PokerWorks

As reported here, Chris Vaughn, Managing Editor at Bluff Magazine, was disqualified as the winner of the October 21st $1 Million Guarantee tournament on Full Tilt Poker and forced to forfeit the $197,984 prize.

After Soren Kongsgaard, the second place finisher, publicized the fact that he was awarded the first place prize money as a result of the disqualification, stories spread about the cheating that caused the series of events. It eventually came to light that Vaughn sold his account midway through the tournament to online pro Sorel Mizzi, who played the remainder of the event and won.

As rumors swirled, Vaughn and Mizzi finally spoke exclusively to PokerNews.com about the incident and admitted to the wrongdoings. Throughout the two-part interview with Editor-in-Chief John Caldwell, both tried to explain the reasons for their actions but apologized in the end.

Bluff Media also released a statement noting that the company does not condone Vaughn’s actions and was, in fact, unhappy and disappointed. “However,” the statement read, “we feel that Chris has always acted in a professional manner at BLUFF in the past, and we have no plans for terminating his employment with the company.”

Evidently, in light of the interview given to PokerNews and upon further reflection, the powers-that-be at Bluff changed their minds. In a statement released on the Bluff website this morning, it is revealed that Vaughn has been fired.

“Bluff Media, publisher of Bluff Magazine, has made the decision to terminate Chris Vaughn as Managing Editor. In light of Chris’ involvement, recently admitted facts and the feedback obtained from industry professionals, it became apparent that the credibility required to perform the job functions of Managing Editor of Bluff Magazine at our company’s level of standards have become severely diminished. While we regret having to make this decision, we believe that it is the best alternative for all parties involved, including Chris, Bluff Media and the poker playing community at large. We wish Chris the best of luck.”

With this statement, the Vaughn/Mizzi ordeal seems to be put to rest. It is not expected that any further messages will be forthcoming from Bluff or Eric Morris, and Vaughn and Mizzi seem to have made their only statements through the aforementioned interview.

The only question that lingers on is: Have online players learned anything from the various scandals that have plagued the online poker industry in the past several months? That certainly remains to be seen.