No Sunglasses, No Secrets at the Onyx High Roller Series

Onyx High Roller Series Rules Enforce Poker Faces to Be Seen

Imagine sitting at a table in the Onyx Club, in sunny Cyprus. The room is buzzing, the chips are clinking, and there is $29 million on the line. The world’s best poker players are flocking to the Merit Royal Diamond for the upcoming Onyx High Roller Series at the end of January, 2026. But this time, some of them are leaving their favorite accessories at home. Lucky charm hoodies? Favorite sunglasses? A scarf to hide behind? All are hard passes now.

In a bold move that has the high-stakes community talking, the tournament organizers have announced a strict new rule: no hiding.

According to the new Onyx High Roller Series conditions, when a player has “live cards” (meaning they are still in the hand), they are strictly banned from wearing sunglasses, face masks, or scarves. If you want to bluff for a million dollars in these No-Limit Hold’em or Pot-Limit Omaha events, you have to do it with your bare face.

The End of the “Poker Ninja”?

For years, young poker pros have dressed like ninjas. They pull hoodies tight around their faces, wear dark sunglasses, and hide behind scarves to conceal nervous tics. This new poker sunglasses ban is saying, “Enough is enough.” The most popular opinion among more seasoned professional players is:

“No shades, no masks, no excuses, pure skill at the table.”

Here is why this rule is causing such a stir, and why the poker world is split on the decision. Both the cons and the pros are solid arguments, and Onyx Club is trying to make a change that will be ambiguous for sure. House rules are to be respected, and are always at the discretion of the venue. Let’s see both sides of the coin!

Why This Rule is a Winner

• Better for TV: Let’s be honest, watching a guy in a hoodie and shades stare at a table for ten minutes is boring. Fans want to see the fear in their eyes! Banning face coverings makes the broadcast much more exciting.
• A True Test of Skill: Poker isn’t just about math; it is about reading people. If you can hide your eyes, you have an unfair shield. This rule forces players to control their emotions and keep a straight face – literally.
• Social Atmosphere: It stops players from shutting down. Without the “armor” of sunglasses and headphones, players might actually talk to each other, making the live poker experience friendlier.

Why Some Players Hate It

• Hiding the Tells: Some players have physical “tells” – like blinking rapidly when they are bluffing – that they can’t control. Taking away sunglasses leaves them feeling naked and vulnerable.
• Bright Lights: Casinos like the Merit Royal Diamond are incredibly bright. Many players wear tinted glasses not to hide, but to avoid headaches from the harsh studio lighting during long 12-hour sessions.
• Health Concerns: In a post-pandemic world, banning face masks is controversial. Some players wear them to avoid getting sick in a crowded room, not just to hide a smile.

The Verdict?

The Onyx High Roller Series is about to show us who truly has the best “poker face”. Whether the pros love it or hate it, one thing is certain: in Cyprus, there will be nowhere to hide.

If you just can’t keep your enthusiasm to yourself when flopping the nuts, or prefer to play from the comfort of your home online, you have several sites to choose from. Take a look at our detailed reviews, and hit the tables!