Alleged WSOP card marker found innocent

Pete - Thursday, November 5, 2015, Written by- Thursday, November 5, 2015, Live poker

After months of investigating the strange behaviour of Valeriu Coca, the controversial fifth place finisher in this year’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) $10K buy-in Heads-Up event, officials have finally declared that no concrete sign of foul play could be found and that the Moldovan will be paid his prize money in full.

Coca, who was a relatively unknown entity in tournament poker before this year’s WSOP, was flagged as highly suspicious by numerous opponents on his run to the quarter finals in the prestigious tournament.

He beat the likes of Matt Marafioti, Pratyush Buddiga, Aaron Mermelstein, Byron Kaverman and Connor Drinan en route to the final eight. Drinan, who ended up bubbling the tournament as a result of his defeat to Coca, brought the case to the attention of the public via a lengthy post on 2+2.

Coca vehemently denied the claims, laughing off the notion that he had been marking cards and using a special UV ink/sunglasses combination to spy illegally on his opponent’s holdings.

Drinan also claims to have told Keith Lehr, Coca’s quarter final opponent who went on to win the event, that he should cover the backs of his cards during the match.

“Once issues were brought to our attention, we immediately commenced an investigation and worked cooperatively with the Nevada Gaming Control Board”, said WSOP spokesman 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 earned $54,545 for his fifth place finish, and can expect that sum to be wired to his bank account in the near future.