Bryn Kenney Sues GGPoker for Tens of Millions, Alleges Cheating Cover-Up

Poker star Bryn Kenney is suing GGPoker’s parent companies and CEO for tens of millions of dollars, claiming he helped build the online poker giant only to be denied commissions and a promised ownership stake.

In a first amended complaint filed Wednesday, Oct. 14 in federal court in Nevada, Kenney alleges that GGPoker CEO Mansoo “Michael” Kim reneged on two agreements made in 2018: one giving Kenney commissions from players he recruited, and another promising him 5% equity in what eventually became the biggest online poker site in the world.

The lawsuit also alleges that Kim concealed security failures, knew players were cheating, and later blamed Kenney for cheating that occurred on the platform.

Kenney, the world’s most successful tournament player by gross earnings, with almost $91 million, says Kim recruited him when GGPoker was a relatively small operator struggling to win players’ trust.

According to the complaint, as well as being a brand ambassador, Kenney built the site’s high-roller tournaments and recruited thousands of players and agents, while working approximately 12 hours a day, seven days a week, to expand the business.

Commissions Allegedly Slashed

This initially proved lucrative for Kenney, who says he received approximately $5 million in commissions in 2019.

But as GGPoker grew, the company allegedly began removing players he had recruited from its commission-tracking system and applying unauthorized deductions, while approaching his agents directly to take control of their accounts.

Kenney claims his annual commissions had fallen by more than $3 million by 2025 compared with his first year under the arrangement. He says he is owed tens of millions in unpaid commissions.

He also alleges that Kim never transferred the promised 5% ownership interest, despite Kenney fulfilling his side of their oral agreement.

This became particularly significant in 2024, when NSUS Group bought the World Series of Poker brand from Caesars Entertainment for $500 million. Kenney says his contribution to GGPoker’s growth helped make that acquisition possible, but his claimed equity stake was never recognized.

He estimates the missing stake is worth tens of millions of dollars.

Allegations of Cheating and Unpaid Winnings

Kenney also alleges Kim assured him GGPoker had robust security protections and a dedicated team to prevent cheating. He claims Kim already knew about cheating on the platform and failed to act, while subsequently telling players the problems occurred in games Kenney managed.

Kenney also says he personally guaranteed the winnings of players he brought to the site. In one incident, he alleges, he paid $1 million of his own money after Kim failed to pay the full $6 million owed to players.

The complaint additionally alleges Kim targeted American players, including Nevada residents, and enabled access to GGPoker without a virtual private network (VPN) for those willing to transact in cryptocurrency.

Kenney is suing Kim, Canadian company NSUS Group Inc., and Irish affiliate NSUS Limited for breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, and other claims. He seeks damages, punitive damages, and access to company records to calculate what he believes he is owed.

Kim has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. A hearing is scheduled for November 12. None of Kenney’s allegations has been proven in court.