Eric Persson has told Doug Polk that he wants Phil Hellmuth to feel real pain in their mooted $1 million showdown match. The American is insisting that that the “Poker Brat” plays with his own money rather than getting staked.
Eric Persson Wants Phil Hellmuth to Suffer Pain in $1 Million Showdown
This proposed $1 million match between @phil_hellmuth and Eric Persson is getting into WWE throw down status pic.twitter.com/o1O9BvDPlz
— Doug Polk (@DougPolkVids) June 22, 2022
Doug Polk points out that Phil Hellmuth has many rich friends who are happy to buy his action, usually at markup, which is a big part of his career strategy.
But Eric Persson is unhappy for this to happen in the proposed $1,000,000 heads-up battle. He says he is already rich and it’s just about not the money. He wants Hellmuth to feel the pain when he “smashes him.”
Persson points out just how easy it can be to make those marginal decisions when it’s somebody else’s money at stake, rather than sweating over our own bankrolls.
He wants Phil to have to think about every tough call he has to make.
“If he wants to fuck with me, I want him to feel the pain of fucking with me!”
How Did Eric Persson Get Under Phil Hellmuth’s Skin?
Eric Persson was relatively unknown in the poker community until only a few weeks ago, despite playing at least semi-professionally for more than 30 years.
Persson and Phil Hellmuth were paired up at the $25,000 buy-in PokerGO Tour Heads-Up Showdown in what turned out to be an explosive match.
Hellmuth was taunted and berated in pretty much the same way he has belittled his own opponents over the years and clearly didn’t like being on the receiving end.
😱😱😱😱 is this the angriest we’ve seen @phil_hellmuth??? pic.twitter.com/kcy45bnywY
— PokerGO (@PokerGO) April 22, 2022
Eric Persson called Hellmuth a “bitch” on more than one occasion and said he is “full of shit” and wouldn’t last a day in any of his regular games.
Hellmuth repeatedly called for the floor to give Persson a penalty for his behaviour but none was given.
Later, Persson continued his tirade and offered his opponent the chance to play him for $1 million.
“Like I said, bitch, I had the best hand. You’re a little bitch. I’m happy to play you for $1 million. You’re a fish, Phil. You’re so far over your fucking head in this game,”
Rough day for me! My opponent gave me the double bird, and was out of line w his verbal attacks, but then, I engaged (I’m sure @DougPolkVids can find a clip making me look bad). I should have been the better man, taken the abuse, and found a way to win our match… #POSITIVITY pic.twitter.com/Dbh6UZYmOO
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) April 22, 2022
The discussion with Doug Polk covered Phil Hellmuth’s perceived lack of skill in the cash game format, pointing out that on the Hustler Casino Live stream he even resorts to shortstacking against YouTubers who are rank amateurs.
Whether or not the $1 million showdown between Eric Persson and Phil Hellmuth will happen is currently unknown. But one thing is for sure, we’d all love to see it.
Persson is a brash character and one who can play poker at a good level too. Who wouldn’t love to see this streamed live with commentary?
We look forward to seeing if terms can be agreed.
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