Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past two years, the name William Kassouf will almost certainly evoke strong emotions – a love him or loathe him character in the poker world. Let’s take a look at the polarising English pro in five big stories…
Check your privilege – the WSOP bust-up
William Kassouf sprang to prominence during the 2016 WSOP, an impressively deep run coupled with non-stop table-talk, leaving a trail of penalties and tilted opponents behind him.
Told at one point by Tournament Director Jack Effel: “While you’re not actually breaking any WSOP rules, you’re bending them to the max. You’re forcing me to intervene for the integrity of the game and sportsmanship behavior at the table,” it all came to a head in the hand that would see him finally bust out.
The Art of the Deal – buying a title?
A few months later and Kassouf was heads-up for the EPT Prague High Roller title against Patrick Serda, but behind in chips by 4:1. However, a deal was struck which saw him hand over an extra chunk of cash so that he could lift the trophy aloft!
EPT Prague High Roller
Thank you for the kind messages and support. This will be one to remember! It’s been emotional!
??????#Heartofalion pic.twitter.com/HCvxXkULxw— William Kassouf (@WilliamKassouf) December 21, 2016
Accusations of buying the title naturally flew around the poker community and Twittersphere, Kassouf walking off with around €200,000 less than Serda – an almost unheard of difference.
What made fewer headlines, however, was Max Silver – one of Serda’s backers – admitting it was his idea, explaining Kassouf took some time to be convinced of it and eventually put on a clock during the 30 minute deal discussions!
Hitting on Shaun Deeb’s wife…or was it his sister?
Fast-forward to this summer, and Twitter burst into life after Joe ‘Chicago Joey’ Ingram’s podcast with Shaun Deeb saw the US pro lay into the Englishman, claiming that Kassouf had hit on his wife during the WSOP.
Shaun had some harsh words for @WilliamKassouf continued antics & ESPN coverage during the Main Event. Will tried a bit of speech play w/ @shaundeeb wife at the FT.
The classic “Is that your brother??” line. C’mon man.
I don’t mind Will’s act but I get why others hate it. pic.twitter.com/aSUvFKr4Rc
— Joey Ingram (@Joeingram1) 20 July 2018
Kassouf, of course, wasn’t shy about getting involved in some personal speechplay with Deeb, and landed the lowest of low blows with the following effort.
For the record, I wasn’t hitting on your wife. Please! LOL. I had never met her before and didn’t think you were married. I simply asked her if she was your sister as I thought she looked like you! Also, neither of you are my type anyway so you don’t need to worry lol #justsaying
— William Kassouf (@WilliamKassouf) 20 July 2018
As we are about to see, it was Deeb though who laughed last… and longest…
Palming roulette chips and losing everything?
Kassouf’s life came crashing down around his ears this September, a tweet from Shaun Deeb going viral as the shit was about to hit the fan…
Just got a very interesting message about @WilliamKassouf getting caught palming 100$ chips at roulette table and getting banned from all properties and dropped by his sponsorship shocked to hear it but now we know where his buyins were coming from #goodriddence
— on hiatus (@shaundeeb) 16 September 2018
A drunken night out during the GUKPT stop in Leeds had apparently gone very wring for Kassouf, multiple sources basically confirming Deeb’s second-hand rumors.
Kassouf remained tight-lipped about the incident, even as he eventually had to make a statement, though for many the apology rang somewhat hollow.
It is with great sadness that I write the following statement but I feel it necessary to clarify the situation now that I’m at liberty to do so. pic.twitter.com/x7vvhTMMUE
— William Kassouf (@WilliamKassouf) 18 September 2018
The comeback king …Kassouf rises from the ashes
Twitter silence – in fact any kind of silence – from Kassouf was a strange notion, and of course it couldn’t and wouldn’t last forever.
A trip to Vegas saw him re-enter the poker community far from his place of disgrace, and it was followed by a business-as-usual approach. He played firstly in London and then it was back to the scene of his High Roller triumph…
EPT €10k High Roller@PokerStarsLIVE @PokerNews_Live
The last time this event was held here two years ago, I brought home the title, the trophy and over €532k for ROFLs and bants! Déja Vu? Playing with all the bosses again today! Time to spin! Weee!
????☝️#EPTPrague pic.twitter.com/1qJyyezAct— William Kassouf (@WilliamKassouf) 16 December 2018
…and although he wouldn’t be scooping titles and massive paydays, it might not be too long before Kassouf is once again on top of the poker world – and hopefully this time for the right reasons…
EPT €1k National Event Day 2
Got unlucky in two pots. Then aip with KQ v QT and lost. Finished 123rd out of 2,486 players, cashing a total of €5,100 from the €130 qualifier. Cash games here have been juicy & profitable too. Onwards and upwards ???☝️#pokerstars #eptprague pic.twitter.com/jqQSWcMFnR— William Kassouf (@WilliamKassouf) 11 December 2018
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