Ossi Ketola’s arrival on the high-stakes poker scene has created unprecedented headlines. The biggest pots ever televised make for objectively newsworthy moments, and players, fans, and the broader poker community are watching closely.
But there’s another, deeply troubling aspect of this story that cannot be ignored: Ketola has repeatedly used racist language on his social media accounts and live streams. He has described the high-stakes matches as part of a broader ‘marketing strategy’ — both for himself and his business ventures.
At the same time, his social media presence and live streams have featured repeated use of racist language, often framed by Ketola as an exercise in free speech. Regardless of his intent, the language he has used is offensive, harmful, and unacceptable.
PokerOrg’s position
Our editorial stance is clear:
PokerOrg condemns racism and hate speech in all forms. There is no place for it in poker — or anywhere else.
We are covering these games because they represent a significant moment in the game’s history — not because we endorse the views or behavior of those involved.
Documenting what’s happening in the poker world is something we’re truly passionate about, as is upholding the journalistic and moral values we stand for.
Ultimately, we believe in covering the full story — from players’ actions at the table to the context in which these games take place.
Moving forward
That’s why we will continue to provide appropriate context around Ketola’s behavior.
We will not celebrate individuals who use hate to gain attention, but wherever news is breaking in the poker world we’ll be there to report it.
Poker is a gloriously global game — one that crosses borders, cultures, genders, and backgrounds. We remain committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful environment for everyone who loves the game.
