ESPN’s AI poker tell detector at WSOP draws skepticism from professional players
ESPN’s use of an AI-based “tells detection” system during the 2026 World Series of Poker Main Event has sparked pushback from professional players, according to a WIRED report published on Aug. 4. The tool, developed by U.S. Air Force AI engineer Luke Geel, analyzes broadcast footage to track eye movement, blinking, posture, chip-handling habits and other visible behaviors, then displays a real-time estimate of a player’s likely hand strength, such as a made hand, a draw or a bluff. Top players interviewed for the report said the system is limited by the amount of usable footage available. With more than 9,000 entries in the 2026 WSOP Main Event, most players do not appear on screen long enough for an accurate model to be built. Final-table player Michael Gagliano said even reviewing ESPN footage during a break did not provide enough information to act on. Two-time WSOP Player of the Year Shaun Deeb argued that real-life tells are far more complex than what a camera can capture, pointing to leg movement, speech, breathing rhythm and pulse. Geel also acknowledged the model needs more data and that blind tests in other poker events produced mixed results. Omaha Productions said the tool will not be used at the final table.
