Seven of the biggest names in world poker have filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against World Poker Tour Enterprises on antitrust grounds.

The players, Howard Lederer, Andrew Bloch, Annie Duke, Chris Ferguson, Joseph Hachem and Greg Raymer contend that the WPT has used their likenesses without permission.

The example given is an appearance by Lederer and Duke in a WPT video game which competes directly against another game, ‘World Championship Poker’ in which the brother and sister appear and endorse.

The legal action will attempt to void releases signed by the players with WPTE that waive lucrative images rights, and to seek damages.

The players are refusing to play in WPT events, which is a big blow to the organisation as this group includes not only some of the most recognisable faces in the game, but the past two World Champions.