Here's Why You Don't Bully A Poker Pro With 27.8 Million Chips In The Pot

When the stakes are high, emotions can be too.

In a confrontation that recently aired on ESPN and went viral online, Canadian Griffin Benger just couldn’t take any more of British player William Kassouf’s incessant chatter during the World Series of Poker Main Event in Las Vegas. Benger finally called him on it in the firmest way possible ― and at the perfect time.

Benger, holding two aces to Kassouf’s two kings, had just raised with 5.6 million chips. Shedding his stoicism, Benger snapped at Kassouf: “You’re just an abusive person, man. It’s not funny. It’s not a game. You’re being abusive to me. It’s called verbal abuse ... You’re a bully. It’s rude. It’s mean. ... Check your privilege.”

Kassouf, known for his verbal gamesmanship, explained that his “speech play” was part of the game. He then went all in to bring the pot to 27,800,000 chips. Benger called.

The five community cards were revealed. Benger’s two aces held up to capture the pot.

But now we wonder: who played whom?

In a karmic postscript to their July encounter noted by Fox Sports, Benger advanced to the November Nine final table at the World Series of Poker, where he is assured of at least $1 million in winnings. Kassouf finished 17th, going home with more than $300,000.