In this column, we deliver you the latest and most interesting news and gossip from our favourite poker people.
William Kassouf buys supercar with poker profits
British pro William Kassouf has made a name for himself in the unlikeliest of ways, and while he is mainly known in the poker community for his ‘speech play’, it appears the 39 year old has been getting impressive results in the virtual arena within recent months. With his career grind paying off, Kassouf has spent a portion of his latest profits on a big splurge, perfectly fitting of his bold personality. The new supercar owner shared with Twitter fans photos of his lime green McLaren 570 GT which has at least a price tag of over $200k, and an additional personalized plate to boot.
https://twitter.com/WilliamKassouf/status/1426993506409668613?s=20
Kassouf ended 2020 with a six-figure score when he took down the €1,100 Irish Poker Open Online Main Event on partypoker for €215,163. While the huge feat definitely covers his extravagant purchase, Kassouf made known that his luxurious car was only less than half of his recent online poker winnings, which only means one thing – the notable pro has been raking in the big bucks.
https://twitter.com/partypoker/status/1339415052835799042?s=20
Vaccinations at Bellagio Poker Room required?
Four-time bracelet winner Eli Elezra recently posted a controversial announcement on social media entailing that unvaccinated players are clearly unwelcome at the Bellagio Poker Room. While the news isn’t official, the Israeli pro noted that players in-game have all agreed to quit should an unvaccinated person wish to join or simply ask the player to leave the table as another option.
https://twitter.com/elielezra1/status/1427783812235153411?s=20
While the ploy was a small step to convince everyone to get vaccinated, many fans were quick to find the declaration discriminatory and unclear, followed by a series of questions which were left unanswered.
Ben and Marle Spragg get hitched
PokerStars Team Pro member Ben Spragg officially tied the knot last week with fellow content creator Marle Spragg. In true poker fashion, the duo got married in Las Vegas and did not hesitate to share with fans their excitement and happiness as newlyweds.
Two big silly grins from Mr and Mrs Spragg.
Got married in Las Vegas to the love of my life @MarleCordeiro.
Couldn't be any happier. pic.twitter.com/cjdQcUqgdZ
— Spraggy (@spraggy) August 18, 2021
After less than a week, Ben Spragg has headed home in the UK and is back on the grind, right on time for PokerStars’ annual World Championship of Online Poker (WCOOP).
The wait is over.
3 long months.
LIVE.https://t.co/3juFHOFtUy pic.twitter.com/LOCfM2ISdM
— Spraggy (@spraggy) August 23, 2021
Daniel ‘Jungleman’ Cates fires verbal insults against Galfond
One of the industry’s top ranking pros Daniel ‘Jungleman’ Cates was recently featured in Brandon Adams’ podcast channel wherein he talked about his matches against Run It Once founder Phil Galfond, his new social app, and his quarantine life among other things. Although the interview was not aimed to be in a negative light, listeners were surprised to hear the notable online pro go on an unexpected rant against opponent Galfond. In the episode, Cates ultimately did not hold back and can be heard calling Galfond ‘devious, sick and twisted’.
Held off on posting this bc I wasn't sure that @junglemandan was serious about battle. Don't open at work or w/ children. Pod: https://t.co/jUmJy0l3mE . Best part is when jungle describes his life during match w Phil (think Russia training in RockyIV, except in a basement). https://t.co/0JohbHE3x4 pic.twitter.com/3qfbqwrW54
— Brandon Adams (@badams78) August 18, 2021
While Cates may have his own personal reasons for firing insults at his opponent, no one can deny Galfond’s prowess on the felt. In the previous mini challenge between the two, Galfond emerged victorious for a profit of €90,000 over 750 hands.
The duo is set to meet again as they battle through the last match of the Galfond Challenge series with a longer duration of 7,500 hands at stakes €100/€200 PLO possibly later this year.
Kristen Bicknell ends partypoker partnership
Three-time GPI Female Player of the Year recipient, Kristen Bicknell surprised poker fans last Saturday as she made public a decision to end her 4-year partnership with partypoker. While the Canadian pro did not specify reasons, she did note how she “will always strive to serve as a model for other women to play this great game!’
Bicknell serves to be one of the highest ranked female players, bagging three WSOP bracelets, over $5 million in live earnings and another $5 million on MTT’s across three sites: GGPoker, PokerStars, and partypoker, under her name.
It's been a great 4 years working with @partypoker, but it’s time for us to part ways. I’m excited to keep growing and promoting poker the best I can, in Canada and around the world. And I will always strive to serve as a model for other women to play this great game!
— Kristen Bicknell (@krissyb24poker) August 20, 2021
The renowned brand likewise thanked Bicknell for her time, replying, “A big thank you from everyone at partypoker for your contribution over the last few years as a partypoker Ambassador. We wish you all the best for the future!”
