Tournament Rules Update at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP)
Major Modifications in Electronic Devices, Penalties for Players, and Six Crucial WSOP Rule Adjustments for 2025: Essential Updates You Should Familiarize Yourself With
Whether you're a poker pro or a newcomer, these critical rule updates for the 2025 WSOP tournament are essential to keep in mind. While many rules remain consistent, some crucial changes are designed to maintain fairness and uphold game integrity.
Adapt to the New No-Show Policy
Latecomers, take note: the updated Rule 16 will be enforced. If you register for a game and don't arrive at your designated seat until the kickoff of the first level following the initial break, your stack will be removed from play. You will, however, receive a refund of your buy-in and its removal from the prize pool. This rule applies to all games, irrespective of blind level length (Learn More).
Stay on Your Best Behavior – the Ramifications are Real
Rule 18 is a harsh reminder for players to keep their conduct in check. Offenses such as cheating or poor behavior could result in a tournament ban, either before, during, or after the event. Additionally, individuals barred from casino facilities owned or operated by Caesars Entertainment, or its affiliates/subsidiaries, are ineligible to participate in WSOP Events (Learn More).
Prohibited Electronic Devices and Filming – Stay Incognito
Following last year's Doja-Poker controversy, where defending world champion Jonathan Tamayo was accused of using electronic devices to view sims during play, the WSOP has introduced new regulations. Once players reach the final three tables, all approved electronic devices must be removed, with penalties up to disqualification for non-compliance (Learn More).
Get Ready for a Redraw of the Button – Smaller Tables Now Included
In a departure from previous years, where redraws for the button were only performed at the final table, rule 85 now mandates a draw for the button with 3, 2, and 1 tables remaining (Learn More).
The Consequences of Dodging Blinds Have Escalated
A player intentionally dodging their blinds will now forfeit both blinds (and BBA if applicable) and receive a one-round penalty. This penalty is a stark increase from previous years, where only one round was lost for not obeying the rule (Learn More).
The Talking Strategy Rule Has Gone Strict – No Coaching During Tournament Clock
Discussing poker strategies with anyone, even during breaks, is now prohibited during the tournament. This new rule makes it harder for players to receive coaching while in an ongoing tournament (Learn More).
For reference, some changes have been inspired by the 2024 rulebook, controversial incidents like the Doja-Poker controversy, and various WSOP policies
- In the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), a new rule for latecomers, as stated in Rule 16, mandates that if a player registers but fails to arrive at their designated seat before the kickoff of the first level following the initial break, their stack will be removed from play, but they will receive a refund of their buy-in and its removal from the prize pool.
- The WSOP Event prohibits players with a history of cheating or poor behavior, as stipulated in Rule 18, from participating, and barred individuals from casino facilities owned or operated by Caesars Entertainment, or its affiliates/subsidiaries, are also ineligible to take part.
- In light of the Doja-Poker controversy of last year, where a defending world champion was accused of using electronic devices during play, the WSOP has implemented new regulations that require all approved electronic devices to be removed once players reach the final three tables. Non-compliance may lead to penalties up to disqualification.
- Starting in 2025, the rule for redrawing the button has been expanded to include tables with 3, 2, and 1 remaining, as per rule 85, which is a departure from previous years where redraws were only performed at the final table.
