15 Jul 2025 In one of the most dramatic moments of the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), UK poker pro Will Kassouf was kicked out of the rest of the series for good after finishing 33rd in the Main Event. He did not leave the scene quietly either. The controversial player, known for his constant "speech play" and long tanking sessions at the table, was led out of the venue when he was eliminated. Behind Kassouf were WSOP security, curious railbirds, and even a few Las Vegas Metro police officers. He was led from the event area to the Paris Las Vegas reward desk. The $300,000 prize was his, but he lost his spot in the series. A Stormy Tournament Run Marred by Penalties Kassouf's strong run in the Main Event 2025 was anything but calm. Beginning on Day 4, he was warned, fined, and had the clock run on him more than any other player in recent memory. By the end of Day 6, the tournament officials gave Kassouf a 10-second shot clock because he was tanking too much and running down the clock. Kassouf called the decision a "disgrace." However, on Day 7, things got out of control. With just one hand in, he got another penalty for not acting within the shot clock, even though he said that staff had agreed to bring back the standard 30-second rule. After more protests, he was given a full one-round penalty. He seemed upset about the decision, and from there, he lost his cool. He spent many hours of the day yelling at the floor, his tablemates, and any media personnel that would listen. People used to find his signature chatter funny and controversial, but now it was plain mean. There was evident frustration. He tried to build a big stack twice but failed. "Your hand is DEAD!" 😳 Clock called on Will Kassouf for the SIXTH time this level. Watch LIVE on https://t.co/2RQh5ROjQG pic.twitter.com/tNfjVithBA — PokerGO (@PokerGO) July 12, 2025 Kenny Hallaert, the chip leader, finally eliminated him by beating him with a top pair against pocket sevens. What happened next was crazy: Kassouf went on a long, bitter rant, first in a bust-out interview and then all over the poker room as he walked to the prize cage. Security was behind them, along with some interested railbirds and the local cops. WSOP staff told him in the middle of the walk that he could not play in any more events in the 2025 series. Poker Community Reaction Many people in poker agreed that this wasn't "speech play"; it was just bad behaviour. Online forums like Reddit were filled with divergent views. burlingtonblair: Comment byu/pulpSC from discussion inpoker DECAThomas: Comment byu/pulpSC from discussion inpoker Others pointed out that while Kassouf has long tried to blur the line between entertainment and antagonism, his antics are hurting the game. AdditionalStuff2155: Comment byu/pulpSC from discussion inpoker Is This the End of Kassouf at the WSOP? Even though the WSOP has only announced that Kassouf will be banned for the rest of the 2025 series, there is already much talk about whether he will be able to return in future years. Comment byu/pulpSC from discussion inpoker Others called on the WSOP to take a firmer stance moving forward: Comment byu/pulpSC from discussion inpoker He became famous at the 2016 Main Event for his "speech play" and his famous "nine high like a boss" moment. Now he's the subject of a very different conversation. Many in the poker community question how long the game's top level should tolerate this behaviour.
