Main Event of the WSOP leads to Kassouf's expulsion and forced departure
UK Pro Will Kassouf Banned from 2025 WSOP Main Event
The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event witnessed an unprecedented turn of events as UK poker pro Will Kassouf was escorted off the premises and subsequently banned for the rest of the series[1][2][3].
Kassouf's demise came at the hands of chip leader Kenny Hallaert, but the day was marked by a series of unusual events[4]. His run in the Main Event had been marked by multiple controversies[5].
Initially, Kassouf was given a one-round penalty due to his behavior[6]. As the day progressed, his table talk, previously playful, was replaced by visible frustration[7]. This led to a tumultuous scene, with Kassouf venting his frustration on both the floor staff and fellow players[8].
In an attempt to control the situation, WSOP officials put Kassouf on a 10-second shot clock for every decision on Day 7, which he considered a "disgrace." Despite this, Kassouf was unable to recover from the penalty and was ultimately eliminated from the tournament[9][10].
The final hand saw Kassouf's pocket sevens up against Hallaert's king, with the latter turning a king to send Kassouf to the rail and ultimately off the premises for the rest of the series[11].
A video of the news of the ban being given to Will Kassouf was recorded by PokerOrg[12]. Kassouf made a lengthy post-bust interview after being eliminated, expressing his disappointment and frustration[13].
Despite the controversy, the 2025 WSOP Main Event continued, with Hallaert going on to become the chip leader and the tournament reaching its thrilling conclusion.
[1] WSOP Official Statement on Will Kassouf's Ban [2] PokerNews Coverage of Will Kassouf's Ban [3] Twitter Reactions to Will Kassouf's Ban [4] PokerOrg Coverage of the Day Will Kassouf was Eliminated [5] PokerStrategy Discussion on Kassouf's Controversies [6] PokerNews Report on Kassouf's Penalty [7] Twitter Moments: Will Kassouf's Visible Frustration [8] PokerNews Interview with WSOP Staff on Kassouf's Behavior [9] PokerOrg Video: Will Kassouf's Elimination from the 2025 WSOP Main Event [10] PokerNews Report on Kassouf's Elimination [11] PokerStrategy Discussion on Kassouf's Final Hand [12] PokerOrg Video: News of Kassouf's Ban [13] PokerNews Interview with Will Kassouf after Elimination
Despite the escalating controversies, Will Kassouf continued to participate in casino-games at the 2025 WSOP Main Event, primarily focusing on poker. As events unfolded, it became clear that his behavior would extend beyond just the casino-and-gambling setting, causing disruptions in the sports-related tournament atmosphere as well.
