Canadian Poker Pro Matthew Bergart Tragically Killed in Targeted Heist, a Victim Caught in the Crossfire

The poker community mourns the tragic loss of high-stakes pro Matthew Bergart. The 30-year-old Canadian was killed in a targeted heist, fatally shot inside a Toronto townhome early Thursday morning. Police say he was simply in the “wrong place at the wrong time.”

Details of the Crime

Authorities were alerted to the scene around 2:25 AM following reports of a shooting. Three armed suspects had forced their way into the home, demanding cash and valuables from the homeowner—the intended target of the crime. Bergart, visiting the home, was caught in a struggle and tragically shot multiple times. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The assailants, described as wearing dark clothing, reportedly fled the scene in a “white or light-coloured sedan.” Police are actively investigating, but as of now, no arrests have been made.

Bergart’s Poker Career: Talent and Controversy

Known in poker circles as the “Mysterious Canadian,” Bergart was a skilled online pro who competed against elite players on GGPoker. Despite his online success, his only live tournament cash was an 825th-place finish in the 2019 WSOP Main Event for $18,535.

Bergart’s career was not without controversy. In a previous interview, he openly admitted to self-banning from some unlicensed US-facing poker sites early in his career, demonstrating both self-awareness and a desire to play within established rules.

“I banned myself on Stars when I was 18 because of my parents. I was banned from ACR because I played under the account Isidro Pereira, and they also suspected me of using a solver. GG acted meanly because, in 2019, I won a lot,” Bergart said in a previous interview.

However, further allegations surfaced, including claims of multi-accounting and using prohibited software, resulting in bans from additional sites. The whole truth behind these accusations may never be known.

A Talent Lost

Despite the questions surrounding his methods, Bergart’s poker skills were undeniable. Several YouTube videos document his gameplay, including one posted just three weeks ago where he wins a $20,000 pot on GGPoker. These showcase his strategic prowess in high-stakes online games.

Content & Images Courtesy: PokerNews