players ranked higher than limit win tournaments

If a tournament is specified as under 1500, why do they allow much higher rated people to join?

very good

for example im in speed king 239 and it's supposed to be under 1500 and the final guy is over 1600

It could be that the player was under the limit when the tournament started, but after winning several matches, the rank has grown until he is now above the limit.

i dont believe that is the case

Looking at everyone rated over 1500, only one person started the tournament over 1500, and his status shows as being eliminated. The TD may have let him in to fill the tournament.

Unfortunately lots of people deliberately allow their rating to drop to enter a tournament well below their actual rating, this cheating is common place and needs sorting out.