Poker scandals usually fall into the usual categories, and we're familiar with the methods. Somebody slowrolls, angle-shoots, tanks too long, or we get someone staring into their crotch to for real-time information.
But this one, is a whole new format.
A new poker documentary called NO LIMIT came out a few weeks ago. It was hyped as a behind-the-scenes look at the $25,000 WSOP Super Main Event in the Bahamas. The filmmakers bragged about having 650+ hours of raw footage and turned it into eight tight episodes full of “human stories.” For the community, this was well-received, since we don't get high-quality movies or documentaries too often (2024's Dead Money was a prime example).
Except… turns out they didn’t actually have enough footage at all.
So they filled in the gaps by using AI to generate dialogue for real poker players. Not great cinematography, but the next part is worse.
They did this without telling them, and without asking for permission.
And they must have thought nobody would care, or notice.
Alan Keating See's AI Keating For the First Time
We're hearing about all of this, because Alan Keating sat down to watch himself on-screen and noticed something.
In now-deleted tweets, Keating asked the community how they'd feel.
"A half a dozen quotes of me were made by the production team using Al to put words in my mouth. They didn't tell me they were doing it or what it would say.
What would you do in this situation?"
That one tweet blew up the whole situation.
Only then did director Dustin Iannotti admit what happened — and even then, the tweets from both sides mysteriously disappeared afterward.
The videos also disappeared from the WSOP channel as the brand announced they were pulling the plug.
"WSOP has recently learned that AI-generated content was used in the No Limit docuseries to alter players’ words without authorization.
We have removed the videos and will redo the editing to ensure the final product reflects our standards.
We sincerely apologize to everyone affected and appreciate your understanding."
NO LIMIT Director: “It Was Just 10 Seconds”
Dustin Iannotti tried to downplay the whole thing:
Regarding Alan Keating's concerns: We used Al technology on two brief sequences during post-production, totaling approximately 10 seconds across the 55 total minutes of episode 5 and 6. As we've discussed with Alan directly, we should have consulted him on these editorial choices.
Episode 5 has received an overwhelmingly positive response, with many viewers specifically citing their enjoyment of Alan's segments.
Separately, as Alan's YouTube production team, we've always had his best interests in mind and remain committed to our creative partnership. We wish this had been handled privately, but we understand emotions can run high with regards to creative work.
We stand by our work and the overall integrity of the docuseries.
His PR spin? Claiming that "emotions sometimes run high," implying that Keating might be overreacting to the situation. However, the "it was only 10 seconds" approach was unlikely to fly, and Iannotti should have known that.
The question also remains, if only 10 seconds was needed, why do this in the first place? Surely, 10 seconds couldn't have been make-or-break for the documentary. Was it worth creating a scandal?
Keating’s response? He said that no response was needed, and that Iannotti knew why.
Which Alan Keating Quotes in NO LIMIT Were AI Generated?
Two short quotes shown to be said by Alan Keating appeared in Episode 5 and 6 of NO LIMIT. Here they are:
Episode 5 – 19:18: "I like putting people in tough spots and testing their will."
Episode 6 – 23:00: "Is this over? Can I go find a cash game now?"
Alex Keating (no relation to Alan), also found that he was portrayed with a "fake voice" at times, and hadn't agreed to it.
Alex gave a much longer response than Alan, and it perfectly explained the issue with this entire debacle.
Why AI in NO LIMIT Crosses a Huge Line
Everyone in content knows editing happens. Shots get rearranged, interviews get chopped up, and it's not always delivered as planned. This isn't exclusive to poker, and anyone who's been interviewed has to worry about it.
But inventing dialogue is never going to go down smoothly, especially in a sport where integrity is everything.
Writing a fake quote is no better than delivering fake footage of an interview. Documentaries are supposed to show reality, not AI-enhanced reality. Interviews are supposed to show the words of the guest, not words the director imagines they might say.
If the production team doesn't have the material they need, that’s on them, not players like Keating.
You want to use AI? Fine. It's not as if media is free of AI these days, but you need to be upfront with the talent.
Even Hollywood Producers Aren't Happy About This
Michael Shamberg of Pulp Fiction, Erin Brockovich, Contagion, actually likes experimenting with AI in film. You might say he's a huge believer in it.
But when told what happened in NO LIMIT, even he was clear that this is only okay if it "is done with the permission of the people with lines of dialogue in their mouths, and IF the viewer knows.”
As for disclosing to the audience, Shamberg says “the viewer should be told it’s AI.”
10 seconds or 10 days worth of footage, it doesn't matter.
