The countdown to the 2025 WSOP starts here. 100 bracelets. All the poker players. And PokerOrg will be on the floor from start to finish.
David Lappin is a beloved journalist, poker professional, and co-host of the popular poker podcast, The Chip Race. We caught up with him to chat about his plans for the summer — if there are any plans at all.
I heard rumors you're not traveling to the WSOP. What's going on?
I have a mild level of concern regarding how unreliable Trump's immigration policy is and how it would affect you if you were to stay more than 30 days.
But truthfully, it's probably a more generalized lack of love for Trump's America. I hate to say that, though; I love America as a country and the American people.
But I will have FOMO unquestionably on the day of the WSOP Main.
What might the big story be at the WSOP this year?
I hope it's the story of the WSOP deciding to police their rules. That was a very avoidable situation at the Main Event final table last year.
I've always been somewhat balanced regarding what occurred at the Main Event final tables. I know there weren't solves being run. But the optics were pretty terrible. Our game doesn't need any more suggestions that there's misbehavior in that respect.
How do you compare the legendary history behind the WSOP Main Event and the recent week of events at the raucous Irish Open?
It's very different, to be honest. There is nothing like the Irish Open for its atmosphere, all off the felt activities, and everything staying in the same building as part of the same festival. It is rather special. It will continue to grow every year.
On the flip side, the World Series, for me, is usually a must-go-to that’s built around the Main. It's a 10K buy-in that plays roughly at the standard of a 500-quid event. That's sort of epic if you're a pro.
It has always been valuable if you’re a pro and a must-attend.
It is. Your Sklansky dollars alone for that week are the best hourly you'll make in the whole year. And for that reason, you sort of can't miss it.
But I don't think the World Series treats the players particularly well. I think it's a bit more like a cattle mart where they manage a juggernaut. Of course, a lot of skill, organization, and management goes into that. But it's not like the players are treated to free drinks at the bar, little perks here and there, and a goody bag when going home. It's completely different.
I heard that you picked on a great friend of PokerOrg, @RecPokerJim. He had a mass of people suggesting he looked like Ryan Reynolds. What gives, David?
I don't even know what you're talking about, Craig. I have no idea what you mean. I think he looks like Tom Green. Perhaps even a Tom Green who has let himself go.
Who would it be if you had to swap 5% with anyone in the series?
I would choose Scott Seiver every day of the week, mainly for his mixed game skills. If it’s more NLH, I might choose Chance Kornuth or Alex Foxen. I’d certainly be very happy to swap with any of them as it’s a better deal for me than them. (laughs)
What positive change would you suggest that would make the series better for players all around this summer?
I know exactly what they should do to make it better — GGPoker should not buy the World Series. That would be a start for me.
But if they're going to follow through eventually and actually buy the bloody thing, instead of just telling people they bought it, I would say they could reduce the rake to a much more reasonable level. It has become a little bit of a rake trap in the last few years.
Also, I think they could change the start times to reflect a 10-hour day if possible. A 12-hour turnaround would be great.
So, three things. Don't buy the WSOP. Please give it to somebody else who'll look after it better. But if you are going to buy it, reduce the rake and 12-hour turnarounds as a minimum.
We will miss you in the PokerOrg Lounge during the Main Event.
I think you spread the rumor that I ate all the cookies. I'm gluten intolerant. I didn't eat any cookies, but I definitely got stuck on the crisps or chips, as you Americans would call them. So guilty.
I definitely had my free morning coffee from you guys because I'm not a big fan of nine-dollar coffees outside.
My real answer is it was a lovely space to be in. It was the go-to hub to meet friends. I appreciate you guys.
Phil Hellmuth says he’s not playing the Main Event. Any comment?
I think he'll change his mind to play because he's just so in love with the WSOP brand and his legacy. Come on, it's the Main Event.
But I do think that Phil has a point; I think extending the tournament by a single day to make all the days a bit nicer wouldn't be a bad trade-off. But yeah, I just can't see him not in the mix.
We will miss you and your sense of fun. Have a good summer, David.
I'm going to be so sad. Don't get me wrong. I'm okay with my choice. I made my decision fairly early on this one.
I’ll miss everyone. It's my chance to see my American friends. I hope everyone comes over and sees me at an EPT event or next year’s Irish Open. I do wish everyone well.
Read David Lappin’s regular column and follow David on X @dklappin and @thechiprace.
Image courtesy of Rachel Kay Miller/PokerStars.
