Controversy Erupts: Kassouf Suspended from WSOP 2025 over Chaos, Clocks, and Debate
The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) is set to be remembered not only for its massive prize pools and epic hands but also for the ban on poker player Will Kassouf. Kassouf, known for his controversial "speech play" antics during games, was escorted off the premises mid-series following repeated rules violations, disruptive behaviour, and disrespect towards staff and players.
The ban, which marks the first time Kassouf has been outright banned mid-series, came after a series of incidents that caused significant fallout, including being barred from the WPT Venetian event. The WSOP staff member confirmed that the ban was due to continuous disruption.
Kassouf's elimination from the Main Event came in 33rd place, with chip leader Kenny Hallaert calling his all-in bet. Kassouf held pocket sevens, but Hallaert had a king on the turn, sealing Kassouf's fate. Despite the early exit, Kassouf walked away with a prize of $300,000.
Tempers flared and tension at the tables soared due to Kassouf's behaviour, which included excessive tanking, taunting, and rule-pushing antics. His actions during the tournament led to a one-round penalty during Day 7 due to repeated time violations and table disruptions.
Following his elimination, Kassouf was escorted out by Las Vegas Metro officers and security. His departure was met with a small crowd of stunned fans, with reactions on Poker Twitter being mixed. Some called it long overdue, while others felt the WSOP had overreacted.
Poker enthusiasts can follow the website for updates on poker's wildest moments as the 2025 WSOP continues to unfold. The ban during the Main Event sets a precedent, signalling a stricter approach towards maintaining a respectful and fair tournament atmosphere.
Despite the ban and the controversy surrounding his behavior, Will Kassouf's antics brought a unique form of entertainment to the poker table, making him one of the tournament's most talked-about figures. Unfortunately, his passion for sportsmanship in the poker world seems not to extend to sports outside of it, as he was later accused of rule violations and disrespectful conduct during a sports event.
