Will Kassouf biography
William "Will" Kassouf was born on December 19, 1981, in London, England, and initially pursued a career in law, qualifying and practicing as a solicitor before walking away to play poker full-time in 2013. He built his bankroll and reputation grinding cash games at Grosvenor Casino The Victoria in London, and recorded his first significant tournament result in 2009 with a sixth-place finish at the Irish Poker Tour for €100,800.
Kassouf became a household name in the poker world at the 2016 WSOP Main Event, where a deep run to 17th place for $338,288 was overshadowed by his relentless, theatrical table talk aimed at pressuring opponents into folding — a tactic known in the poker community as "speech play" that made him one of the sport's most polarizing figures. Over his career he has accumulated more than $2 million in verified tournament earnings, though the attention on his play has often centered as much on his conduct as his results.
That dynamic reached a breaking point at the 2025 WSOP Main Event, where after a deep run to 33rd place worth $300,000, Kassouf was involved in a heated final hand and controversial post-elimination conduct, including confrontational remarks directed at opponents and officials. WSOP Tournament Director Dennis Jones informed him he would be escorted to collect his prize money and barred from participating in any remaining 2025 WSOP events, a decision that drew widespread attention across the poker world.
Kassouf requested to appeal the ban with WSOP Vice President Jack Effel. Despite the controversy, he remains an active figure on the international tournament circuit.
Career summary
A former London solicitor turned professional poker player, Will Kassouf built a $2 million-plus career and a reputation for aggressive "speech play" before a heated final-table exit led to his ban from the remainder of the 2025 WSOP.
Will Kassouf poker winnings
| Year | Event | Place | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | WSOP Main Event | 33rd | $300,000 |
| 2016 | WSOP Main Event | 17th | $338,288 |
| 2009 | Irish Poker Tour | 6th | €100,800 |
Verified live tournament earnings: $2,069,327.
Will Kassouf playing style
Kassouf is best known for "speech play" — extensive, deliberate table talk and stalling aimed at extracting information and pressuring opponents into folding — a confrontational approach that has made him one of poker's most talked-about and controversial personalities.
Cash games
Primarily known as a tournament specialist rather than a cash game regular, building his bankroll early in his career at Grosvenor Casino The Victoria in London.
Business & sponsorships
Trained and practiced as a solicitor in London before transitioning to poker full-time in 2013.
Why Will matters
Born December 19, 1981, in London, England, Will Kassouf left a career in law to pursue poker full-time in 2013, building a controversial reputation for relentless table talk that culminated in a dramatic ban from the 2025 WSOP.
FAQ about Will Kassouf
Why was Will Kassouf banned from the 2025 WSOP?
Following his elimination in 33rd place in the Main Event, confrontational conduct including remarks directed at opponents and officials led WSOP officials to bar him from participating in any remaining 2025 WSOP events.
What is Will Kassouf known for at the poker table?
He is known for "speech play," using extensive table talk and stalling tactics to pressure opponents into folding, a style he first drew widespread attention for at the 2016 WSOP Main Event.
How much has Will Kassouf won playing poker?
Will Kassouf has won $2,069,327 in live tournament earnings.
How many WSOP bracelets does Will Kassouf have?
Will Kassouf has not won a WSOP bracelet yet.