Phil Hellmuth was the centre of attention at the WSOP yesterday for all the wrong reasons, the infamous “Poker Brat” losing control and threatening to “burn down” the Rio as he failed in his bid to win bracelet number sixteen…
“I’m gonna burn this fucking place down, if I don’t win this fucking tournament”
Phil Hellmuth is a scumbag pic.twitter.com/MllVlrY3zi
— Thomas Keeling (@SrslySirius) October 12, 2021
Been watching this but now turning it off. Hellmuth can't stop berating everyone else, even just threw cards toward the dealer and made a comment about burning the place down. I have no idea why this is acceptable. #PositivityMyAss https://t.co/sM4j4ISfxu
— Jennifer Newell (@WriterJen) October 12, 2021
Hellmuth losing control at the final table
Hellmuth was at the final table of event 19, the $10k buy-in Championship 7-card Stud tournament, which saw the 15-time bracelet winner up against the likes of Stephen Chidwick, Anthony Zinno, and fellow Hall of Famer, Jack McLelland.
However, what should have been a fantastic battle for WSOP glory turned into a “colossal embarrassment”, according to highstakes pro Christopher Kruk.
Tuned into WSOP stud FT cause friend was on it. Hellmuth just a colossal embarrassment to all of poker.
— Chris Kruk (@chriskruk4) October 12, 2021
The hand that tipped Hellmuth over the edge saw him lose a huge pot to the eventual winner, Zinno (pictured below), paying his rival’s disguised flush off and slamming his cards down in response.
Hellmuth is well-known for his childish behaviour when things go against him, but this time his reaction went way over the top, and poker Twitter was shocked, which takes some doing…
I counted 66 but could be off by a handful for when Norman was talking and after he cooled down (if you can call it that) just a bit.
— Jerry Young (@jerryKCGyoung) October 12, 2021
His quest for bracelet 16 ended as short time later, Hellmuth out in 4th for a $54,700 payday, having already bagged a 5th and a 6th since the Series began.
He responded to the criticism of his behaviour with a typically-Hellmuth excuse, claiming that he simply “cares too much”…
I care too much! https://t.co/08VU1E2GMN
— phil_hellmuth (@phil_hellmuth) October 12, 2021
No punishment for the “Poker Brat”
Hellmuth explained: “My heart and soul is in this, man, and I think people know that…most people are like, ‘Alright’…it doesn’t mean that I should lose it and have tirades, but it’s just that I care way too much.”
The Poker Brat was also in the news recently for less-than-stellar reasons, admitting to using Adderall.
The prescribed medication is a powerful stimulant that many poker players have used to improve their focus and concentration through long and tiring sessions.
Long-term or non-prescribed use, however, can have potentially dangerous side effects, among them physical problems coupled with mood swings and behavioural effects.
As for Hellmuth’s latest tantrum, it appears that he won’t be receiving any punishment for the swearing and threats, but others have not been so lucky – although having Hellmuth on your side helps.
That’s what happened with Jared Bleznick at the 2016 WSOP, the unlikeable New Yorker ripping up his cards and swearing at staff: “Floor, give me a fucking payout ticket now.”
The supposed lifetime ban he received mysteriously disappeared, with Phil Hellmuth in the frame as his guardian angel.
Report: Jared Bleznick, banned for life from WSOP on 6/22, was unbanned days later thru influence of Phil Hellmuth. https://t.co/xPJ341mrx3
— Todd Witteles (@ToddWitteles) July 12, 2016
What’s next for Phil Hellmuth at this year’s WSOP? Will he finally bag that elusive 16th bracelet, or will he be booted from the Rio before that happens? Share your thoughts and opinions on the Poker Brat and other WSOP stories on our social media channels
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