Nacho Barbero becomes a WPT Global ambassador: a new stage in his career

Argentinian pro Nacho Barbero has joined WPT Global as an ambassador, starting a new chapter after leaving ACR.

Argentinian professional poker player Nacho Barbero has started a new chapter in his career by becoming an ambassador for WPT Global—one of the most prominent and fastest-growing online poker platforms. This move came after his departure from ACR (Americas Cardroom) in April this year, and Barbero himself calls it “a new beginning.” Switch to WPT Global: a fresh start for Barbero Nacho Barbero, known for his success in the world’s biggest poker series and his active participation in high-stakes cash games, shared his impressions of his new role in an interview with PokerNews during the Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju II. According to him, working with WPT Global gave him the chance to start with a clean slate after his partnership with ACR ended badly. Barbero openly admitted that he was at fault for the previous contract’s termination, and now sees his work with WPT Global as an opportunity for redemption and growth. WPT Global: a platform that’s “everywhere” WPT Global is an online poker platform launched in 2022 and already available in more than 100 countries worldwide (except the USA). In a short time, the site has gained a reputation as one of the most recognizable and respected brands in the online poker industry. Barbero notes that WPT Global is actively developing: “They’re really doing a great job, you see them everywhere. They run good cash games, great tournaments. The platform is growing fast.” According to him, WPT Global offers players new formats that not everyone is used to—for example, cash games with very deep stacks and unusual blind structures. Barbero highlights the cash game format with three blinds and large antes, which makes the game more dynamic and interesting. He points out that these games are often quite “soft” (meaning there are many weak players), which attracts professionals. Triton tournament series: luxury and records In August 2024, Nacho Barbero took part in the second leg of the Triton Super High Roller Series on Jeju Island (South Korea). This series is known for the most expensive and prestigious tournaments, bringing together the elite of world poker. Barbero doesn’t hide his admiration for the level of organization: “I’ve never played in cooler tournaments. Everything is top-notch: the food, the venue, the comfortable chairs, the attitude towards VIP players.” Barbero is a three-time Triton champion with $14,100,000 in winnings earned specifically at tournaments in this series. He emphasizes that the luxury service comes at a price, but for poker enthusiasts, it makes participating in the series truly memorable. Speaking about the Jeju festival, Barbero noted that this stop turned out to be the “softest” among all Triton stops, which is especially important for professionals looking for profitable tournaments. Stepping away from expensive PLO cash games and focusing on mixed games In recent years, Nacho Barbero was a regular in the highest-stakes cash games in the Legends Room (formerly Bobby’s Room) at Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas, especially during the World Series of Poker (WSOP). However, he has now decided to cut back on participating in high-limit Pot-Limit Omaha (PLO) cash games. Barbero explains this by saying that the games took place in a private atmosphere, often with alcohol and an informal setting, which no longer fits his life priorities. Despite this, he continues to actively play mixed games—formats where different types of poker are rotated at the same table. According to him, bankroll swings in such games can reach $20,000–$50,000 in a single night. Barbero also stated his desire to popularize mixed games and attract new players to them. Barbero’s results at Triton ONE and Super High Roller Series Jeju II During the debut Triton ONE festival, Nacho Barbero played the full set of tournaments but cashed only once—finishing 17th in the $10,000 Mystery Bounty event and earning $13,700. After that, he switched to the more expensive Super High Roller Series events. In the $25,000 WPT Global Slam, where Barbero played as a WPT Global ambassador, he did not make the money. However, in the $30,000 8-Handed event, he finished 26th and won $53,000. Nacho Barbero’s results at Triton Super High Roller Series Jeju II: $10,000 Mystery Bounty: 17th place, $13,700 prize $25,000 WPT Global Slam: did not cash $30,000 8-Handed: 26th place, $53,000 prize Context: what are WPT Global and Triton Poker WPT Global is an international online platform associated with the World Poker Tour brand, which is known for its live series around the world. The site offers a wide selection of cash games and tournaments, including unique formats with deep stacks and unusual betting structures. Triton Poker is a live tournament series with the highest buy-ins and the largest prize pools in the world. Playing in Triton is a sign of high status for a player, and winning such tournaments brings not only big prizes but also recognition in the poker community. What this means for PPPoker club players For PPPoker club members, the news of Nacho Barbero joining WPT Global and his focus on unique formats could be an incentive to try new types of games. As Barbero’s experience shows, experimenting with different blind and ante structures makes the game more interesting and profitable for those who can adapt. In addition, the emphasis on mixed games and Barbero’s desire to popularize this format is a signal for PPPoker clubs to expand their game pool, add mixed games, and encourage interest in them among players. This can attract more participants and raise the overall level of play in the clubs. Finally, Barbero’s story is an example of how important it is to choose platforms with a good reputation and support, and not to be afraid to start over after setbacks. For PPPoker club players, it’s a reminder that growth is possible at any age and at any stage of a poker career, as long as you’re not afraid of change and are open to new opportunities.