The Boys are Back in Town Again (June 2025 Version)

“We’re putting the band back together” said John Belushi in Blues Brothers. (Look it up kids – great movie!). Well, that’s exactly what we’re doing with this trip report. We are not, as Dan Akroyd added, “On a mission from God”, but we are on a mission to have fun, bink a decent tourney score and keep you all up to speed with the fun and games.

For anyone who has read our previous summer trip reports to the WSOP, you’ll know the crew by now. For those that don’t, here’s a quick rundown of the main cast and characters: -

Watbri – an original member of the crew and vaguely known in the poker world for his contribution to these trip reports, for managing not to lose to Mike Postle during the Stones Gambling Hall cheating scandal, and for his faithful “yellow submarine” card protector.

Watbri Jr – Watbri’s son Mikey. A recent inductee to the crew and non-poker player. He is though a loyal citizen of the US, being a member of the National Guard and an all round good guy.

Guitarist – the Aussie in the crew who recently just surpassed $100K in live tournament earnings according to the Hendon Mob and who is single-handedly trying to keep Crown Casino Melbourne in business. (Guitarist and I have been great mates for 18 years now).

Oscar – our Swedish superstar and member of the crew for the last five years or so. More of the deadly assassin type rather than the brash Euro many of our American friends may know. Oscar is clearly the best player amongst us, having two WSOP final tables to his name before this year, and adding a further two WSOP final tables to his resume already this summer; 6th in #13, the £1,500 NLHE 6 Max, and a gruelling 4th place in event #30, the £10K NL 2-7, ultimately won by Nick Schulman.

Ryan – another Brit and one who has entrepreneured his way to success by building a poker staking empire. He initially came across for the WSOP to check on his horses whom he had never actually met but now comes across to enjoy the game, banter, food and camaraderie that we all enjoy each summer.

Donk Dunc – that’s me. Hear to inflate prize pools all over town and ensure those winning poker players can maintain their extravagant lifestyle long after I have departed.

I land at Harry Reid Sunday 15th June, the same day as Watbri and Watbri Jr fly in from Norcal. I’m around for a couple of weeks with a few WSOP events in my sights. Guitarist has already made his way from Melbourne and been in town a couple of days, Ryan has been in town a week but heads home mid-next week, and Oscar has been in town for a fortnight, accumulating winnings of over $230K already. #mustbenice

As always, we’ll keep the trip report up to date, post a few pics, a few hand histories and shout loudly for Oscar to finally win a bracelet that is well overdue. But before the trip report gets going, I want to talk about the elephant in the room……

I nearly cancelled this trip. This will be my 23rd trip to Las Vegas and my 16th WSOP, but I nearly cancelled my 2025 trip. “Why?” I hear you shout. Well, a number of factors all pointed to perhaps that being the morally and financially responsible thing to do…

• First reason is the political-economic situation between the USA and my home country Britain that has developed. And Britain could be replaced by any number of countries in that sentence. Worldwide tariffs (and other policies) implemented by President Trump have had an economic and security effect on millions of people and businesses around the world and that includes mine. Whether the President’s approach is right or wrong (and I really don’t want to turn this political), the fact remains that his actions have caused distress, financial strain and economic uncertainty for millions of people outside the US. And should I really head to Las Vegas and contribute to the US economy when the US has done damage to mine? It’s a moral dilemma and one I have initially decided to respond to irresponsibly and selfishly – **** it, I’m still coming to Vegas.

• Prices in Vegas have increased to the extent that I genuinely think they are ridiculous and that the casinos / strip properties have lost all sense of shame and embarrassment. That doesn’t mean I cannot afford to visit Las Vegas, but it does mean that alternative holiday or gambling destinations have a growing relative appeal. For example, I will spend approx. £7,000 on travel, accommodation and food and drink this trip, but next year I could go to the EPT in Barcelona instead and see that cost drop to £3,000. The £4K difference is significant.

• The final reason is the tipping culture. Yes, yes, I know this is a Brit / Aussie complaining about local customs and if I don’t like it, I should go elsewhere. And you’re right. That said, I am still allowed an opinion. When I first visited America (1986), it was customary to tip 10%, occasionally 12%. This then grew to 15% and 18%, and then taxis in Las Vegas started recommending tip percentages of 18%, 20% and 22%. Now I am being told via social media that I should tip 30% and if I won’t do that, I shouldn’t go out to eat. We’ve already established that the prices in Las Vegas are extortionate, and to tip 30% when I am already being bent over and brutally buggered by the establishment, is understandably painful. Yes, it’s a local custom, yes, if I don’t like it I should go elsewhere, and yes, hospitality staff have to earn a living wage. But 30% on a $200 bill when that member of service staff is waiting 6 tables that get turned at least once each night….. that is an expectation of $720 in tips…. Each night. WTF?
• And don’t get me started on the self-service checkouts that ask if I want to tip. Who the **** am I tipping? Myself?

Alright, that’s enough high-horse tomfoolery. Clearly Vegas has many many attractions that outweigh the negatives, but there are negatives now whereas I didn’t have any a few years ago. (Cue “old man shouts at clouds” comments). These positives aid me in overcoming this expensive and moral dilemma; awesome casinos, the WSOP and other tournament schedules, and of course catching up with friends from around the world mean that I’ve swallowed my pride, buried my morals and rustled up the cash to travel to Las Vegas to donate to those hungry poker sharks so they can add a 30% tip to their celebratory dinner. You’re welcome!

Oh, and the obligatory shoes and money pics. You didn’t think I was gonna invite the runbad that easily did you?