WSOP 2025: Will Kassouf Banned Post Chaotic Exit

mrinal-gujare
15 Jul 2025
Mrinal Gujare 15 Jul 2025
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  • Will Kassouf escorted by security after busting Main Event
  • Kassouf banned from the remaining WSOP events
Will Kassouf at WSOP 2025
Image Credit: Austin Currington/Pokernews
Will Kassouf has been escorted from the WSOP premises and banned for the remainder of the 2025 series following his elimination from the Main Event in 33rd place.

Will Kassouf was banned from WSOP 2025 and removed from the tournament area following a controversial exit during Day 7 of the Main Event.

Dennis Jones, Tournament Director for the WSOP US Circuit, communicated the decision to Kassouf immediately after his 33rd-place elimination from the Main Event. 

Security personnel subsequently escorted him to claim his winnings. Kassouf will not be allowed to participate in any of the remaining WSOP 2025 tournaments.

Kassouf had appealed the ban decision, requesting to speak directly with WSOP Vice President Jack Effel. However, confirmation of such a meeting remains pending.

Kassouf's departure from the Event Center at Horseshoe & Paris Las Vegas came amid notable audience reactions, marked by vocal opposition, chants, and cheers, indicating strong sentiments among attendees.

This year's Main Event consistently saw Kassouf embroiled in disputes, largely due to his verbal tactics, slow play, and open critique of American players’ tolerance for his style of play.

Kassouf’s exit witnessed spectators chanting "sha-la-la, hey hey, goodbye," clearly hinting at the widespread approval of his departure from the event.

Kassouf’s elimination from Main Event

The pivotal hand commenced with Kenny Hallaert’s raise to 850,000 from the cutoff, leading Kassouf, seated in the small blind, into another verbal exchange with fellow player Pedro Padilha. Eventually, Kassouf pushed all-in for his last 2,700,000 chips.

The showdown saw Kassouf holding pocket sevens (7♠7♦) against Hallaert’s king-five suited (K♥5♥). 
A flop of A♣J♠10♦ gave Hallaert additional outs, and the turn card, K♣, awarded him the lead. 

Kassouf’s appeal for favourable river assistance was unsuccessful, with the final card, J♥, confirming his elimination.

Kassouf made remarks at the remaining competitors, before leaving the WSOP premises under security guards.

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