Mystery Diners Season 1 Episode 13 Crooked Contest

In Mystery Diners season 1 episode 13, titled "Crooked Contest," the team heads to a sports bar called the Benchwarmers Tavern & Grill. The owner, Mike, suspects that one of his bartenders, Laura, might be cheating during the establishment's weekly pool tournament, which has a grand prize of $500. He's also concerned that Laura and the other bartender, Racheal, might be pocketing some of the money from the entry fees.

The Mystery Diners undercover team starts their investigation by posing as contestants in the pool tournament. They order some food and drinks and try to blend in with the regulars. From the start, they notice that Laura is playing in the tournament, which is a clear violation of the rules since she's an employee of the bar. They also overhear some patrons complaining that the tournament is rigged and that Laura always wins.

As the night goes on, the Mystery Diners team gathers more evidence of foul play. They notice that Laura is using a customized pool cue that has an unusual marking, which suggests that she might be switching it with another cue that's easier to manipulate. They also see her exchanging winks and nods with Racheal, who's keeping score for the tournament.

Things come to a head when Laura wins the tournament again and collects the $500 prize. Mike confronts her and asks her to empty her pockets. She refuses, claiming that she won fair and square. Mike decides to call in the Mystery Diners team, who reveal their identities and show him the footage they captured of Laura's cheating. They also confront Racheal, who admits to helping Laura with the score and taking a cut of the entry fees.

With the evidence clear, Mike fires both Laura and Racheal on the spot and apologizes to his customers for the crooked tournament. He vows to hold a new, fair tournament and to improve the overall management of his establishment. The Mystery Diners team congratulates him on taking swift action and preventing further damage to his reputation. They then wrap up their investigation and leave the Benchwarmers Tavern & Grill, having solved yet another mystery.