AI Tells Detection Tool at 2026 WSOP Broadcast Draws Skepticism from Poker Pros

During the 2026 WSOP Main Event broadcast, ESPN introduced an AI tool that overlays live metrics on player movements and a 'hand strength model' chart. The tool, created by Luke Geel, an AI engineer for the US Air Force, was trained on camera feeds from three tables, analyzing eye movements, blink rate, posture, and chip handling to predict hand types like strong made hands, drawing hands, or bluffs. Poker professionals, including Michael Gagliano and Shaun Deeb, expressed skepticism, citing the small dataset and the inability to capture most tells (e.g., leg, breathing, pulse) via camera. Geel acknowledged the tool's limitations, noting mixed results in blind tests. The tool was not used for the final table, with Omaha Productions declining to explain why. Despite skepticism, some concede AI could evolve to analyze footage of high-roller players for strategic advantage. Deeb remains confident that human observation, especially in-person, is superior, and predicts smart glasses will be banned in live games. He would bet his team against AI.