reputational incidents, and players re-evaluating lifestyle choices tied to high-stakes cash games. Barbero’s sign-up is both a personal redemption arc and a signal of WPT Global’s growing clout in the live and online tournament market.
Author’s Take
Punchy: Barbero admitting he “f***ed it up” and taking a visible role with WPT Global is a neat, headline-friendly reset. It won’t change poker overnight, but it’s worth noting whenever a well-known pro publicly pivots his career and image.
Why should I read this?
Quick and juicy — Nacho owns his mistake, signs with a big global brand and says he’s cutting back on the wild high-stakes life. If you follow pro moves, tour politics or high-stakes table gossip, this is a short read that tells you the essentials without faff.