Will Kassouf, self-styled 'Trump of Poker', Talks Exclusively | PokerNews Podcast Episode 912
In the world of poker, the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event was not just about the cards and the competition. The tournament was overshadowed by the disruptive and controversial behaviour of player Will Kassouf, who was ultimately banned from the event due to his actions.
Kassouf, who was labelled "The Hemorrhoid of the 2025 Main Event," caused a significant nuisance, particularly on Day 7, which was described as the biggest meltdown in WSOP history [1]. His behaviour was so disruptive that WSOP officials felt compelled to ban him midway through the Main Event [2][3].
The poker community had mixed perceptions of Kassouf during this run. He is known for his psychological tactics, which some view as strategic mind games, while others see them as unethical disruption [5]. Videos and podcasts from the event discuss whether his approach was clever psychological strategy or crossed into unsportsmanlike conduct [4][5].
Chad Holloway, the PR & Media Manager for PokerNews, hosted a podcast that delved into these topics. In the 912th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, recorded from the Chamada Prestige Hotel & Casino in Cyprus, where the World Poker Tour (WPT) Cyprus Championship was being held, Holloway interviewed Tony Dunst, a WPT commentator who had also bagged Day 1a of the WPT Cyprus Championship.
Dunst shared his thoughts on Kassouf's behaviour and the impact it had on the poker world. He also discussed what remains on his poker bucket list, his visit to Cyprus for the first time, sports, and his life nowadays. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Kassouf himself was a guest on the podcast, reflecting on his perception in the poker world and comparing himself to Donald Trump. He was also asked about feeling singled out by players and staff during the WSOP, his mental health, and whether there was a mental health episode during the tournament. He was also questioned about his behaviour and whether he has learned from the WSOP.
The podcast interview with Tony Dunst also discussed his thoughts on Will Kassouf and his controversial run in the 2025 WSOP Main Event. The podcast features past episodes that can be checked out, and tweets about the podcast can use the hashtag #PNPod.
Chad Holloway, who won a WSOP Bracelet in 2013, can be followed on X. The podcast interview with Tony Dunst is available on SoundCloud, offering a fascinating insight into the world of poker and the industry.
[1] Source: WSOP Day 7 Meltdown [2] Source: WSOP Official Ban [3] Source: Disruptive Behaviour [4] Source: Poker Videos [5] Source: Poker Podcasts
- The controversy surrounding Will Kassouf extended beyond the cards as his disruptive behavior at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event made headlines in both poker news and entertainment outlets, causing a stir in the industry.
- In addition to the melodrama of the poker world, sports enthusiasts might be intrigued to learn that Will Kassouf, infamous for his antics at the WSOP, was also a guest on a podcast discussing his life nowadays, including his thoughts on sports.
