Canadian poker pro Xuan Liu was an ambassador for WPT Global from 2023 to 2025, but despite parting ways with the brand last year is being denied a clean break.
According to a video Liu posted on Instagram (see below), users in Asia who have downloaded the WPT Global app are being shown an image of the site’s sponsored pros, which still includes former ambassador Liu.
The presence in the image of Ren Lin — announced as a new ambassador just a few days ago amid confusing messaging — confirms that the graphic is a new creation.
Should Liu be compensated?
The inclusion of former ambassador Liu in the promotional graphic appears to be an error from the marketing team, and given the chaotic circumstances surrounding the interplay between the various different WPT brands, it’s almost understandable. WPT, WPT Global, ClubWPT and ClubWPT Gold appear to be allies divided by a common brand.
Almost understandable, then, but still negligent. When relationships like these end, brands have to respect their former ambassadors by cutting these sorts of ties immediately. To continue to use Liu’s image without her permission, or payment, is to threaten her future partnerships. Should Liu sign with a rival, appearing in WPT Global marketing material could constitute a breach of contract, while her continued presence there could put off potential corporate suitors.
Liu has explained that WPT Global has rectified the image in the app for new users, but that those who previously downloaded the app may continue to see Liu under the WPT Global banner for weeks or even a month.
Among those calling for Liu to be compensated by WPT Global for the brand continuing to use her likeness is Ethan ‘Rampage’ Yau, who replied to Liu’s post with the simple message ‘PAY XUAN NOW’. Yau is an ambassador for ClubWPT Gold.
Kasey Lyn Mills, a sponsored pro for PokerNow, added that WPT Global will 'probably love this post because they seem to be loving any attention they get whether it’s bad or good lately.' The brand has certainly been in the spotlight recently given the fallout over the divisive appointment of Lin, which included the very public resignations of fellow ambassadors Dara O’Kearney and David Lappin.
Liu's message is posted under a banner for 'WPT Global Puke', a romanized spelling of the Chinese word for poker rather than a comment on the company, but a coincidence unlikely to endear the brand further with English-speaking audiences.
Additional image courtesy of Triton Poker.
