The 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) has been one of the most memorable in recent history. It’s had record-breaking prize pools, dramatic final table showdowns, Michael Mizrachi’s epic Main Event win, and Leo Margets making the poker world rally behind her like never before.

But of course, it was all not plain sailing. There is always something going down at the WSOP — and this year was no different.

From livestream outages to player bans, and even a cringeworthy Main Event entrance by the Poker Brat himself, this year’s WSOP proved that the drama wasn’t limited to the turn and the river.

1. “Milly Maker” Mayhem: Bracelet Confusion and Chip Dumping

One of the earliest controversies came during the ever-popular Millionaire Maker event, which offered a $1 million top prize. Reports surfaced that a controversial deal was struck at the final table, behind closed doors, and that chip dumping took place. All so one player could take advantage of a lucrative additional $1 million from ClubWPT Gold that was available to if they won the event.

To make matters worse, rumors began circulating that one, or both players involved in the deal have been quietly banned from future events, though no official statement has been made by WSOP organizers. The incident has prompted calls for greater transparency during deal negotiations and final table rulings. No gold bracelet was awarded.

2. Player Given One Round Penalty for Watching… a Doug Polk Video?

In a decision that many found baffling, a player was reportedly given a one-round ban after tournament staff thought the player was viewing a GTO chart at the table. The player has since come out to say he was watching a Doug Polk YouTube video at the table and denied breaking any rules.

The rule banning electronic devices during the final three tables of bracelet events came into effect this year due to what happened at the 2024 WSOP Main Event. That year Jonathan Tamayo had his rail actively coaching him through the final heads up match, with laptops and GTO charts software running.

3. Adam Hendrix Denied WPT Patch… On the Way to Main Event Final Table

In a moment that reeked of last-minute corporate politicking, Adam Hendrix — a well-known pro and Main Event finalist— was reportedly told as he walked to the final table of the Main Event that he was not allowed to wear a WPT-branded patch.

The WSOP, owned by Caesars, has long maintained strict sponsorship policies. But telling a player just moments before taking their seat at the most prestigious table in poker? That rubbed many the wrong way, with WPT Global ambassador David Lappin calling the move very f**cked up. Some fans speculated that WSOP officials waited to enforce the ban, in order to protect their own brand interests against rival tour WPT.

Notably the WSOP did not had any issue with Main Event Finalists Kenny Hallaert wearing PokerStars patch nor Leo Margets wearing Winamax branding or the eventual winner Michael Mizrachi branded with the BetMGM Poker logo.

4. William Kassouf Banned from Rest of WSOP After Repeated Incidents

Controversial British player William Kassouf, known for his “speech play” and previous headline-making antics back in 2016, was officially banned from the rest of the 2025 WSOP following his Main Event exit. The decision came after multiple reported incidents involving inappropriate behavior at the tables, arguments with dealers, and alleged rule violations. He was penalized with having to sit out of table orbits, along with being put on a 10 second shot clock, much to the dismay of many poker fans.

The final straw appears to have been a shouting match between Kassouf, his table, and the floor after he busted, ending with Kassouf being escorted from the room. Kassouf, of course, went live shortly after on social media, defending his actions and claiming he was “targeted.”

5. Highway to Hellmuth: Split Emotions on Phil Hellmuth’s Grand Entrance

Phil Hellmuth’s WSOP Main Event entrances have become the stuff of legend and ridicule. 2025’s entrance was no exception. This year, Hellmuth arrived dressed as a leather-clad rock star, lip-syncing AC/DC’s Highway to Hell, with his son Phil Hellumuth III and Dan “Jungleman” Cates on guitars.

Many onlookers questioned whether the 61-year-old poker legend and BetRivers Poker ambassador might be running out of ideas — or simply trying too hard. Still, true to form, Hellmuth is never put off by the critics and no doubt will be returning next year with an even more grandiose idea.

6. PokerGO Livestream Meltdown on Day 1 of Main Event Final Table

As excitement peaked for the final table of the Main Event, so did technical problems. PokerGO, the exclusive live-streaming partner for the WSOP, suffered a major outage on Day 1 of the final table. The stream was down for over an hour, after a DDoS attack, frustrating tens of thousands of fans and paid subscribers, hoping to catch every hand live.

The glitch also affected in-house displays at the Horseshoe Casino, where screens temporarily went dark. The issue was eventually resolved, but not before a torrent of online complaints. The timing couldn’t have been worse.

However, PokerGO scrambled lifted the paywall on the streamed coverage on YouTube, meaning thousands of people could watch the action unfold for free.

7. Lexy Gavin Catches Dealer Blunder on Camera in Wild Viral Clip

Lexy Gavin-Mather recently posted a vlog featuring a hand she played at the WSOP, unknowingly capturing a serious dealer error on video. In the clip, a misdeal on the flop leads to a confusing sequence in which Gavin points out which card should remain — a correction that may have inadvertently retrieved a crucial seven from the muck, giving her a set.

A Series to Remember, For Better or Worse

The 2025 WSOP has been a rollercoaster of poker excellence and organizational chaos. While the series continues to draw massive fields and worldwide attention, it’s clear that the game’s biggest stage is not immune to controversy — some self-inflicted, some avoidable, and others downright strange.

Whether you’re watching for the bluffs, the drama, or the occasional Hellmuth spectacle, one thing’s for sure: the WSOP remains poker’s ultimate proving ground and its most combustible powder keg.