WPT Global’s ambassador roster has been hit by another high-profile change, with respected Irish poker voices David Lappin and Dara O’Kearney officially ending their relationship with the platform. The move comes in direct response to WPT Global’s decision to sign Tony “Ren” Lin as a new brand ambassador.
Lappin and O’Kearney, best known as the hosts of the award-winning Chip Race podcast, confirmed they are stepping away just months after joining WPT Global. Their departure follows growing debate within the poker community over Lin’s return to a prominent sponsorship role after a well-publicized cheating scandal.
Partnership Ends After Just Months
The Irish duo joined WPT Global in June 2025, bringing The Chip Race podcast, Lock-Ins, and various strategy-focused projects under the site’s sponsorship umbrella. At the time, the partnership was seen as a strong alignment, particularly with WPT Global’s increased focus on the Irish poker market.
That relationship, however, quickly unraveled after Lin was unveiled as a WPT Global ambassador earlier this week. Lappin and O’Kearney made it clear that the decision left them with no room to continue.
In a joint statement shared on social media, the pair explained that while they were grateful for the opportunity and for those who helped facilitate the deal, Lin’s appointment fundamentally conflicted with their personal and professional values.
They noted that Lin’s signing came as a shock, given their previously stated and well-known stance on the controversy surrounding him. As a result, they concluded that remaining ambassadors for WPT Global was no longer viable.
While they do not yet have a confirmed plan for what comes next, both emphasized their intention to return soon with new Chip Race episodes and content on an independent basis.
Lappin later reinforced that position, stating the decision was difficult but unavoidable. He explained that the signing of Lin crossed a clear line for both hosts and that this had been communicated openly to WPT Global.
Ren Lin Deal Sparks Wider Backlash
Lin’s arrival at WPT Global immediately drew attention. He joins a star-studded ambassador lineup that includes Phil Ivey, Nacho Barbero, Fintan Hand, and Pete Chen. However, unlike many of his peers, Lin’s reputation remains clouded by an incident from late 2025.
That controversy stems from his disqualification at the WSOP Super Circuit Main Event in Cyprus, where he was found to have provided prohibited real-time assistance to a friend during an online final table. The fallout was severe, leading to an indefinite ban from both GGPoker and World Series of Poker events, as well as the loss of his GGPoker sponsorship.
Despite those sanctions, Lin returned to live poker just weeks later at WSOP Paradise, and WPT Global has now chosen to give him a prominent platform once again.
In response to criticism, WPT Global issued a statement defending its decision. The company said it selects ambassadors based on performance and results rather than influence alone, and added that Lin has taken responsibility for his past actions and accepted the consequences.
According to WPT Global, Lin’s willingness to learn from the situation and move forward aligns with the brand’s values, and the site plans to share more of his perspective in the future.
Different Paths Forward
For now, WPT Global presses ahead with Lin as part of its ambassador team, standing firm amid the backlash. Meanwhile, Lappin and O’Kearney step away from the brand, choosing to protect their principles and credibility within the poker community.
Although the split marks an abrupt end to their partnership with WPT Global, the Chip Race hosts have signaled that their content will continue, setting the stage for a new independent chapter in the near future.
