Will Kassouf is a professional poker player from England who has (rightly) earned a reputation for being a bit of a annoying loudmouth at the table. Kassouf’s behavior has been under the microscope even more this year, as he made a deep run in the $10,000 Main Event at the 2016 World Series of Poker, earning a spot on the final two tables.
In a recent episode of the World Series of Poker on ESPN, a hand between Kassouf and Canadian Griffin Benger developed that caused tensions to rise to record levels. Benger raised preflop with pocket aces, only to be reraised by Kassouf who had picked up pocket kings. As Benger contemplated his next move, Kassouf’s mouth began a stream of table talk and psychological head games, trying to goad his opponent into making a mistake (little did he know there are no mistakes with pocket aces).
Benger was sick of the constant commentary, and lashed out.
“You’re just an abusive person, man, it’s not funny,” Benger said. “It’s not a game. You’re being abusive. It’s called verbal abuse. What you’re doing to me is verbal abuse. You’re a bully. It’s rude. It’s mean.”
Kassouf defended his behavior as “speech play,” but Benger was wasn’t buying the explanation.
“It’s not called speech play, it’s called being a bad person,” Benger replied. “You should really check yourself. Check your privilege. You’re a rude person.”
The situation eventually reached the inevitable conclusion of Kassouf going all-in and Benger calling (naturally). The aces held up and Kassouf was eliminated in 17th place, taking home $338,288. Benger is still alive and part of the “November Nine” who will play a live final table next month to determine the eventual winner of poker’s most famous tournament.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyTQScIcQCc
The poker community is seemingly divided over Kassouf’s actions. No less an authority than Phil Hellmuth has weighed in, saying that players should be allowed to talk in an effort to gain information.
1 No-limit Hold’em is an art form: w bluffs, reads, math, deductive reasoning, and talking. Talking is a weapon that great players use.
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 24, 2016
2 As long as talking is NOT abusive, or too loud, or too incessant (yes, I know I’m the Poker Brat!), then it adds an element of skill.
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 24, 2016
3 @WilliamKassouf generally does not cross the line, but when he does, then he should be penalized. But we need talkers like @RealKidPoker
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 24, 2016
4 Kassouf is entertaining, and adds value to @WSOP @ESPN coverage: ratings up! I love watching talkers like @TheMouthMatusow @RealKidPoker
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 24, 2016
5 I want more talking in poker, because it’s good for the game: 1 more fun to watch; 2 adds more skill; 3 it’s more fun to play w a talker.
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 24, 2016
However, Kassouf has been called out by numerous other pros for his incredibly slow play, something that goes along with his talking.
Kassoufs slow play, especially in obvious fold situations, is indefensible. #StopTankingInPoker
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 24, 2016
Will do an FCP podcast with further thoughts on @WilliamKassouf who I found good natured at all times. Not a fan of his tanking though.
— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) October 24, 2016
On this I completely agree. Table banter and slow play are two separate issues. I only have an issue with one. Guess which one? https://t.co/U8bI6WAzF3
— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) October 24, 2016
