In a shocking development at the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP), British poker pro William Kassouf has been officially banned from all remaining events following what officials described as “unacceptable and repeated violations of player conduct policies.” Known for his polarizing table talk and psychological antics, Kassouf once again found himself in hot water—this time with consequences that have shaken the poker community.

Incident Sparks Backlash on the Tournament Floor

The incident reportedly occurred during a Day 2 session of a No-Limit Hold’em event, where Kassouf was accused of excessive verbal harassment and stalling tactics. While Kassouf’s table banter has long been a trademark of his game, witnesses and tournament staff claimed that his behavior went well beyond gamesmanship, including repeated confrontations with players and refusal to follow dealer instructions.

Multiple players at the table filed formal complaints, prompting WSOP officials to review security footage and player reports. Within hours, Kassouf was removed from the event and informed that he would not be allowed to participate in any further WSOP events for the remainder of the series.

WSOP Issues Official Statement

In a rare public statement, the WSOP clarified its decision:

“The World Series of Poker strives to maintain a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all participants. After reviewing the incident involving Mr. Kassouf, we have determined that his actions violated the WSOP Code of Conduct and have decided to disqualify him from all remaining events.”

The decision marks one of the few times a prominent poker figure has been publicly banned during the series, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations.

Kassouf’s History of Controversy

This is not the first time William Kassouf has made headlines for disruptive behavior. He gained international attention during the 2016 WSOP Main Event with his “speech play” and infamous phrase, “Nine high like a boss.” While some saw him as a refreshing entertainer, others criticized him for pushing the boundaries of acceptable poker etiquette.

Over the years, Kassouf has faced repeated warnings and penalties for similar behavior at various live tournaments, but this latest expulsion represents the most severe disciplinary action of his career.

Player Reactions and Community Response

Reactions across the poker community have been mixed. Some players applauded the WSOP for taking firm action to uphold standards of conduct, while others debated whether Kassouf’s antics, though provocative, merited such a strong response.

High-stakes pro Daniel Negreanu commented via social media:

“Entertainment is great, but there’s a line. Respect the game and the people playing it.”

Meanwhile, some fans argued that the decision sets a precedent for clamping down on “personality-driven” players who blur the lines between strategy and showmanship.

What’s Next for Kassouf?

As of now, Kassouf has not made an official statement regarding his ban, though rumors suggest he may appeal or address the matter through social media in the coming days. His future at major live events remains uncertain, and it’s unclear whether other poker tours will follow the WSOP’s lead in enforcing similar conduct standards.

For now, the poker world watches closely to see how one of its most divisive figures responds to his latest and most serious controversy.