TheBensBenz claims to be a retired military guy who also supposedly has a ton of money, and holds big giveaway contests. The source of his money is not understood. He looks to be in his 30s, and there are various conspiracy theories that he's just playing a character, and is actually an ACR shill. The contests he's held have been real, and he's legitimately handed out a lot to people, though.
https://twitter.com/TBensbenz/status/1672081986498990080
Nicky Palma -- also known as "Nicky P" is a controversial east coast poker pro who was best known for feuds related to borrowing a lot of money he couldn't actually pay back. He's also infamous for blocking people on Twitter over the slightest perceived hostility -- even just liking a tweet making fun of him!
Nicky had decent 2023 in poker tournaments, most notably cashing $184k by finishing 3rd in a big field $1500 NL WSOP event. I believe he has paid back some of the money he owed.
At some point, Nicky talked some trash about BensBenz and his girlfriend. I'm forgetting the context, but it doesn't really matter.
This led to a lot of arguing and chest puffing back and forth, and the two of them argued on Twitter Spaces, when that was a thing (notice how bored everyone has gotten of that in recent times?)
The result? A fistfight was set up, where BensBenz was so certain that Nicky would chicken out, he offered $25k just for Palma to show up and fight him, regardless of the outcome. Palma agreed, but said that BensBenz was posturing and not really going to give this $25k. As an act of good faith, BensBenz sent $5k to Luke "Slaydog" Vrabel to hold, while this was being further worked out. Luke is friends with Nicky, and in fact it was Nicky who somehow talked Jack Effel into unbanning Luke last year from the WSOP. Luke had been unjustly banned for 5 years, prior to that.
It was decided that both parties would have to sign a waiver before fighting, absolving each other of responsibility if injuries were to occur.
Continued...
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