WSOP 2025: Hallaert Continues as Main Event Chipleader, Kassouf Escorted Out by Casino Security

Hallaert Continues as Main Event Chipleader, 24 Players Remain

Belgian professional Kenny Hallaert is riding high in the WSOP 2025 Main Event. After dominating Day 6, he stayed in the lead through Day 7 and enters the next day as the chipleader with 63,600,000 chips. Hallaert, who has a final table appearance from 2016, is once again close to a historic success. Nine years ago, he finished sixth, and this time, with more experience, he aims even higher. “Playing this tournament for the nineteenth time really helps. You get a sense of how people play, especially if they're first-timers,” he explained after a long day.

In second place is American Braxton Dunaway (51,100,000), the 2023 Monster Stack winner, followed by Italy's Muhamet Perati in third (50,100,000). Seven-time WSOP bracelet holder Michael Mizrachi (11,400,000) also advanced to Day 8. Mizrachi holds the best result in this tournament among the remaining players, thanks to his 5th place in the 2010 Main Event.

On the other hand, several well-known names were eliminated, including Eric Afriat, who started Day 7 in second place and finished far from the final. Former champion Greg Merson, Nick Pupillo, Leon Sturm, and Will Kassouf also exited, with Kassouf's departure being notably dramatic, as detailed below.

It's intriguing to watch Leo Margets, the last woman in the tournament, who has already surpassed her own deep run from 2009 (27th place) and has a real chance at reaching the final table. The last woman present at a Main Event final table was Barbara Enright in 1995. Margets currently ranks 15th among the remaining 24 competitors vying for one of the nine spots.

Each remaining player is guaranteed at least $360,000, but of course, the $10 million top prize and the unforgettable world champion title are the ultimate goals.

Will Kassouf Ousted and Subsequently Banned from WSOP Premises

Will Kassouf, famous for his relentless "speech play" style, had a dramatic end to his Main Event Day 7 – not just on the poker front. After bowing out in 33rd place for $300,000, he was escorted off-site and banned from the remainder of the WSOP 2025 series.

The incident escalated after his elimination. While the rest of the table celebrated his exit, Kassouf announced, “I'll remember all your faces. See you next year.” He left escorted by security, met with jeers and a chorus of “sha-la-la, hey hey, goodbye” from spectators.

Dennis Jones, director of the WSOP US Circuit, informed him that he is not welcome at the tables for the rest of the WSOP 2025 event. Kassouf requested a meeting with WSOP Vice President Jack Effel, but it is unclear whether this discussion will take place.

Controversy followed Kassouf throughout the tournament, from excessive tanking and provoking American players to regular delays of the game. After a series of infractions, he was given a 10-second decision limit at the end of Day 6, which he called a "disgrace." Kassouf yet again confirmed his reputation as one of the most polarizing figures in world poker.

Klezys Wins 6-Handed PLO, Secures First WSOP Gold Bracelet

A new champion emerged in Event #91: $1,500 6-Handed Pot-Limit Omaha, as Kasparas Klezys from Lithuania clinched victory. The thirty-year-old PLO specialist overcame a field of 1,437 entries, defeating American Jonathan Hanner in the final heads-up. He claimed $280,214 and his first WSOP gold bracelet.

Entering the final day as the chipleader, he maintained his position throughout. Hanner was persistent in the heads-up but couldn’t significantly close the gap. After his win, Klezys emphasized that not only luck but also mathematics and pressure on opponents were key to his success: “In PLO, I know the math, I call 3-bets and usually have a 40% chance. I don't need perfect hands. People wait for good spots but can’t adapt.”

Source: WSOP, PokerNews, YouTube