5 shocking and strange WSOP rules you won’t believe exist

As the world changes, poker changes with it. And the rules need to evolve as well to make sure everything runs smoothly at major events like the World Series of Poker . The WSOP rulebook contains plenty of regulations that might surprise even experienced poker players. There are rules covering personal hygiene, strict restrictions on mobile phone use, player behavior, and even what happens if a tournament is affected by extreme weather.

The truth is, the WSOP rulebook contains far more unusual details than most fans would ever expect. Here are five strange rules that you might not know about.

Something stinks at the poker table

Nobody wants to sit next to a player with poor hygiene for hours, and the WSOP organizers take this issue seriously. In fact, the rulebook of the world’s biggest poker series includes a specific rule about personal hygiene.

The rule states that tournament staff can take action against players whose hygiene becomes a problem for others at the table. WSOP staff will decide whether a situation is unacceptable and can issue penalties if a player refuses to fix the issue.

In practice, this could mean asking a player to change their clothes, use deodorant, or, in extreme cases, leave the tournament area and take a shower. While the rule may sound unusual, the reason behind it is simple: WSOP tournaments can last for many hours or even several days, and everyone deserves a comfortable environment at the table.

No phone, no communication at the poker table

The WSOP has extremely strict rules when it comes to mobile phones and other electronic devices. And there is a good reason for that.

The rules were tightened after controversy at the 2024 WSOP Main Event final table, when it emerged that eventual champion Jonathan Tamayo had received advice from several professional players in the audience, who were analyzing situations with the help of a laptop.

The WSOP later clarified its rules: all electronic devices that produce sound, including mobile phones, must be kept on silent during tournaments.

Players who are not involved in a hand may use their phones to send messages or emails, but only under certain conditions. They are not allowed to communicate with another player sitting at the same table, as this could create a serious fairness issue.

If WSOP staff believe two players have communicated in a prohibited way during a tournament, both players can be immediately disqualified.

Phone calls are also heavily restricted. Any player who wants to make a call must move at least one table length away from their assigned table. At featured tables that are broadcast on TV, the rules are even stricter: players must leave the tournament area completely if they want to send a message, write an email, or make a phone call.

You can’t just wear anything at a WSOP table

In poker, outfit can be more than just a way to express yourself. A logo on a hat, shirt, or hoodie can represent valuable sponsorship space, especially when a player is sitting at a WSOP featured or at a table broadcast on TV.

However, players cannot simply wear any brand they want during a broadcast.

According to WSOP rules, players appearing on featured tables must receive approval before displaying any logos, sponsor names, or promotional messages that could appear on camera.

The request must be submitted at least 24 hours before the logo is displayed and must include details about the sponsor, the exact logo or message, and where it will appear on the clothing.

Without approval, players are not allowed to display promotional material at the table. The WSOP can reject logos or messages that could negatively affect the interests of the tournament, organizers, or broadcast partners.

Breaking this rule can lead to serious consequences. A player can be disqualified at any stage of the tournament, losing their entry fee and becoming ineligible for any prize money.

Mocking opponents can get you punished

Psychological battles have always been part of poker. A well-timed comment, some table talk, or a little bit of pressure can all be part of the game. But the WSOP has clear limits when it comes to unsportsmanlike behavior.

According to tournament rules, mocking another player is strictly prohibited. Anyone who mocks an opponent through gestures, acting, or any other behavior designed to distract others can face penalties.

The rule is not limited to obvious insults. Any behavior intended to disrupt the game or make other players uncomfortable can lead to punishment.

WSOP staff have the authority to decide the appropriate penalty, which can even include disqualification.

The rules also cover repeated etiquette violations, including unnecessarily touching another player’s cards, chips, body, or clothing, intentionally slowing down the game, repeatedly acting out of turn, or excessive talking.

The message is simple: bluffs, mind games, and strategy are part of poker, but disrespect is not.

When the weather takes over

At the poker table, players usually control their own game. But sometimes circumstances beyond anyone’s control can affect a tournament.

A memorable example came during the 2019 WSOP Main Event, when a 7.1-magnitude earthquake shook the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas on the first day of tournament. The incident caused panic among players and staff, but the tournament eventually continued.

The WSOP rulebook also includes guidelines for situations like this. If a tournament cannot continue because of severe weather or other unexpected events, organizers have the right to suspend, modify, finish, or cancel the event.

The rule does not only cover weather. It also includes situations such as computer viruses, technical failures, unauthorized interference, fraud, or any other issue that could affect the safety, fairness, or proper running of the tournament.