In the 912th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway comes to you from the Chamada Prestige Hotel & Casino, which is currently hosting the World Poker Tour (WPT) Cyprus Championship. It's there that he caught up with Will Kassouf for an exclusive interview to discuss his controversial run in the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, why he acts the way he does, and where things currently stand between him and the WSOP.

Chad also asks if he experienced any sort of mental health situation during the WSOP, or perhaps was influenced by any sort of substances, while also inquiring how Kassouf thinks he's perceived in the poker world. Spoiler Alert: he says he is the 'Donald Trump of poker.'

Chad then sat down with WPT commentator Tony Dunst, who bagged Day 1a of the $3,500 WPT Cyprus Championship. The two Wisconsin boys talk about visiting Cyprus for the first time, sports, and what life is like nowadays for the debonair Dunst, who has now been with the WPT for 15 years!

These are two interviews that you don't want to miss!

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show from Cyprus
01:04 | Sitting down with the controversial Will Kassouf
02:00 | Have you learned from the WSOP?
06:00 | Feeling singled out by players & staff
08:35 | Were you in your right mind? Was there a mental health episode?
11:24 | How do you think you’re perceived by the poker world?
13:45 | Do Americans not like table talk?
15:19 | Where do things stand with you and the WSOP?
18:20 | Did you tip?
23:05 | Addressing the tanking issue
28:40 | Playing the WSOP Circuit Bratislava 
31:15 | Do you have upcoming playing plans?
33:00 | A Bay 101 Shooting Star?
36:00 | Kassouf’s thoughts on Martin Kabrhel
38:51 | WPT Cyprus at Chamada Prestige Hotel & Casino
39:27 | Kassouf’s big hand in the WPT Cyprus Championship
45:53 | Interview with the WPT’s Tony Dunst
49:31 | Dunst’s thoughts on Will Kassouf
51:18 | What were you doing back in Wisconsin?
54:20 | What’s life like for Tony Dunst?
58:45 | What remains on your poker bucket list?
1:01:15 | A look ahead to the WPT World Championship

Exclusive Interview w/ Will Kassouf, Self-Proclaimed ‘Donald Trump of Poker’ | PokerNews Podcast #912

In the 913th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway comes to you from the World Poker Tour (WPT) Cyprus Championship at Chamada Prestige Hotel & Casino. He caught up with the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champ Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi to find out what he's been up to since his big win, his future plans, and his upcoming trip to the Bahamas for the World Tournament of Slots (WToS). 

Mizrachi is busy trying to win his seat in the exclusive event, which will only have 500 players compete for a $1,000,000 top prize. And we're also excited to reveal that PokerNews will be giving away a seat to one lucky winner! Click here to learn more about the WToS.

Chad then tosses it back to Las Vegas, where Mike Holtz is joined by two-time WSOP bracelet winner Eric "basebaldy" Baldwin to discuss one online site's controversial feature that allows players to pay to see hole cards, Matt Savage's polarizing tweet about the danger of misusing official poker terms, and the passing of Poker Hall of Famer Jack McClelland.

Chad then returns to discuss recent tournament winners, including Ilia Kitsbabahvili and Ludovic Geilich at the WPT Cyprus, as well as Shannon Shorr and Jake Cody at the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO). Finally, Matt Savage gave Chad an exclusive by revealing one of the bounties at the upcoming WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star, and then Chad caught up with that player from the floor of the WPT Cyprus!

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the Show
00:17 | Chad at WPT Cyprus
01:37 | Poker Hall of Famer Jack McClelland passes away
03:09 | Interview w/ Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi
04:04 | What’s life like after winning the WSOP Main Event?
04:47 | What was it like playing with Martin Kabrhel?
06:20 | What is the World Tournament of Slots (WTos)?
07:38 | Will Mama Grinder be in the Bahamas?
09:40 | Win a WToS seat via PokerNews for a shot at $1M
10:45 | Will You be at the WSOP Paradise?
11:58 | Last year’s winner talks WToS victory
13:00 | Mike Holtz & Eric “basebaldy” Baldwin join the show
13:58 | Online Controversy – Thoughts on paying to see hole cards
25:51 | Matt Savage “official poker terms” warning
30:25 | Mike plays 2025 Arizona State Poker Championship
39:42 | Matt Savage reveals a WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star bounty
40:48 | Catching up with Stephen Song about being a bounty
42:18 | Winners from the WPT Cyprus
44:10 | WPT’s interview with Ilia Kitsbabahvili
45:35 | Jake Cody wins 2025 SHRPO Championship
46:44 | Shannon Shorr wins SHRPO $25K High Roller

Interview with WSOP Champ Michael Mizrachi, Who Wants to Win $1,000,000 Playing Slots

In the 914th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Hayley Hanna (AKA Vegas Hayls), who is fresh off finishing fourth in the 2025 Arizona State Poker Championship. The trio discusses the sudden rise of Monarch, who is Finnish poker pro Ossi Ketola. While at the Onyx Cup in Cyprus, he challenged both Norway's Kayhan Mokri and Dan "Jungleman" Cates to high-stakes heads-up matches, and when all was said and done, Monarch was down eight figures!

From there, they talk about recent tournament winners, including Brandon Mitchell taking down the 2025 Arizona State Poker Championship for $525K, Jennifer Shahade winning the Women's Summer Festival, and both Jesse Lonis and Jeremy Ausmus winning over in Europe. 

Other stories covered include the loss of Poker Hall of Famer Jack McClelland, a poker player robbed in Texas, Daniel Negreanu saying a Season 2 for Game of Gold is unlikely, and that goofball Nacho Barbero finishing another sponsorship opportunity.

Finally, remember PokerNews is giving away a seat in the World Tournament of Slots (WTOS). You could have an approximate one in 500 chance at a $1,000,000 top prize. Click here to learn more about the WToS.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 Welcome to the show
00:15 Hayley Hanna joins the show
02:12 Who is Monarch?
07:14 Seven-figure heads-up matches against Jungleman
11:25 2025 Arizona State Poker Championship
18:57 Hayley’s bustout hand in 4th place
20:10 Brandon Mitchell wins title for $525K
21:45 Negreanu’s AMA; no Game of Gold S2?
25:45 Nacho Barbero finds new sponsorship
27:25 Texas poker player robbed after big score
30:30 World Tournament of Slots giveaway
33:52 Hyundong Lee wins WPT Prime Taiwan Championship 
34:23 PokerStars Ambassador Jennifer Shahade wins Women’s Summer Festival
35:25 Marcus Dieleman wins Onyx SHRS PLO Championship 
35:41 Daniel Rezaei wins $51K Onyx SHRS Championship 
36:00 Jesse Lonis topples Phil Ivey en route to $1,745,625 payday
38:05 Jeremy Ausmus banks €318,606 at 2025 PokerStars EPT Barcelona Festival
40:05 Remembering Jack McClelland

Who is Monarch, the Poker Player Who Lost $15,000,000?

In the 915th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are once again joined by Ben Ludlow to talk about the latest stories and highlights from the poker world. That includes back-to-back WSOP Ladies Event champ Shiina Okamoto, who was back to her winning ways after taking down the Women's Event at the recently-completed EPT Barcelona. Is it time to start mentioning her name when talking about the G.O.A.T.s of the game?

Speaking of the EPT Barcelona, David Coleman had four runner-up finishes there, while Thomas Eychenne took down the EPT Barcelona Main Event for €1,217,175. It was actually in that tournament that PokerNews spotted Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll, the two friends who caused quite the controversy over the summer in the WSOP Millionaire Maker, seated next to each other. Strange coincidence, that. 

From there, Chad offers highlights from his Wisconsin hangout with Phil Hellmuth, who then went ot New Hampshire for a "Beat the Champ" weekend that saw Brandon Cantu emerge victorious. Hellmuth also remembered the late, great Poker Hall of Fame tournament director Jack McClelland.

Speaking of winners, Grant Hinkle, Nick Rigby, and Maurice Hawkins all took down titles, which are recapped in this episode, and inspired Mike to share a Rigby story of his own. Also, a preview of the upcoming PokerGO Tour (PGT) Venetian Las Vegas Classic.

Finally, remember PokerNews is giving away a seat in the World Tournament of Slots (WTOS). You could have an approximate one in 500 chance at a $1,000,000 top prize.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:10 | Ben Ludlow joins the show
01:00 | Shiina Okamoto wins EPT Barcelona Ladies Event
05:00 | Shiina Okamoto’s winning hand
05:50 | David Coleman four runner-up finishes
09:00 | What’s your favorite cheese?
10:33 | World Tournament of Slots giveaway
13:20 | Chad hangs out with Hellmuth in Wisconsin
16:16 | Hellmuth’s ‘Beat the Champ’ weekend in New Hampshire
19:07 | Highlight videos from Hellmuth’s ‘Beat the Champ’
22:31 | Phil Hellmuth remembers Jack McClelland
25:36 | James Anderson wins MSPT JACK Cleveland
27:20 | Thomas Eychenne wins EPT Barcelona Main Event for €1,217,175 
31:36 | Jesse Yaginuma & James Carroll get sat by each other  
35:00 | Grant Hinkle wins Oklahoma State Championship; First Winner in Six Years 
35:53 | Nick Rigby wins RunGood Grand Prix Caesars Southern Indiana 
36:20 | Mike’s Nick Rigby story
38:51 | Maurice Hawkins wins two rings at WSOP Circuit New Orleans
42:57 | PGT Venetian Classic features $1M Guaranteed Main Event 

Is Shiina Okamoto the G.O.A.T.? Plus, a Dirty Adventure with Hellmuth | PokerNews Podcast #915

In the 916th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Jesse Fullen to talk about the latest stories from the poker world, including Martin Kabrhel and his website selling merchandise bearing his trademark catchphrases such as "Not like that" and "Casino Royale."

From there, they recap the highly-publicized heads-up match between Barstool Nate and Dave Portnoy where the former made what some call the worst fold in poker history; take a look at the unique wedding photos from the Burning Man ceremony of Liv Boeree and Igor Kurganov; and take a look at PokerNews' new The Rundown.

Among the tournament winners highlighted in this week's episode are Jeremy Becker, Chino Rheem, Joshua Gebissa, Liam Gannon, and Kathy Liebert. Other stories include a look at the WPT World Championship schedule, a fresh edition of New Vlogs on the Block, and how Joey from Love is Blind and his protein company FLŸTE made their way into Chad's life.

Finally, Chad reveals the details surrounding this year's NAPT Gold Pass giveaway valued at $10,000! There are not many up for grabs this year, so you won't want to miss out on this limited opportunity to win one just by listening to the PokerNews Podcast and MSPT Podcast Presented By PokerNews.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
04:12 | Martin Kabrhel’s merchandise shop
08:21 | Barstool Nate vs. Dave Portnoy
13:58 | Worst fold in poker history?
19:01 | Barstool Nate reacts to result of heads-up match
21:35 | Igor Nurganov & Liv Boeree tie the knot at Burning Man
25:25 | Introducing PokerNews’ The Rundown
27:37 | Giveaway for a NAPT Gold Pass
30:09 | Winners from the PGT Bounty Blitz Series; Jeremy Becker crushes
31:06  | Chino Rheem claims a title
31:47 | Landon Tice binks Event #3
32:20 | Other winners include Sergio Aido, Jason Hickey & Sam Laskowitz  
32:50 | Former Footballer Joshua Gebissa wins first-ever Triton ONE Main Event for $975,225
35:56 | Professional bass fisherman reels in RGPS Tunica Main Event title
38:09 | Liam Gannon ships first WSOP Circuit ring
40:49 | Kathy Liebert wins Venetian DeepStack Extravaganza event
42:37 | FLŸTE Clear Whey Protein
43:19 | Joey from Love is Blind
45:55 | New Vlogs on the Block – Papa Poker
48:50 | World Poker Tour Championship schedule

"This is so Embarrassment!" Poker’s Biggest Villain is Now Selling Hats & T-Shirts

In the 917th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Ben Ludlow to talk about the latest stories from the poker world, including a discussion on the future of poker following the failure of a provision that would've mitigated the concerning gambling tax implications of the Big Beautiful Bill. Is there still time to turn things around?

The trio then discusses some of Monarch's recent seven-figure heads-up matches, Phil Hellmuth issuing a $1,000,000 challenge, and recent tournament winners from the 888poker LIVE London, including Gang Wang, Aaron Barone, and Vivian Saliba.

Chad then sits down with the winner of PokerNews' World Tournament of Slots (WTOS) giveaway. Find out who will be headed to the Bahamas in October, where they'll have a shot at a million bucks and the opportunity to meet reigning World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champ Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi.

Finally, Chad reveals the latest code word for this year's NAPT Gold Pass giveaway valued at $10,000! There are not many up for grabs this year, so you won't want to miss out on this limited opportunity to win one just by listening to the PokerNews Podcast and MSPT Podcast Presented By PokerNews.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:48 | The future of poker amid Big Beautiful Bill provision failure
12:25 | Monarch takes on Limitless & Foxen
15:43 | Video: Foxen puts Monarch to the test
20:08 | Hellmuth offers $1 million poker cash game challenge
22:40 | Hellmuth’s cash game statistics
26:10 | World Tournament of Slots giveaway winner
35:00 | Win a Silver Pass to 2025 NAPT Las Vegas
36:20 | Gang Wang wins 888poker LIVE London Main Event
37:52 | Aaron Barone wins 888poker LIVE London Ambassador Event 
38:10 | Vivian Saliba takes down £550 Big Shot 
39:20 | What nationalities are crushing poker nowadays?
42:00 | Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT)
43:40 | 888poker XL Autumn Series runs Sept. 21-29

Is this the End of Poker in America? Here's Why the Future Looks Bleak | PokerNews Podcast #917

In the 918th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, the 100th of the revamped in-studio show, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Ben Ludlow to talk about the latest stories from the poker world, including a discussion about GGPoker’s Olive Branch Initiative. Do banned players and poker cheaters deserve a second chance?

The trio then discusses Monarch's recent seven-figure heads-up matches that saw $11 million and $12.7 million pots, recent tournament winners from the latest Triton Poker stop, including Isaac Haxton and Christoph Vogelsang, and Kristen Foxen taking over the top spot from Vanessa Selbst on the Women's All-Time Money List on The Hendon Mob. 

Plus, Chadd Beatty wins RGPS Grand Prix Pennsylvania Main Event, and it's your last chance to qualify for a FREE seat in the World Tournament of Slots (WTOS).

Finally, Chad reveals another code word for this year's NAPT Gold Pass giveaway valued at $10,000! There are not many up for grabs this year, so you won't want to miss out on this limited opportunity to win one just by listening to the PokerNews Podcast and MSPT Podcast Presented By PokerNews.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
02:32 | GGPoker’s Olive Branch Initiative
10:40 | Monarch’s heater
11:40 | Does it count as a cash game pot?
12:32 | $11 million pot vs Alex Foxen
14:54 | $12.7 million pot vs Bjorn Li
20:23 | Is it the largest “cash” pot in history?
25:00 | Clyde “Snack Attack” Gaskins big winner
28:25 | Ike Haxton breaks Triton curse to win first title
31:15 | Nacho Barbero defeats Phil Ivey heads up
32:10 | Christoph Vogelsang wins Main Event
33:55 | Kristen Foxen becomes No. 1 on Women’s All-Time List 
38:15 | Chadd Beatty wins RGPS Grand Prix Pennsylvania Main Event 
40:55 | Last Chance to qualify for a FREE Seat in the World Tournament of Slots

Do Poker Cheaters Deserves a Second Chance? | PokerNews Podcast #918

In the 919th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway and Mike Holtz are joined by Connor Richards to talk about the latest stories from the poker world, including a discussion about the current poker content landscape on YouTube. If Brad Owen's recent experience is any indication, things don't look good.

The trio then discusses Martin Kabrhel's gold bracelet win at the 2025 World Series of Poker Europe, Michael Mizrachi's "Grinder's Game" coming to Venetian Poker Live, and All In with Jason Koon slated to take place during November's NAPT. Speaking of which, Chad reveals another code word for this year's NAPT Gold Pass giveaway valued at $10,000! There are not many up for grabs this year, so you won't want to miss out on this limited opportunity to win one just by listening to the PokerNews Podcast and MSPT Podcast Presented By PokerNews.

You will also get a behind-the-scenes look at the recent Charity Series of Poker (CSOP) St. Jude, learn about winners from the 2025 Poker Masters and WSOPE, a new poker room coming to Las Vegas, and Chad's personal adventures involving the Miami Dolphins and Mötley Crüe. It's a fun episode that you won't want to miss, so tune in now!

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
01:15 Brad Owen’s YouTube channel taken down
06:55 Martin Kabrhel wins 5th WSOP bracelet
10:10 Grinder’s Game coming to Venetian Poker Live
12:43 All In with Jason Koon during 2025 NAPT
16:55 NAPT Hotel Room Rate
17:32 CSOP St. Jude
19:34 Highlight video from the CSOP
21:05 2025 Poker Masters winners
24:19 Jared Passanante wins at the Reserve
25:38 WSOP Europe winners
27:00 Poker room coming to Green Valley Ranch
30:30 Allen Kessler’s Chainsaw Series of Poker
32:20 New episode of Life Outside Poker
35:36 Chad’s Miami Dolphins & Mötley Crüe adventure

Oh No, Is This the End of Poker Content on YouTube?

In the 920th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are all at Level 9 Studios in Las Vegas to talk a little but about WSOP champ and the most recent member of the Poker Hall of Fame Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi, who actually sat down with Chad at the Venetian to talk about his new "Grinder's Game" cash game and the upcoming World Tournament of Slots (WTOS).

They then discuss David Coleman winning the Poker Masters purple jacket, Jason Koon's bad beat, Shaun Deeb capturing his WSOP bracelet, and other winners from the WSOP Europe. Speaking of winners, Jeremy Gaubert took down the RGPS Grand Prix New Orleans, Josh Arieh and Nick Palma both won online bracelets, and Bridget Johnson was victorious in the RPT Tri-State Poker Championship.

Finally, Chad reveals another code word for this year's NAPT Gold Pass giveaway valued at $10,000, and goes one-on-one with Chris Bilinsky, a Gold Pass winner who's already booked his ticket to Las Vegas. There are not many up for grabs this year, so you won't want to miss out on this limited opportunity to win one just by listening to the PokerNews Podcast and MSPT Podcast Presented By PokerNews.

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time | Topic*
00:00 | Welcome to the show
00:53 | What are your thoughts on the Grinder?
03:34 | Grinder’s Bounty & Grinder’s Game at the Venetian
07:21 | Interview with Michael Mizrachi
10:00 | World Tournament of Slots (WTOS) coming Oct. 22-26
10:41 | David Coleman wins Poker Masters purple jacket
12:29 | Winners from the 2025 Poker Masters
14:25 | Bad beat for Jason Koon
17:50 | Shaun Deeb captures 8th WSOP bracelet
20:00 | WSOP Europe in need of a change?
26:58 | Jeremy Gaubert wins RGPS Grand Prix New Orleans
27:30 | Josh Arieh wins online event for 7th bracelet
30:30 | Nick Palma wins 1st bracelet in online event  
34:00 | Bridget Johnson takes down RPT Tri-State Poker Championship
37:10 | Interview w/ Gold Pass winner Chris Bilinsky

Bounty Hunters Looking for WSOP Poker Champ in Las Vegas

In the 921st episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Ben Ludlow are all at Level 9 Studios in Las Vegas with high-stakes poker player Brian Okin for a special episode devoted to Okin's Game on Venetian Poker Live. 

The live-streamed cash game has produced some wildly entertaining hands and offers lineups that regularly include poker stars like Jean-Robert Bellande, Eric Wasserson, Matt Berkey, Martin Kabrhel, and regining WSOP Main Event champ Michael "The Grinder" Mizrachi; as well as, relative newcomers, at least to the poker spotlight, such as Royski and Dr. Phil. 

If you're not familiar with Brian Okin, this is your chance to learn about his poker origins in Manhattan, which included playing in the famed Molly's Game, to his transition to Las Vegas. Learn the ins and outs of what it takes to put together a regular high-stakes poker cash game, what exactly is 'Squid Game' in poker, and a look at some of the most famous hands played by Okin including bluffing into the nuts and winning a monster pot worth $320,000!

Click here for details on the PokerNews Podcast NAPT Gold Pass Giveaway!

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
Time	Topic
0:00	Welcome to the show
0:39	Who is Brian Okin?
5:33	Moving to Las Vegas
7:50	Molly’s Game
11:33	Starting Okin’s Game
14:46	What is Squid Game in poker?
16:50	Players from Okin’s Game
22:39	Constructing a non-pro poker game
26:26	Mariano vs. Royski
32:03	An unbelievable fold
39:08	A $320K Pot!
41:45	Bluffing Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi
44:33	The Bobblehead
46:52	Bluffing into the nuts
50:55	Okin’s brand of tilt

You Won’t Believe the Hands from this Las Vegas High-Stakes Poker Cash Game

The PokerNews Podcast is a one-hour weekly show hosted by Chad Holloway, Kyna England, and Mike “Brock Lesnar” Holtz. The show usually focuses on 3-4 of the hottest poker stories from the past week. Listen as our expert panel offers their take on the latest stories and gossip.

Oh No, Is This the End of Poker Content on YouTube?

PokerNews Podcast

Related tracks